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The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is one of the most popular freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. Originally native to Japan and parts of East Asia, it became famous through the work of aquascaper Takashi Amano, who used them extensively for algae control in planted aquariums.
In Australia, Amano shrimp are widely kept by aquarists due to their hardiness, peaceful nature and exceptional algae-eating abilities.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Caridina multidentata |
| Common name | Amano Shrimp |
| Origin | Japan, Taiwan and East Asia |
| Adult size | 4–6 cm |
| Lifespan | 2–5 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivorous scavenger |
| Minimum tank size | 20 litres |
| Temperature | 18–28°C |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard water |
Amano shrimp have a translucent grey body with rows of brown or reddish dots along their sides.
Key features include:
Although not as colourful as cherry shrimp, they are attractive in a natural, understated way and fit beautifully into planted aquariums.
Amano shrimp are renowned for their appetite for nuisance algae and detritus.
They commonly consume:
While they are excellent cleaners, they should not be relied upon as the sole solution to algae problems.
Amano shrimp can be kept in aquariums as small as 20 litres, but groups of 6–10 individuals generally do best in larger aquariums of 40 litres or more.
Provide:
Popular plants include:
Dense planting helps shrimp feel secure and encourages natural behaviour.
Ideal conditions include:
Shrimp are highly sensitive to poor water quality and sudden parameter changes.
Although excellent scavengers, Amano shrimp should still receive supplementary feeding.
Suitable foods include:
Feed sparingly to maintain good water quality.
Amano shrimp are peaceful and can be housed with many community fish.
Good tank mates include:
Avoid:
If a fish can fit a shrimp into its mouth, it may eventually do so.
Breeding Amano shrimp is considerably more difficult than breeding many other freshwater shrimp.
Female Amano shrimp carry eggs readily in freshwater, but the larvae require brackish water to develop successfully.
The process generally involves:
Because of these specialised requirements, most Amano shrimp sold in Australia are commercially bred rather than home bred.
Like all shrimp, Amano shrimp regularly shed their exoskeleton.
During moulting:
Do not remove shed shells immediately unless they begin to foul the water.
Often caused by:
Shrimp are highly sensitive to copper.
Always check medications and plant fertilisers before use.
Amano shrimp are surprisingly capable climbers.
Ensure:
Yes. Amano shrimp are among the best shrimp species for beginners because they are:
✔ Hardy
✔ Excellent algae eaters
✔ Peaceful
✔ Active and entertaining
✔ Compatible with many community fish
Their only significant challenge is breeding, which requires a specialised brackish-water larval stage.
For planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks, Amano shrimp remain one of the most useful and rewarding invertebrates available to Australian aquarists.
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