Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
70-80°F (21-27°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Amano Shrimp
The Amano shrimp is a medium-sized freshwater shrimp named after the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, who popularized its use as an algae-eating cleanup crew in planted aquariums. Native to the streams and rivers of Japan and Taiwan, Amano shrimp are larger and more robust than cherry shrimp, reaching about 2 inches. Their translucent gray-green bodies are marked with rows of dots and dashes along the sides. Amano shrimp are widely considered the most effective algae-eating shrimp available, capable of consuming even tough thread algae that most other shrimp ignore. They cannot breed in freshwater aquariums, as their larvae require brackish water to develop, which means populations must be replenished through purchase.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Shrimp
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Amano shrimp are hardworking algae eaters best kept in groups of at least five per 20 gallons of planted tank. They are hardy and tolerate a range of conditions at 65-80°F. Like all shrimp, they are sensitive to copper and sudden parameter changes. They are larger and bolder than cherry shrimp, making them less vulnerable to predation from small fish, but still avoid housing with large or aggressive fish. Feed supplementally with algae wafers and blanched vegetables if the tank's algae supply runs low. Amano shrimp cannot breed in freshwater, as larvae need brackish water. They can be escape artists, so maintain a tight-fitting lid. Excellent for controlling algae in planted tanks.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
3yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Amano Shrimp
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Tank Mates for Amano Shrimp
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Flame Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
easy · 10+ gal
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Amano Shrimp need?
A Amano Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Amano Shrimp need?
Amano Shrimp thrive in water between 70-80°F (21-27°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Amano Shrimp easy to care for?
Amano Shrimp are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Amano Shrimp get and what do they eat?
Amano Shrimp reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Amano shrimp are hardworking algae eaters best kept in groups of at least five per 20 gallons of planted tank. They are hardy and tolerate a range of conditions at 65-80°F. Like all shrimp, they are sensitive to copper and sudden parameter changes. They are larger and bolder than cherry shrimp, making them less vulnerable to predation from small fish, but still avoid housing with large or aggressive fish. Feed supplementally with algae wafers and blanched vegetables if the tank's algae supply runs low. Amano shrimp cannot breed in freshwater, as larvae need brackish water. They can be escape artists, so maintain a tight-fitting lid. Excellent for controlling algae in planted tanks.