A highly popular, industrious freshwater shrimp renowned for its unmatched algae-eating abilities. Popularized by aquascaper Takashi Amano, they are significantly larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp). They are notorious food-thieves during feeding time and excellent escape artists, requiring a tight-fitting lid. Their larvae require saltwater to develop, so they will not overpopulate in a freshwater aquarium.
Amano Shrimp At a Glance
Amano Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Amano Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Amano Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Amano Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Amano Shrimp Water Parameters
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Amano Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Amano Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard Amano shrimp. Females are generally larger and more robust with dashed lines along their sides, while males are slightly smaller with distinct dot patterns. Both sexes share identical husbandry requirements.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Amano Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Amano Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina multidentata, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Amano Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–14 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Amano Shrimp is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Amano Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Amano Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Amano Shrimp, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Amano Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Amano Shrimp is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Amano Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Amano Shrimp.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amano Shrimp
How big does Amano Shrimp get?
Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Amano Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Amano Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Amano Shrimp need?
Amano Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–14 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Amano Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Amano Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Amano Shrimp live alone?
Yes, Amano Shrimp can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Amano Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Amano Shrimp benefits from established algae (otocinclus) and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Amano Shrimp need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Amano Shrimp is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Amano Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Amano Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesPygmy Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia pygmaea
Ideal Tank MatesParkinson's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia parkinsoni
Ideal Tank MatesPacific Blue Eye
Pseudomugil signifer
Ideal Tank MatesOgilby's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia ogilbyi
Ideal Tank MatesNorthern Mountain Swordtail
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Amano Shrimp
These plants pair well with Amano Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Amano Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Freshwater Harlequin Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina cf. spongicola
An expert-level, tiny freshwater shrimp endemic to Lake Towuti in Sulawesi. Known for its striking red and white bands and shy nature. In the wild, they live symbiotically with a specific freshwater sponge, though in aquariums they can be sustained on mature biofilm. They require extremely stable, warm, alkaline water parameters and should only be kept by advanced aquarists.
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
A large, completely peaceful freshwater filter-feeding shrimp. They use specialized fan-like appendages to catch microorganisms and fine food particles from the water column. They require an established aquarium with moderate to high water flow and tall resting places (like driftwood) directly in the current.
Malaya Shrimp
Caridina sp. "Malaya"
A unique and highly variable dwarf shrimp native to Southeast Asia. Unlike most dwarf shrimp, Malaya Shrimp are a low-order species, meaning their eggs hatch into tiny larvae rather than fully-formed shrimplets. However, unlike Amano Shrimp, these larvae do not require saltwater or brackish conditions; they metamorphose completely in freshwater. They are peaceful, active scavengers and excellent algae eaters that come in a wide array of colors including red, blue, green, brown, and clear.
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).