Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Family: Atyidae • Origin: East Asia

Amano Shrimp are the best algae-eating shrimp available. Named after aquascaping legend Takashi Amano. Larger and more voracious than cherry shrimp.

Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
2"
Temperature
68-80°F
pH
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
4+
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
6-15 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Amano Shrimp Right for Your Tank?

Amano Shrimp is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Amano Shrimp makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 4 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 3 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Amano Shrimp

Keeping fewer than 4 together

Amano Shrimp is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 4 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

Relying on a heater without a thermometer

Amano Shrimp needs 6880°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.

Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons

While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (20 gal) is much more forgiving.

Care Tips

  • Best freshwater algae eater
  • Cannot breed in freshwater
  • Larger than cherry shrimp — more predator-safe
  • Avoid copper medications
  • Get in groups of 4-6 for best algae control

Feeding: Algae (primary food), biofilm, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables.

Compatibility Notes: Best algae eating shrimp. Larger than cherry shrimp so slightly safer with medium fish.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
10 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
20 gallons
Swimming Level
bottom
Minimum School Size
4+ fish

Water Parameters

Temperature
6880°F
pH Range
6.57.5
Hardness (dGH)
615
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
peaceful
Aggression Level
1/5
Schooling
Yes
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
omnivore
Growth Rate
slow

Best algae eating shrimp. Larger than cherry shrimp so slightly safer with medium fish.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
very difficult
Lifespan
3 years

Ideal For

10 gallonplanted tankalgae control

Compatible Tank Mates

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