Snow Amano Shrimp – Caridina multidentata "Snow"
Snow Amano Shrimp are a selectively bred white color variety of the popular Amano Shrimp, Caridina multidentata.
They offer the same excellent algae-grazing behavior and peaceful temperament as standard Amano Shrimp, but with a striking white to opaque coloration that stands out beautifully against dark substrate, live plants, driftwood, and rockwork.
Key Features
- Beautiful white to opaque coloration
- Selectively bred color variety of the Amano Shrimp
- Scientific name: Caridina multidentata
- Excellent algae and biofilm grazer
- Peaceful freshwater shrimp
- Great for planted aquariums
- Generally larger than many dwarf shrimp varieties
- Freshwater adults with larvae that require brackish conditions to develop
Product Information
- Common Name: Snow Amano Shrimp
- Scientific Name: Caridina multidentata
- Color Variety: Snow / White Amano
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivorous scavenger and algae grazer
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Care Level: Beginner to intermediate
Color & Appearance
Snow Amano Shrimp are known for their pale white, creamy white, or semi-opaque coloration.
Color intensity may vary somewhat between individual shrimp, and freshly molted or stressed shrimp may temporarily appear more translucent.
Their bright appearance makes them especially attractive in planted aquariums with dark substrate, green plants, and natural hardscape.
Adult Size
Snow Amano Shrimp generally reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
Females are typically larger and more robust than males.
Recommended Tank Size
A 5-gallon aquarium or larger can house a small group when water quality is stable, although larger aquariums provide more grazing area and are generally easier to keep stable.
Snow Amanos are especially useful in planted community aquariums where they have access to algae, biofilm, driftwood, plants, and other surfaces for grazing.
Water Parameters
Snow Amano Shrimp are adaptable but should always be kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality.
- Temperature: Approximately 68–80°F
- pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Kept as low as practical
Like other freshwater shrimp, Amanos can be sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry, poor water quality, and elevated levels of copper.
Aquarium Setup
A suitable Snow Amano Shrimp aquarium should provide plenty of surfaces for grazing along with hiding areas for use during and after molting.
Recommended décor may include:
- Live aquatic plants
- Driftwood
- Rocks
- Cholla wood
- Leaf litter
- Mosses
- Shrimp caves and hiding areas
A mature aquarium containing natural biofilm is especially beneficial.
Temperament
Snow Amano Shrimp are peaceful and spend much of their time grazing throughout the aquarium.
They generally do not bother healthy fish, other shrimp, or live plants.
Amanos can be enthusiastic feeders, however, and larger individuals may grab food and carry it away from smaller shrimp.
Tank Mates
Snow Amano Shrimp can be kept with many peaceful community fish and other freshwater invertebrates.
Potential tank mates include:
- Small Tetras
- Rasboras
- Small Danios
- Corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful Gouramis
- Neocaridina shrimp
- Other peaceful Caridina shrimp
- Freshwater snails
Always remember that nearly any fish large enough to fit a shrimp into its mouth may attempt to eat it.
Algae Control
Amano Shrimp are among the most highly regarded algae-grazing shrimp in the freshwater aquarium hobby.
They may graze on:
- Soft green algae
- Some forms of hair algae
- Biofilm
- Decaying organic matter
- Uneaten fish food
They should not be purchased with the expectation that algae alone will provide a complete diet.
Diet
Snow Amano Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers and should receive supplemental foods even when algae is present.
Suitable foods may include:
- Quality shrimp pellets
- Algae wafers
- Spirulina-based foods
- Blanched vegetables
- Biofilm-based shrimp foods
- Fish flakes and pellets that reach the bottom
- Other appropriate shrimp foods
Feed only what can be consumed within a reasonable period to prevent excess food from deteriorating water quality.
Molting
Like all shrimp, Snow Amanos periodically shed their exoskeleton as they grow.
After molting, the new shell is soft and the shrimp may hide until it hardens.
Do not automatically remove shed exoskeletons. Shrimp often consume them to recover valuable minerals.
Breeding
Snow Amano Shrimp have a more complicated breeding cycle than many common freshwater dwarf shrimp.
Females may carry eggs while living in freshwater, but the newly hatched larvae require brackish to marine-influenced water conditions during their early development.
Because of this larval stage, Snow Amanos generally will not establish self-sustaining populations in a normal freshwater aquarium.
Snow Amano Genetics
Snow Amanos are a selectively bred color form of Caridina multidentata, rather than a separate species.
The white coloration has been developed through selective breeding while retaining the general behavior, size, diet, and care requirements associated with standard Amano Shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species is the Snow Amano Shrimp?
Snow Amanos are a selectively bred white variety of Caridina multidentata.
How big do Snow Amano Shrimp get?
Adults generally reach approximately 1.5–2 inches, with females typically growing larger than males.
Are Snow Amano Shrimp good algae eaters?
Yes. Like standard Amanos, they are excellent grazers of algae, biofilm, and leftover food.
Are Snow Amano Shrimp peaceful?
Yes. They are peaceful freshwater shrimp suitable for many planted and community aquariums.
Can Snow Amanos live with Neocaridina shrimp?
Yes, provided the aquarium's water parameters are appropriate for both types of shrimp.
Will Snow Amano Shrimp reproduce in freshwater?
Females can produce eggs in freshwater, but the larvae require brackish conditions to complete development.
Are Snow Amanos naturally white?
The Snow Amano is a selectively bred white color line of the standard Amano Shrimp rather than a separate naturally occurring species.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Snow Amano Shrimp are available from Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.
Live shrimp are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only and are not available for shipping.
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