After watching algae overtake my planted tank for months, I discovered Amano shrimp and everything changed within 3 weeks.
These transparent workhorses demolished hair algae that neither chemicals nor manual removal could control. My tank went from green mess to crystal clear.
Named after legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano who popularized them in the 1980s, these shrimp (Caridina multidentata) have become the gold standard for natural algae control.
At $6-11 per shrimp, they cost more than cherry shrimp but deliver unmatched cleaning power that saves hours of maintenance.
What Are Amano Shrimp?
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp are large freshwater shrimp from Japan and Taiwan that eat algae more efficiently than any other aquarium cleaner.
Originally classified as Caridina japonica by William Stimpson in 1860, these shrimp gained fame through Takashi Amano's stunning aquascapes.
They grow to 2 inches, live 2-3 years, and work tirelessly consuming algae, biofilm, and detritus.
⚠️ Important: Wild-caught Amano shrimp require 2-hour drip acclimation to prevent shock deaths.
Unlike cherry shrimp care guide which focuses on breeding, Amano care centers on maintaining optimal conditions for these sensitive imports.
Their transparent bodies with distinctive brown spots help distinguish them from similar species.
I keep 5 Amanos in my 20-gallon planted tank where they outperform 20 cherry shrimp at algae removal.
Amano Shrimp Appearance and Identification
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp have transparent bodies with rows of red-brown dots, reaching 2 inches in length with females being 25% larger than males.
The dot pattern runs along their sides in distinct lines - dots on males, dashes on females.
Their clear bodies show internal organs, making health assessment easy.
| Feature | Amano Shrimp | Ghost Shrimp | Whisker Shrimp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 inches | 1.5 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Body Pattern | Dots/dashes | Clear | Clear |
| Claws | Small | Small | Large |
| Aggression | Peaceful | Peaceful | Aggressive |
Many stores mislabel ghost shrimp or whisker shrimp as Amanos, leading to disappointment.
True Amanos have a distinctive rostrum (beak) with 7-10 teeth on top and 3-4 below.
Females develop a saddle (egg storage area) behind their heads when mature.
✅ Pro Tip: Check for the dot pattern before buying - no dots means it's not an Amano.
Essential Amano Shrimp Care Requirements
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp need stable water parameters with 72-78°F temperature, 6.5-7.5 pH, and zero copper exposure.
After losing 3 Amanos to parameter swings, I learned stability matters more than perfect numbers.
These shrimp tolerate a range of conditions but sudden changes trigger fatal molting issues.
Critical Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F (optimal 75°F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5 (optimal 7.0)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (mandatory)
- Nitrate: Under 20 ppm
- GH: 6-8 dGH
- KH: 2-4 dKH
- TDS: 150-200 ppm
Weekly 20% water changes maintain these parameters in established tanks.
⏰ Time Saver: Use RO water remineralized with shrimp salts for consistent parameters.
Copper kills Amanos instantly - check all medications and plant fertilizers for copper content.
Even trace amounts from old copper pipes caused deaths in my first setup.
Acclimation Process
- Float bag: 15 minutes for temperature matching
- Start drip: 2-3 drops per second using airline tubing
- Double volume: Over 2 hours minimum
- Net transfer: Never add bag water to tank
- Dim lights: Keep tank dark for 24 hours
Rushing acclimation killed 50% of my first batch within 48 hours.
Patient drip acclimation achieves 95% survival rates.
Perfect Tank Setup for Amano Shrimp
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp need minimum 10 gallons with heavy planting, established biofilm, and secure lid to prevent escapes.
My 20-gallon long houses 5 Amanos comfortably with room for their constant foraging.
Dense Java moss and driftwood provide grazing surfaces they patrol 24/7.
Tank Size Guidelines
| Tank Size | Maximum Amanos | Ideal Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 gallons | 3 | 2 | Minimum size |
| 20 gallons | 6 | 4-5 | Good starter size |
| 30 gallons | 10 | 6-8 | Ideal for groups |
| 40+ gallons | 15+ | 10-12 | Best algae control |
Sponge filters work best, providing gentle flow and grazing surfaces.
HOB filters need intake guards to prevent shrimp injuries.
Essential Equipment
- Secure lid: Amanos climb and escape through tiny gaps
- Sponge filter: Safe filtration with biofilm growth
- Heater guard: Prevents burns during molting
- Moss/plants: Minimum 50% planted for grazing
- Driftwood: Biofilm development surface
- Cave hides: Molting shelters
I found 2 dried Amanos behind my tank before adding weatherstripping to seal gaps.
These escape artists climb airline tubing, filter intakes, and heater cords.
⚠️ Important: Check all equipment gaps - Amanos can squeeze through 1/8 inch openings.
What Do Amano Shrimp Eat?
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp eat hair algae, black beard algae, biofilm, and dead plant matter, requiring supplemental feeding in clean tanks.
One Amano cleared a tennis-ball-sized clump of hair algae from my tank in 5 days.
They consume algae types that other creatures ignore, including stubborn black beard algae.
Algae Preferences Ranked
- Hair algae: Devoured completely
- Green dust algae: Cleaned from glass
- Brown diatoms: Consumed readily
- Black beard algae: Young growth only
- Green spot algae: Ignored completely
- Blue-green algae: Avoided (toxic)
In algae-free tanks, supplement with blanched vegetables and algae wafers.
My Amanos go crazy for blanched zucchini left in overnight.
Feeding Schedule
- New tanks: Feed daily until biofilm establishes
- Planted tanks: 2-3 times weekly
- Heavy algae: No supplementation needed
- Community tanks: Ensure food reaches bottom
Overfeeding reduces algae consumption - hungry shrimp work harder.
"I've observed Amano shrimp completely clear tanks that seemed beyond saving."
- Cory McElroy, Aquarium Co-Op
Quality foods include Hikari Algae Wafers, blanched spinach, and specialized shrimp pellets.
Remove uneaten food after 2 hours to prevent water quality issues.
Amano Shrimp Behavior and Tank Activity
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp stay active constantly, swimming mid-water when feeding and displaying frantic behavior before molting.
These perpetual motion machines never stop grazing except during molting.
Groups establish pecking orders with larger females dominating feeding spots.
Normal vs Concerning Behaviors
Swimming frantically: Normal feeding response when you add food to tank.
Pre-molt shrimp become sluggish and hide for 24-48 hours.
Post-molt shells appear as perfect replicas - don't remove them, shrimp eat them for calcium.
- Glass surfing: Seeking more food (normal)
- Hiding constantly: Poor water quality (concerning)
- Lethargy: Parameter issues or disease
- Aggression: Overcrowding or insufficient food
My Amanos learned feeding time and gather at the front glass when I approach.
They swim throughout the water column unlike bottom-dwelling best algae eaters for freshwater aquariums like corydoras.
Why Breeding Amano Shrimp is Nearly Impossible?
Quick Answer: Amano shrimp require brackish water for larvae to survive, making home breeding nearly impossible compared to freshwater-only species.
After researching for months and attempting breeding twice, I understand why 99.9% are wild-caught.
Their amphidromous lifecycle demands saltwater for larval development - a nightmare to replicate.
The Breeding Challenge
- Mating occurs: In freshwater (easy part)
- Eggs hatch: After 5 weeks on female
- Larvae release: Need immediate salt water
- Larval stage: 5-6 months in brackish water
- Metamorphosis: Return to freshwater as shrimplets
Larvae need specific 17ppt salinity and live phytoplankton daily.
Even professional breeders achieve under 5% survival rates.
⏰ Time Saver: Don't attempt breeding - buy from reputable importers instead.
This breeding difficulty keeps prices at $6-11 per shrimp permanently.
Commercial operations in Japan and Taiwan supply the entire hobby market.
Best Tank Mates for Amano Shrimp
Quick Answer: Small peaceful fish like neon tetras, otocinclus, and pygmy corydoras make ideal tank mates for Amano shrimp.
I keep my Amanos with ember tetras and pygmy corydoras without issues.
Avoid any fish with mouths large enough to eat a 2-inch shrimp.
Compatible Species
| Excellent Choices | Good Choices | Never Mix With |
|---|---|---|
| Neon tetras | Guppies | Cichlids |
| Ember tetras | Platies | Angelfish |
| Otocinclus | Mollies | Bettas |
| Pygmy corydoras | Endlers | Goldfish |
| Chili rasboras | White clouds | Puffers |
| Cherry shrimp | Nerite snails | Crayfish |
Amanos may outcompete smaller shrimp for food - feed adequately.
Bettas sometimes coexist but depends entirely on individual temperament.
- With cherry shrimp: Amanos dominate feeding
- With snails: Perfect combination
- With bottom feeders: No competition issues
- With aggressive fish: Amanos become expensive snacks
Groups of 5+ Amanos display more natural behavior than singles or pairs.
Common Amano Shrimp Problems and Solutions
Quick Answer: Most Amano shrimp deaths result from copper exposure, failed molts from low minerals, or parameter swings.
After losing dozens over the years, I've identified the main killers.
Prevention beats treatment since shrimp medications are limited.
Problem: White Ring of Death
Solution: Increase GH to 6-8, add calcium supplements, feed mineral-rich foods.
This molting failure shows as white band between head and body.
Problem: Sudden Deaths
Solution: Test for copper, check recent fertilizer or medication additions, verify parameters.
Even aquarium-safe plant fertilizers may contain deadly copper levels.
Problem: Lethargy and Not Eating
Solution: Check ammonia/nitrite (must be zero), increase oxygenation, perform water change.
⚠️ Important: Never use medications containing copper - it's 100% fatal to all shrimp.
Problem: Aggressive Behavior
Solution: Increase feeding, add more hides, reduce stocking density.
Hungry Amanos become food bullies, stealing from tankmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Amano shrimp should be kept together?
Keep minimum 3-5 Amano shrimp together for natural behavior. In a 20-gallon tank, 4-5 work well. Larger groups of 10+ in 40+ gallon tanks provide better algae control and more interesting group dynamics.
How long do Amano shrimp live?
Amano shrimp typically live 2-3 years in aquariums with proper care. Some reach 4-5 years in perfect conditions. Wild-caught specimens may have shorter lifespans due to unknown age at purchase.
Can Amano shrimp live with bettas?
Some bettas coexist peacefully with Amano shrimp, but it depends on the individual fish's temperament. Amanos' larger size offers some protection. Always have a backup plan and monitor interactions closely for the first week.
Why are Amano shrimp so expensive?
Amano shrimp cost $6-11 each because they cannot be bred easily in captivity. Their complex lifecycle requires brackish water for larvae, making commercial breeding extremely difficult. Nearly all are wild-caught from Japan and Taiwan.
Do Amano shrimp eat black beard algae?
Yes, Amano shrimp eat young black beard algae growth but struggle with established colonies. They're most effective at preventing BBA spread rather than eliminating mature infestations. Combine with CO2 and Excel treatment for best results.
How can you tell male from female Amano shrimp?
Female Amano shrimp grow 25% larger with dash-pattern markings along their sides. Males have dot patterns and stay smaller at 1.5 inches. Females also develop a visible saddle behind their heads when mature.
Do Amano shrimp need a heater?
Yes, Amano shrimp need stable temperatures between 72-78°F, making a heater essential in most climates. Temperature fluctuations stress them and trigger molting problems. Use a heater guard to prevent burns during vulnerable molting periods.
Final Thoughts on Amano Shrimp Care
After keeping Amano shrimp for 5 years, they remain my favorite aquarium cleaners.
Yes, they cost more than other shrimp and can't breed in freshwater. But their algae-eating ability is unmatched.
Start with 3-5 in an established planted tank and watch them transform your maintenance routine.
Remember the critical rules: stable parameters, zero copper, and secure lids prevent 90% of problems.
With proper care, these industrious shrimp will serve your tank for years, earning their price through reduced maintenance alone.