
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.
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 68–80°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
- 68–80°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 6–15
- 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
Compatible Tank Mates
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Similar Species

Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis

Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi

Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. blue

Orange Sakura Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. orange