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SnailsAmano Shrimp
Start your Dwarf Shrimp hobby with the Amano Shrimp, credited as the beginning of the trend in the US. Introduced in 1994, they are popular for their effectiveness in controlling algae. With a lifespan of 2-3 years, Amano shrimp grow to 2-3 inches and are available for purchase at a size of 0.75-1.25 inches, making them a great addition to your planted tank and a unique addition to your aquatic community.
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Amano Shrimp
The Amano Shrimp is often credited as starting the Dwarf Shrimp hobby in The United States. The Amano Shrimp was introduced to the American aquarium hobby around 1994. Takashi Amano, the author of The Natural Aquarium and noted planted tank author, wrote in his book about the effectiveness of the Amano Shrimp in controlling Algae in the planted tank. Many planted tank aquarist then started to stock them in their tanks in America and their popularity grew from there in the late 1990’s.
Amano Shrimp Behavior
Amano Shrimp are non-aggressive and are quite active. In an aquarium that has no predators, Amano Shrimp will often be observed grazing on algae on aquarium plants, decorations, and on the substrate. When fed, the shrimp will often form large groups that are quite striking in appearance.
Amano Shrimp Care
The Amano Shrimp is low demanding when it comes to care. They are a hardy shrimp that does well both in groups and on their own. They will spend the days both in hiding and out in the open exploring for food. A planted tank will benefit Amano shrimp and all shrimp in general, as plants provide a location for microorganisms to grow thus providing natural food for your shrimp.
Amano shrimp do best with a slow-medium current, well oxygenated water and as always be careful with Ammonia spikes, high Nitrate levels, and always avoid copper.
You can find the full Amano Shrimp care sheet in the link.
Buying Amano Shrimp
As with all aquatic invertebrates, it is important to make sure copper does not get into the aquarium. Copper is toxic to all Dwarf Shrimp. Many medications contain elevated levels of copper, so it is recommended not to medicate an aquarium with Dwarf Shrimp in it.
Scientific Name: Caridina multidentate
Other Scientific Names: Caridina japonica
Common Name: Amano Shrimp
Other Common Name: Japanese Swamp Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Algae Shrimp
Temperament: Peaceful/Semi Aggressive
Breeding: Hard - Brackish water is needed for zoes to survive initial stages of life
Care Level: Easy
Origin: South Eastern Asia
Found in Wild: Yes
Life Span: 2-3 Years
Gestation Period: 30 Days
Full Grown Size: 2”-3
Approximate Purchase Size: 0.75” – 1.25”
General Water Parameters:
pH Range: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature Range: 70 – 80 °F
GH Range: 5-15
KH Range: 1-10
TDS Range: 80-450
The Shrimp Farm’s Water Parameters:
pH Range: 7.0-7.4
Temperature Range: 69-73 °F
GH Range: 7-8
KH Range: 3 - 4
TDS Range: 175 - 200
Currently Being Fed: Ebita Breed - Quatro 2
How big do Amano Shrimp get?
The females can reach up to around 1.5"-2", while the males stay a bit smaller averaging around 1"-1.5".
How many Amano Shrimp can I keep per gallon?
You can keep an almost infinite amount of Amano shrimp per gallon of aquarium water volume as long as you make sure to start with at least a 5-gallon tank. Stay on top of maintenance, and the colony should balance itself.
How long do Amano Shrimp live?
Amano shrimp's lifespan strongly depends on factors like water quality, diet, and temperature. In the right conditions, they can make it at least a year, even up to two.
How fast do Amano Shrimp grow?
Pretty darn quickly! In the right conditions, they are able to grow from freshly hatched fry to breeding adults in 4-5 months.
Is Amano Shrimp easy to Breed?
If optimal care requirements are met, the Amano Shrimp is fairly easy to breed. It can be difficult to determine the sex of an Amano Shrimp. The males are slightly smaller and have shorter, thinner tail sections. The females are larger with a longer and wider tail section. In our shop, we sell great Breeding Aids for you to help the breeding process go easier and faster.
Will different shrimp species breed with each other?
Yes, most Neocaridina species will breed with other Neocaridina species, and many Caridina species will breed with other Caridina species. Neocaridina species will not breed with Caridina species. It is not recommended to keep any species that may interbreed with each other. Check out our dwarf shrimp compatibility chart to see what shrimp will not interbreed with Amano Shrimp.
How often do Amano Shrimp molt?
Depends on their age! Amano shrimp grow very quickly. This also means they molt a lot (at least every few days at first) until they reach their adult size, after which they slow down to about once a month.
What is the diet of Amano Shrimp?
Amano Shrimp are omnivores and share the same diet that most Dwarf Shrimp enjoy. They will eat just about anything in an aquarium, that is edible. Amano Shrimp will eat the algae that naturally occurs in aquariums. Sinking pellets and blanched (boiled until soft) vegetables make good foods for dwarf shrimp, as well. But Amano will oftentimes need supplemental feedings. Aquarium foods intended for bottom feeders and aquatic invertebrates are readily accepted, as are blanched vegetables (boiled until soft). You can find wide veracity of good shrimp foods in our shop. The Amano Shrimp you order are currently eating Ebita Breed - Quatro 2.
What type of filter should I use?
A sponge filter is the best filter for a shrimp-only aquarium. Another good option is a corner box filter. Most power filters will suck smaller shrimp into the filter and kill them, so they are not recommended. In our shop, you can find a nice selection of filters that are safe for shrimps.
What are the best plants for Amano Shrimp?
Any aquarium plants are great if you'd like to keep Amano shrimp! They love to hide in and forage on the leaves. A few personal favorites are java moss, floating plants, and hair grass (Eleocharis acicularis). All the plants we sell are great for Amano Shrimp. You can find out more about Freshwater aquarium plants here.
What are the best tank mates for Amano Shrimp?
Amano shrimp, like other dwarf shrimp, are very peaceful and vulnerable creatures. They will never harm any tankmates but will easily fall prey to hungry fish. It might be a good idea to set up a single-species aquarium. Still, peaceful inverts like other shrimp and small snails are always a possibility. You can check out the dwarf shrimp compatibility chart to see what shrimp will be a great match for the Amano Shrimp.
Aquarists who don't mind losing some of their stock can combine them with a number of peaceful species, including the popular Corydoras and Otocinclus catfish, small schooling fish, and more. Learn more about The Best Types Of Fish For Your Shrimp Aquarium here. The shrimp should usually breed quickly enough to sustain the population despite regular casualties, provided there are enough hiding places. Not enough hiding places for your shrimp? We have some great hiding decorations in our shop.
What is the best way to Acclimate my new Amano Shrimp?
When adding new shrimp into your established already existing tank, it is important to take the proper steps in introducing and acclimating them into their new home. The whole process is extremely stressful for the shrimp. Acclimation is important for shrimp as it allows them time to adjust to the temperature and parameters of their new environment. By doing this correctly, you will reduce the chances of shock or death of your new shrimps. You can find the step-by-step process of acclimating shrimp here.
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