Introduction

One of the most beautiful Prawns found in the Arabian Sea, the fresh flower prawn is not actually a Tiger Prawn, but a different species of prawn that is simply a work of art with equally rich taste.

Fresh flower prawns have somewhat the mixed features of white prawn and tiger prawn. Not very abundant and rarely available throughout the year, they comes in medium to large sizes usually.

Flavor Profile

Flower tiger prawn are medium size and flavourful. They have moist, firm flesh and a mild flavor.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Flower Tiger, Witch Tiger, Witch Prawn
• Local Name: Billi, Billi Tiger, Kalri Tiger
• Scientific Name: Penaeus (Melicertus) canaliculatus

Habitat

They are found on the coastline to deep waters down to 50 m.

Catching Method

They are caught using bottom trawls and bag nets.

Physical Attributes

Glower tigers have carapace with grooves and the crests are very distinct. They bear both gastro frontal and hepatic crests. The rostrum is with 10–11 upper teeth and 1 lower tooth. The thelycum of females is formed by 2 sub-rectangular lateral plates, with their anterolateral angles diverging. The anterior process is sub-oval and the posterior process is somewhat triangular. The telson lacks lateral spines.

Appearance

Flower tiger prawns are known for a beautiful body that is pale yellowish and crossed with dark brown transverse bands. The distal part of uropods has a patch of bright yellow followed by another patch of bright blue, and reddish margins.

Size

On average, Tiger prawns are 4 to 6 inches long ( whole ). However other sizes are also occasionally available.