Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

FreshwaterBrackishShrimp

Care at a glance

Temperature: 59–81°F (15–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 2 in (5 cm)
Minimum tank: 8 gal (30 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Beginner
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Very common
Origin: Japan
Family: Atyidae

Overview

Keep a few together, since they are social and more confident in a group. They stay on the bottom and on plants, grazing constantly on algae and biofilm. They are completely peaceful and safe with fish and other shrimp, though large fish may eat them. They will clean up leftover food and soft algae, and you can top them up with algae wafers and blanched vegetables.

In the wild

Amano shrimp come from clear, oxygen-rich streams and rivers in Japan. They live among plants, rocks, and leaf litter in cool, flowing water. A planted tank with good filtration, plenty of surfaces to graze, and stable water suits them. They tolerate a wide range, from the mid teens up to the mid 20s C, and a pH between 6 and 7.5.

Good to know

Amano shrimp are in the family Atyidae and grow to about 5 cm, large for a freshwater dwarf shrimp. The body is translucent with rows of dots along the sides. Breeding is difficult because the larvae need brackish water to develop, so they almost never reproduce in a normal freshwater tank. The female carries eggs under her body until they hatch.

Did you know

These shrimp are named after Takashi Amano, the aquascaper who used them to keep his planted layouts free of algae. A handful of full-grown Amanos will graze hair algae faster than almost any other freshwater shrimp.