Amano Shrimp Care

For over a decade now Amano Shrimp have captivated hobbyists due to their exceptional ability to consume large amounts of algae.

In addition, their peaceful nature and busy-body personality have helped to sky-rocket its popularity over the last 15 years or so.

If you are considering Amano Shrimp this is the guide for you. We discuss how to care for them, ideal tank mates, dietary requirements, breeding and much more.

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is known under a variety of names including:

~Caridina Japonica (previously named this until 2006)

~Japonica Shrimp

~Algae Eating Shrimp

~Yamato Shrimp

They were brought to popularity by Takashi Amano, because of their reputation for controlling algae and generally keeping tanks debris free.

Behind the cherry shrimp, it is the most popular freshwater Shrimp in the hobby

Interestingly, because they are incredibly hard to breed, the majority available to buy are actually wild Shrimp.

They are a hardy shrimp that makes it ideal for beginners looking to experiment with invertebrates for the first time.

They should be kept in at least a 10-gallon tank and can be kept in either a species only or community tank.

The tank should be heavily planted and contain lots of hiding places for them

~~Typical Behavior~~

In general, they are very peaceful; however, this all changes when the food comes out.

They will frantically race after the food and generally speaking the largest Shrimp has priority; you will definitely see a ‘pecking order’ here.

Outside of this, you will see them spend most of their time foraging amongst the substrate and plants for leftover shrimp food and debris to eat.

Whilst not exactly a behavior, another interesting observation is when they molt (this generally occurs each month).

When they are without a shell they feel vulnerable and normally go into hiding; this is why a heavily planted tank is a must.