Amano Shrimp Care Guide
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are one of the most popular freshwater invertebrates in the hobby, prized above all for their relentless appetite for algae. Larger and hardier than dwarf shrimp, they make an excellent cleanup crew for planted tanks and community aquariums alike. This guide covers everything you need to keep Amano shrimp thriving. Curious how Amano and other Caridina species compare to beginner-friendly Neocaridina? See our Neocaridina vs Caridina Shrimp guide.
What Are Amano Shrimp?
Named after aquascaping pioneer Takashi Amano, who popularized them as natural algae control, Amano shrimp are translucent grey-green with a row of dots and dashes along their sides. They grow to about 2 inches, noticeably bigger than Neocaridina shrimp, which makes them less likely to be eaten in a community tank. If you are weighing your options, our comparison of ghost shrimp vs. Amano shrimp breaks down the differences in size, hardiness, and algae-eating power.
Tank Setup
A single Amano shrimp needs roughly 2 gallons of space, so a group of five or six is comfortable in a 10-gallon tank or larger. They are active foragers and appreciate plenty of surfaces to graze. A mature, established aquarium is best, since shrimp are sensitive to the ammonia and nitrite spikes of a new setup. If your tank is not yet established, follow our nitrogen cycle guide before adding any livestock. A gentle sponge filter is ideal because it will not suck up shrimp and provides extra biofilm to graze on.
Plants and Aquascape
Amano shrimp shine in a planted tank, where they pick algae off leaves and hardscape. Mosses, ferns, and broad-leaved plants give them grazing surfaces and hiding spots. See our picks for the best plants for shrimp tanks, and if you are building a new layout from scratch, our beginner planted aquarium guide walks through the essentials.
Water Parameters
Amano shrimp are more tolerant than Caridina dwarf shrimp but still prefer stable conditions. Aim for a temperature of 70-78°F, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and moderate hardness. Avoid sudden swings, and acclimate slowly when introducing them. For a deeper dive into ideal ranges, see our shrimp water parameters guide and our aquarium pH guide. As with all invertebrates, keep copper out of the tank, since it is toxic to shrimp even in trace amounts. Stable hardness also drives clean molts, so if a shrimp ever gets stuck shedding, see our guide to shrimp molting problems.
Diet and Feeding
Amano shrimp are famous algae eaters, but in a clean tank they will quickly exhaust the natural algae supply and need supplemental food. Offer sinking shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach, and the occasional algae wafer. They are some of the best algae eaters in the aquarium, tackling hair and soft green algae especially well. If you are battling an outbreak, our guide to identifying and fixing every type of algae explains what Amanos can and cannot handle.
Behavior and Tank Mates
Amano shrimp are peaceful, social scavengers that do best in groups. They mix well with small, non-aggressive fish and other invertebrates such as the mystery snail. Avoid large or predatory fish like cichlids and anything big enough to view a 2-inch shrimp as a snack. They coexist peacefully with dwarf shrimp, and pair nicely with peaceful Neocaridina tank mates in a community shrimp tank.
Breeding
Unlike Neocaridina, Amano shrimp are notoriously difficult to breed in the home aquarium. Their larvae require brackish water to develop and freshwater to mature, a multi-stage process most hobbyists cannot replicate. If easy breeding is your goal, cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp are far more practical choices.
Common Problems
The most common issues with Amano shrimp are failed molts caused by unstable parameters or insufficient minerals, and losses from copper exposure or rapid water changes. Provide stable water, adequate calcium for healthy shells, and acclimate slowly. New keepers should start with hardy invertebrates; see our roundup of the best shrimp for beginners for the most forgiving options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Amano shrimp per gallon?
Plan for about one Amano shrimp per 2 gallons. A group of 5-6 in a 10-gallon planted tank is a good starting point.
Will Amano shrimp eat my plants?
No. Amano shrimp graze on algae and biofilm, not healthy plant tissue, which makes them ideal for a planted aquarium.
Do Amano shrimp need a heater?
They thrive in the 70-78°F range. In most homes a heater keeps temperatures stable, but they tolerate a wider range than many tropical fish.