Shrimp colour gradation

There are all kinds of shrimp species. Each of them having a different scientific name. As a layperson you would get lost in the number of varieties. In this blog post we tell you more about the colour gradations that are available in shrimp. In particular for the Vannamei shrimp.

In this blog we:

• Summarize the main selection criteria
• Tell which countries we source from
• Inform you the different colour gradations in shrimp
• Explain you the cause of this colour gradation

Tiny shrimp, small shrimp, medium shrimp, large shrimp, big shrimp and giant shrimp. Shrimps are available in numerous kinds of sizes. Which can even be categorized by number of pieces per kg or per lbs. This is nothing new and basically all shrimp importers know about. Amongst others, you can also specify by origin, and whether the shrimp has been caught in nature (wild shrimp) or farmed in ponds (aquaculture).

At Lenk, we buy the shrimps directly at the source. Our partners, the companies we source from, are located in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. As experts in this industry (Lenk Frozen Foods Asia was founded in 2003), we are experienced in sourcing shrimp. We have literally seen and evaluated millions of shrimps. First of all, on quality, but also on the earlier mentioned aspects such as size and origin.

On what else do we select the right shrimp for our customers?
We also select the right shrimp based on its colour. In regards to the Black Tiger shrimp, we make sure it has a bright blueish colour. Concerning its relative the Vannamei Shrimp, we are even more accurate as this species knowns several kinds of color gradations. In fact, 3 different colour classifications:

• A2
• A3
• A4

A2
The Vannamei shrimp with colour grade A2 has hardly any pigment. Some of them are almost translucent.

A3
This gradation is more pigmented. You can really see its grey colour.

A4
This is the “darkest” Vannamei shrimp available.
Not transparent at all, you can really see a dark
greyish shell.

And what happens when you prepare them? Cook, bake or grill these delicious shrimps? The darker it’s pigment, the more orange its appearance will be after preparation.

Curious what exactly affects the shrimp coloration?
There are 3 main factors that have impact on the colour of the shrimp. One of those 3 factors is its consumption. Its diet. Another factor is the environment, so where the shrimp has grown up. And just like human, the genetics of the shrimp
also lead to its final colour.

08.10.2025