What is the Tiger Shrimp (Slender Giant Tiger Prawn) and How Much Does it Cost per Kilo?

Have you heard of the exquisite Banded Coral Shrimp, a delicacy known as 'Fu Quy' or 'Striped Mitchell' shrimp? This rare and expensive seafood delicacy is a true gourmet's treat, and we're here to explore why.

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If you’re a seafood connoisseur with a refined palate and a penchant for exotic cuisines, then you’ve likely heard of the elusive Zebra Mantis Shrimp, more commonly known as the Phu Quy shrimp. These crustaceans are considered a “gourmet delicacy” in Hong Kong and Guangdong, renowned for their exorbitant price tag and exquisite, nutritious meat. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these unique shrimp and uncover the secrets that make them so highly prized.

1 What are Phu Quy Shrimp?

Phu Quy shrimp, scientifically known as Lysiosquillina maculata, are the largest members of the mantis shrimp family. Despite their name, these creatures belong to a separate order, Stomatopoda, distinct from the ten-legged crustaceans. With their impressive size and unique characteristics, they have earned a reputation as a premium delicacy.

Phu Quy shrimp are the largest in the mantis shrimp family

2 Characteristics of Phu Quy Shrimp

Phu Quy shrimp are carnivorous crustaceans known for their vibrant colors and resemblance to lobsters. They are larger in size and exhibit distinctive stripes or bands across their bodies, ranging from yellowish-cream to dark brown. These stripes are how they earned the moniker “zebra” shrimp.

Phu Quy shrimp are monogamous creatures. Male and female pairs form a lifelong bond and cohabitate in self-dug U-shaped burrows, rarely venturing out. The female takes on the role of caretaker for their offspring, while the male ventures out to hunt for food. These shrimp are formidable hunters, equipped with small, sharp appendages resembling lances, which they use to impale and tear their prey.

Phu Quy shrimp can grow up to 40cm in length

Growing up to impressive lengths of 40cm, these shrimp are the undisputed giants of their family. Their large size, coupled with their distinctive stripes, makes them easily recognizable.

3 Habitat of Phu Quy Shrimp

Phu Quy shrimp are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including mud, sand, and coral-sand bottoms from low tide to depths of about 10 meters. They construct sturdy U-shaped burrows, up to 10 meters long, which they reinforce with a mixture of mucus and sand.

These shrimp are native to the seas of Southeast Asia and can also be found in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands, among other places.

Phu Quy shrimp inhabit self-dug, U-shaped burrows

4 Diet and Hunting Techniques of Phu Quy Shrimp

Phu Quy shrimp have a varied diet, feasting on fish, shrimp, and crabs. Unlike other mantis shrimp species that crush their prey with hammer-like appendages, Phu Quy shrimp employ a different strategy. They are opportunistic ambush predators, using their sharp, saw-like appendages to impale and hold their prey.

Phu Quy shrimp are opportunistic ambush predators

Lurking in their burrows, Phu Quy shrimp lie in wait for unsuspecting prey to wander by. When the moment is right, they pounce, impaling their soft-bodied prey with lightning-fast speed, reaching up to 2.3 m/s.

5 Fishing for Phu Quy Shrimp in Vietnam

Due to their large size and thin shells, Phu Quy shrimp are not commonly found in Vietnamese waters. Their meat is sweeter and firmer than that of their smaller cousins, making them a rare delicacy. Unfortunately, their scarcity drives up their price, making them a luxurious treat.

Phu Quy shrimp are a rare delicacy in Vietnam

6 Market Price of Phu Quy Shrimp in Vietnam

In Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quy shrimp command a premium price:

  • Size 4-6 shrimp/kg and above: VND 1,350,000/kg
  • Size 7-8 shrimp/kg and above: VND 850,000/kg
  • Size 9-10 shrimp/kg and above: VND 750,000/kg

Phu Quy shrimp are indeed a luxurious treat, and those wishing to indulge must be prepared to spend accordingly.

Phu Quy shrimp are an expensive delicacy

Due to their rarity, purchasing Phu Quy shrimp requires diligence and a bit of luck. Keep an eye on e-commerce platforms and reputable seafood groups to increase your chances of acquiring these elusive shrimp.

7 Delicious Dishes Made with Phu Quy Shrimp

Phu Quy shrimp are beloved for their firm texture and sweet, savory taste. They are often prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, grilling, and stir-frying. Here are some mouthwatering dishes you can create with these shrimp:

Steamed Phu Quy Shrimp with Lemongrass

This dish is a delight for the senses, combining the aromatic fragrance of lemongrass with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The shrimp are steamed to perfection, retaining their tender texture and delicious flavor. Served with a spicy, tangy, and salty dipping sauce, it’s a perfect dish to share with friends and family on weekends.

Steamed Phu Quy Shrimp with Lemongrass

Grilled Phu Quy Shrimp with Garlic

If you’re looking for the perfect drinking snack to enjoy with friends, look no further than grilled Phu Quy shrimp with garlic. The aromatic garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, resulting in a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors. The firm texture of the shrimp and the crispy, golden garlic cloves make for a delectable treat.

Grilled Phu Quy Shrimp with Garlic

Stir-fried Phu Quy Shrimp in Tamarind Sauce

Tamarind sauce is a popular choice for seafood dishes, adding a tangy, sweet, and sour flavor that enhances the natural taste of the shrimp. The shrimp are coated in a delicious tamarind sauce, creating a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor in every bite. Served with lime, chili, and pepper salt, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Stir-fried Phu Quy Shrimp in Tamarind Sauce

Now you know all about Phu Quy shrimp, from their habitat and hunting techniques to the delicious dishes they inspire. Stay tuned as we continue to explore unique ingredients from around the world in future articles.

Frequently asked questions

The Tiger Shrimp, also known as the ‘Giant Tiger Prawn’ or ‘Slender Giant’, is a large, freshwater shrimp native to Southeast Asia. It gets its name from its distinctive tiger-like stripes and its impressive size – it can grow up to 13 inches (33 cm) in length and weigh over 3 ounces (85 grams).

The Tiger Shrimp is known for its long, slender body and powerful swimming abilities. It has a light brown or tan color with dark brown or black stripes running down its body and tail. It is a nocturnal creature, typically feeding at night and hiding during the day.

In the wild, the Tiger Shrimp can live up to 3 years. However, in captivity, their lifespan can be extended to up to 5 years with proper care and feeding.

Tiger Shrimps are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of things. Their natural diet consists of small fish, insects, worms, and plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of commercial shrimp foods, as well as vegetables and meat treats such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.

The price of Tiger Shrimp can vary depending on the market and the quality of the shrimp. On average, they can range from $20 to $30 per kilo, but they can sometimes be found for as low as $15 per kilo or as high as $40 per kilo for higher-grade shrimp.
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