Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Description
The Amano Shrimp is a popular freshwater shrimp known for its ability to clean aquariums by eating algae, detritus, and plant debris. These shrimp have a translucent body with a slight greenish or brownish tint, often adorned with a distinct dark stripe that runs along their back. They are relatively small but can grow up to 5 cm (2 inches) in length. Amano Shrimp are peaceful, active, and tend to spend their time grazing on surfaces like rocks, plants, and aquarium glass. They are excellent at maintaining a clean aquarium due to their scavenging behavior.
Habitat Origin
Native to Japan and parts of Southeast Asia, where they inhabit freshwater streams, ponds, and rivers.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 4-6 individuals to encourage natural behavior and social interaction.
Favorite Food
Amano Shrimp are omnivores and will consume a wide variety of foods. While they are best known for eating algae, they will also eat detritus, biofilm, and leftover food in the aquarium. Supplemental feeding can include algae wafers, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (like spinach and zucchini), and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
Behavior:
Amano Shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive. They are active scavengers, always on the move and often seen cleaning aquarium surfaces. They are social creatures and do best in groups. Despite their peaceful nature, they can sometimes show a bit of territorial behavior when competing for food, but they are generally very calm and non-threatening to other tank inhabitants. They are not likely to harm plants and are known to actually help keep tanks clean by consuming algae.
Special Care:
Amano Shrimp require a clean, well-maintained tank with stable water parameters. They are sensitive to copper, so care should be taken when using any copper-based medications. They also require access to calcium for healthy shell growth, so it’s important to ensure the water has sufficient calcium levels, particularly if they are being kept long-term. Regular water changes and good filtration are necessary to keep them healthy.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Amano Shrimp are ideal for community tanks with peaceful fish and other shrimp species. They get along well with small fish like tetras, rasboras, and peaceful community species. However, they should be kept away from aggressive or large fish that may view them as food. Avoid keeping them with species that may nip at their delicate antennae or legs, such as fin-nipping fish.
Breeding Tank Setup
A separate breeding tank is highly recommended for Amano shrimp to ensure higher fry survival rates. Although adults live in freshwater, the larvae require brackish water to grow, making a controlled setup essential. A 10-gallon tank (38 liters) works well for breeding, while a 20-gallon tank (75 liters) offers more stability for larger groups. Maintain pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–26°C (72–79°F), and hardness 4–8 dGH. Use a gentle sponge filter for oxygenation without disturbing fry. A sandy or fine gravel substrate with plants like Java moss or Anubias provides shelter and biofilm. Keep lighting moderate with a 12-hour day/night cycle to reduce stress.
Conditioning the Shrimp
To prepare Amano shrimp for breeding, provide a balanced and varied diet including algae wafers, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini), and occasional live or frozen protein (such as brine shrimp or daphnia). Maintain water quality through weekly 20–30% changes, and simulate breeding triggers by slightly raising temperature to 26°C and performing a 50% water change. Good nutrition and stable conditions help females develop eggs and encourage mating.
Spawning Process
Spawning occurs once the female is mature—typically around 1 year of age. She will carry 30–100 eggs under her abdomen for 3–4 weeks. Although mating occurs in freshwater, the larvae must be transferred to brackish water to develop. Once spawning is confirmed, remove the adults to prevent stress and to begin adjusting the tank for larval care. Adults should return to a clean freshwater tank to recover.
Larvae Development
Once the eggs hatch (after about 3–4 weeks), the microscopic larvae require brackish water conditions (usually 12–15 ppt salinity) and fine live foods. Feed them infusoria, liquid fry food, and as they grow, baby brine shrimp and microalgae. Larvae remain in the planktonic stage for about 3–4 weeks, after which they metamorphose into juvenile shrimp and can be gradually moved back to freshwater. Ensure small daily water changes (10–20%), avoid overfeeding, and maintain stable salinity and temperature to avoid mass mortality.
Advanced Tips
Amano shrimp reach breeding readiness at 1–2 years old, with females larger and visibly carrying eggs, while males are smaller and more slender. Avoid exposing the shrimp to sudden changes in pH, temperature, or salinity, as they are highly sensitive. Keep the tank free of aggressive fish, and ensure strong biological filtration and clean water. Breeding Amano shrimp is more complex due to the larvae’s need for brackish water, but with proper care and setup, it is a rewarding challenge for experienced aquarists.