Difference Between Krill and Shrimp

Krill and shrimp are tiny sea creatures that look a bit alike. Both live in oceans and are eaten by bigger animals. But there is a big difference between krill and shrimp. Krill are small sea animals, like tiny shrimp cousins. They belong to a group called Euphausiacea.

There are 85 species of krill around the world. Most are 1 to 6 centimeters long. Shrimp can grow big enough, sometimes even to 20 centimeters at maximum length. Krill has been recorded with over 85 kinds or species known in the whole world.

Shrimp, on the other hand, are known to have about 2,000 varieties found around the globe. Krills are the biggest food component, as well as being an added diet for whales, seals, and penguins.

People are most familiar with shrimp when consumed in sushi or fried dishes.

Differences can help us understand the roles of organisms in nature as well as food chains. This article describes what defines them from each other in simple facts.

Main Difference Between Krill and Shrimp

Krill are, unlike shrimp, very different in size, looks, and jobs in the ocean. They are usually of a smaller size, around 1 to 6 centimeters. Shrimp can grow to about 20 centimeters or more. Krill have shining dots that are usually glowing in the dark. Shrimp don’t glow but have long tails instead.

Both krills and shrimp have different feeding habits from each other. Krill eat small plants which are called phytoplanktons, while small animals and plants are the diet of shrimps. Krill live in large swarms, making them easy prey for large whales. Shrimp are mostly solitary or form small groups. A reddish-orange color is exhibited by krill. Colors such as pink, brown, or gray can be seen in shrimp. Such differences make each unique.

Krill Vs. Shrimp

What is Krill

The krill are small sea animals, almost like tiny cousins of shrimps. They fall under the category called Euphausiacea. There are 85 species of krill all around the globe. They are mostly between ranges of 1 to 6 centimeters. Weightwise, each weighs about 2 grams. Krill live throughout the oceans, from warm ones to ice-cold places. These little sea insects generate huge swarms, sometimes numbering 10,000 krill per cubic meter. Such swarms can stretch across miles. Krill glows in the dark owing to certain special organs. They are very significant food sources, such as whales, penguins, or fishes. On average, a blue whale can eat around 4 tons of krill in a day.

Read Also: Difference Between Sea Turtles and Land Turtles

They feed these small plant-like substances called phytoplankton. These plants form part of a significant food chain in the oceans. These get purified and kept clean by feeding on the plants. Approximately 500 million tons of krill live in the oceans, while humans catch and farm about 300,000 tons per year. Some use krill as a supplement because of its omega-3 richness, while others use it for oil. Krill lives a short life, which is about 5-7 years. They swim with very little legs called swimmerets. They are very important in cold places such as Antarctica. They say krill can act for climate change through carbon storage, according to scientists.

What is Shrimp

Shrimp are small sea creatures with long tails. They belong to a group called Decapoda. There are about 2,000 shrimp species worldwide. They range from 2 to 20 centimeters long. Some can weigh up to 50 grams. Shrimp live in oceans, rivers, and lakes. They like warm or shallow waters best. People catch over 3 million tons of shrimp every year. Shrimp are pink, brown, or gray. They have 10 legs and strong claws. Fish, birds, and humans love eating them.

Read Also: Difference Between Squid and Octopus

Shrimp eat both plants and tiny animals. They munch on algae or small fish. Shrimp don’t form big groups like krill. They live alone or with a few others. Some shrimp can live up to 6 years. Others only survive 1 or 2 years. People farm shrimp in ponds, producing 4 million tons yearly. Shrimp is full of protein and low in fat. They’re used in dishes like shrimp cocktails or stir-fries. In the wild, shrimp hide in sand or rocks. They swim by flicking their tails fast.

Comparison Table “Krill Vs. Shrimp”

Difference Between Krill and Shrimp in Detail

Get to know the Difference Between Krill Vs. Shrimp in Detail.

1. Size Difference

Krill are tiny, usually 1 to 6 centimeters long. They weigh just 2 grams on average. Most krill stay small their whole lives. This makes them easy snacks for big animals like whales. Shrimp are bigger, growing from 2 to 20 centimeters. Some shrimp can weigh 50 grams or more. Their size depends on the species. Bigger shrimp are often caught for food.

Krill don’t grow much after they’re born. Their small size helps them live in huge swarms. Shrimp keep growing as they age. This makes shrimp more noticeable in the water. About 85 krill species stay tiny. Over 2,000 shrimp species vary a lot in size. Size is a big way to tell them apart. It affects how they live and what eats them.

2. Color Difference

Krill are usually reddish-orange. This color comes from their food, tiny plants. They also have glowing spots that shine in the dark. These spots help them blend into deep water. Shrimp come in many colors, like pink, brown, or gray. Their color depends on where they live. Shrimp don’t glow like krill. They use color to hide instead.

Krill’s bright hue makes them stand out in swarms. About 500 million tons of krill look reddish in the sea. Shrimp changes color to match sand or rocks. This helps them avoid danger. Krill’s glow is unique, with 85 species having it. Shrimp’s 2,000 species don’t shine. Color shows how different their lives are. It’s a fun fact to spot them.

3. Habitat Difference

Krill live in all oceans, even icy ones. They love cold waters like Antarctica’s. Krill forms swarms with billions of them. These swarms can cover 10 square miles. Shrimp prefer warmer waters, like coasts or rivers. They don’t like super cold places. Shrimp live alone or in small groups. Their homes are sandy or rocky.

Krill thrives where it’s deep and dark. About 300,000 tons are caught yearly from cold seas. Shrimp stay in shallow spots and are easy to find. Over 3 million tons of shrimp come from warm areas. Krill adapted to harsh, icy zones. Shrimp likes it cozy and warm. Their habitats shape their lives. There’s a big difference between them.

4. Food Difference

Krill eats tiny plants called phytoplankton. This keeps oceans clean and healthy. They filter about 1 liter of water daily. Whales rely on krill for food. Shrimp eat plants and small animals. They munch on algae or tiny fish. Shrimp hunt or scavenge for meals. Their diet is more mixed than krill’s.

Krill’s eating helps store carbon in the sea. Around 500 million tons of krill do this job. Shrimp don’t clean water like that. They eat up to 20% of their weight daily. Krill sticks to plants only. Shrimp’s 2,000 species eat whatever’s around. Food changes how they fit in nature. It’s a clear split between them.

5. Group Behavior Difference

Krill lives in giant swarms. These can have 10,000 krill per cubic meter. Swarms make them easy prey for whales. One swarm can feed a whale 4 tons of krill. Shrimp don’t swarm like that. They stay alone or in tiny groups. Shrimp hide instead of grouping up. This keeps them safer.

Krill’s swarms stretch for miles in the ocean. About 85 species live this way. Shrimp prefer solo life or pairs. Over 2,000 species avoid big crowds. Krill’s groups help them survive predators. Shrimp rely on hiding spots. Their behavior is super different. It shows how they handle danger.

6. Lifespan Difference

Krill lived about 5 to 7 years. They grow fast in cold water. Most krill die after laying eggs. Their short life keeps swarms going. Shrimp live shorter, from 1 to 6 years. Some species only last a year. Shrimp grows slowly and steadily. Their age depends on where they live.

Krill’s 85 species have longer lives in icy seas. About 500 million tons renew every few years. Shrimp’s 2,000 species vary a lot. Warm-water shrimp die faster. Krill keeps swarming till the end. Shrimp stop growing early. Lifespan affects their numbers. It’s another way they differ.

7. Human Use Difference

People catch 300,000 tons of krill yearly. Krill is used for oil and supplements. They’re rich in omega-3 fats. Whales eat more krill than we do. Shrimp are caught for food, about 3 million tons a year. People love shrimp in dishes like sushi. Shrimp farming makes 4 million tons more. It’s a huge industry.

Krill helps humans stay healthy with oil. Their catch is small compared to shrimp. Shrimp feed millions in meals daily. Over 2,000 species are tasty to us. Krill’s 85 species aren’t eaten much directly. Shrimp are a food star. How we use them is different. It shows their value to us.

FAQs: Krill Vs. Shrimp

Conclusion

Both may seem similar, but there is a huge Difference Between Krill and Shrimp. Krill are tiny, averaging 2 grams in weight. Shrimp are heavier, often 20 to 50 grams. Krill live in huge groups called swarms, sometimes with billions of them. Shrimp don’t swarm like that; they live alone or in small groups. Krill feeds whales and helps clean oceans by eating tiny plants. Shrimp are caught for people to eat, with over 3 million tons harvested yearly. Both are vital to the sea but in unique ways. Understanding these facts shows how special each creature is to nature and us.

References & External Links

• Five fun facts about krill
• 10 Interesting Facts About Shrimp