The expansion of prawn farming in Bangladesh has been driven by factors such as favorable environmental conditions and demand both domestically and internationally. Farmers have adopted various production systems to maximize profitability. This study focusing on the profitability and technical efficiencies (TEs) associated with three different methods of prawn cultivation: monoculture (solely prawn), PS (prawn and shrimp), and polyculture (prawn, shrimp, and fish combined) of 452 prawn-dominant farms in the coastal areas of Khulna and Bagerhat, Bangladesh . The findings reveal that polyculture farming systems tend to be more profitable compared to monoculture and PS systems. Conversely, monoculture farming demonstrates higher efficiency levels compared to polyculture and PS methods. Statistical analysis, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, highlights significant differences among the three production systems. Additionally, the Mann-Whitney Wilcox test indicates notable differences between monoculture and polyculture, as well as between PS and polyculture, while no significant variance is observed between monoculture and PS in terms of technical efficiencies. The findings of the study have introduced a conundrum regarding farmers’ profitability and the choice of prawn production systems. Given that farmers’ primary objective is profit maximization, the polyculture system emerges as more favorable for them. However, from an export perspective, the monoculture system appears to be more suitable. Monoculture farming often yields prawns of consistent quality and size, which aligns well with the preferences of international markets. This dilemma underscores the complex interplay between farmers’ profit motives and the demands of export markets. While polyculture systems may optimize profits at the farm level, monoculture systems may offer advantages in accessing lucrative export markets due to product consistency and market demand. Policymakers and stakeholders in the prawn farming sector need to carefully consider these economic dynamics when formulating strategies to support farmers and promote the sector’s growth and competitiveness both domestically and internationally.