Metapenaeopsis barbata, commonly known as the whiskered velvet shrimp, is a species of prawn in the family Penaeidae.

[1] It is benthic, living in the depth range of 20–70 m.[2][3] M. barbata grows up to 108 mm in length.

[2] Metapenaeopsis barbata is found in the Indo-west Pacific, from Japan through to Indonesia.

Metapenaeopsis barbata can be differentiated from similar species through its anatomical features.

Its stridulating organ is strongly upcurved with between 18 and 23 ridges,[4] and it has a large pterygostomial spine.