Amano Shrimp
Species Profile
The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is the OG of all freshwater shrimp. Popularized in the 1990s by master aquascaper Takashi Amano, this species remains the gold standard of planted tank maintenance crews. Larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp, Amanos are famous for their appetite for nuisance algae, including the stubborn hair and string varieties that other shrimp ignore. Their semi-translucent bodies feature broken reddish-brown dashed lines and a pale dorsal stripe, making them subtle enough to blend into wood and stone without distracting from your hardscape. They are active scavengers that leave healthy live plants and carpets undisturbed, though their fearless feeding habits mean they will readily sprint off with whole sinking pellets right out from under your fish.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- Renowned clean-up crew targeting hair algae, string algae, diatoms, and detritus without harming live plants.
- Resilient species, often living 2 to 3 years across a wide range of water parameters once acclimated.
- Noticeably larger than Neocaridina, making them a peaceful, sturdy companion for community tanks with bigger fish.
- Tank-raised juveniles shipped at 0.75 to 1.5 inches for optimal adaptation.
Care Specifications
- Provide a spacious setup with a 10-gallon tank minimum to accommodate their high activity levels and larger adult size.
- Keep water parameters completely free of copper treatment medications or fertilizers containing heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
- Leave molted shells in the tank so fry and adults can ingest essential minerals for growth.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy livestock!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caridina multidentata |
| Common Name(s) | Amano Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Japanese Swamp Shrimp |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Diet | Omnivore (Hair algae, string algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables) |
| Plant Safe | Yes (Safe with delicate mosses, stems, and foreground carpets) |
| Temperament | Peaceful bottom and hardscape scavenger |
| Adult Size | 1.5"–2.0"+ (3.8–5.0+ cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10+ Gallons |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.5–8.0 | GH 6–15 | KH 2–10 | 65°F–78°F (18°C–26°C) |
| Freshwater Breeding | No (Larvae require brackish/saltwater development) |
| Origin | Japan, Taiwan (Tank-raised / captive-conditioned) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
It depends on the species. Neocaridina and Amano shrimp thrive on inert substrates like sand or gravel, while Caridina species prefer active aquarium soils that lower pH. Learn how to choose the right foundation in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. Will Amano Shrimp breed and overpopulate my aquarium?
No. While females often carry clutches of eggs, the newborn larvae require brackish or saltwater to survive and will perish in freshwater. To learn more about shrimp reproduction, check out our guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes. Amano Shrimp are exceptionally hardy, adaptable across broad water parameters, and well suited for beginners. For a complete look at parameters, feeding, and tank requirements, read our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.