Shellfish is a broad term used for crustaceans and mollusks with exoskeletons or calcareous shells. Shellfish allergies are irreversible, but approximately 60 percent of people with the allergy don't experience a reaction until adulthood. They have a very delicate shell as small shrimp have and are mostly found in warm currents of the ocean. 1 decade ago. Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Prawns are in the shrimp family..to be exact, it is the largest. You may want to avoid seafood restaurants entirely since people with severe shellfish allergies have had allergic reactions simply from breathing in particles of allergens from shellfish that is being steamed, fried, or boiled. If you have a shellfish allergy, you'll need to be extremely careful when dining out. What are Shellfish? Each of these types of shellfish has different types of gills; shrimp have lamellar (plate-like) gills, while prawns' gills are branching. Are Prawns Shellfish. Choose the best prawns. The very small shellfish referred to as shrimps are prawns, too – the term shrimp just indicates their diminutive size. 0 0. In terms of their body makeup, shrimp have a side plate that overlays segments in front and behind; prawns side plates overlap tile-like from front to back. The term prawn is used particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations, for large swimming crustaceans or shrimp, especially those with commercial significance in the fishing industry. Speak to your GP if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as a tickly throat or cough, sneezing or an itchy tongue after consuming prawns. Crustacean shellfish include crabs, prawns, shrimps, crayfish and lobsters, whilst mollusk shellfish includes mussels, oysters, cockles, scallops, clams, etc. Mozambique in east Africa has some of the best prawns. Avoid any that look dry or that have broken or cracked shells. Fresh prawns, whether raw or cooked, should smell fresh and clean, not fishy, and should look moist. Yes – prawns and shellfish are common allergens. Less commonly, a severe allergic reaction can occur, known as anaphylaxis . If allergies of any type are common in your family, you are at a higher risk of developing a shellfish allergy. Anonymous. Most species of shellfish are found in marine habitats. Prawn is a common name for small aquatic crustaceans with an exoskeleton and ten legs (which is a member of the order decapoda), some of which can be eaten.. Source(s): https://shorte.im/bb9Pf. Avoiding Shellfish in Restaurants .