Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A tough, translucent shrimp famous as one of the hardest-working algae eaters in the hobby. It is larger than dwarf shrimp, so it survives alongside more fish. It will not breed in fresh water because its larvae need salt, so colonies will not overrun your tank.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 10 US gal
- Temperature
- 64–82 °F
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 5–15 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 6 or more
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
Amano Shrimp tank mates
Paracheirodon innesi
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Betta splendens
Big enough that most bettas leave adults alone, though some will nip at the feelers. Give them plants to shelter in.
Neritina natalensis
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Bolivian Ram will usually eat small shrimp like Amano Shrimp.
Common tank-mate questions
Amano Shrimp feeding and care
How to feed
- Let them graze soft algae and biofilm through the day.
- Supplement with algae wafers or blanched vegetables once algae runs low.
- Add shrimp pellets occasionally, because hungry amanos can steal fish food.
Amano Shrimp care mistakes to avoid
- Use a tight lid. Amanos are escape artists, especially in a new tank.
- Do not expect babies, because their larvae need salt water to develop.
- Keep a group, which reduces squabbling over food.
- Avoid copper in any medicine or plant product, which is fatal to shrimp.
Amano Shrimp tank setup
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
TankAt least 10 US gal (38 L)
The smallest tank our sources give for Amano Shrimp. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts).
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 10 Gallon US
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 20 Long US
Eheim clearTank 73 Spain
Why we chose these (Best 10-Gallon Fish Tank: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Amano Shrimp, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Amano Shrimp's temperature range.
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
No heater included
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 20 Gallon US
Check the heater's setting
Tetra Starter Line LED Aquarium 54 L Spain
Heater preset to 25 °C
Why we chose these (Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
FilterAir-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 64–82 °F (18–28 °C)
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10. Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
SubstrateNot fussy about substrate; gravel or small rocks resemble its natural streams.
We are still choosing products for this.
Hiding places and decorPlenty of hiding places in the form of plants, rocks and driftwood.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsSafe with live plants
Browse all aquarium plants.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Where to buy Amano Shrimp
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. Links marked as affiliate links may earn us a commission. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link)
We have not found a store that sells Amano Shrimp under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Amano Shrimp FAQ
What size tank do Amano Shrimp need?
Our sourced minimum is 10 US gallons (38 liters). A bigger, mature tank is always easier to keep stable.
What can live with Amano Shrimp?
Good matches on our list include Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra. Avoid Gold Barb and Swordtail.
How long do Amano Shrimp live?
Care guides report about 2–3 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Will amano shrimp eat all my algae?
They eat many soft algae and some beard algae, but they will not clear a serious problem. Fix the cause, which is usually too much light or food.
Amano Shrimp facts and sources
- Type
- Shrimp
- Native to
- Japan and Taiwan
- Adult size
- 2 in (5 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet
- Algae Grazer
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Breeds in freshwater
- No
Sources
- Shrimp Science: Care and water figures
- Fishkeeping World: Supporting figures
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction.