Skip to content
AquariaWiki
Menu

AquariaWiki is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
Photo: Seotaro, CC BY-SA 3.0

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed

EasyFigures from specialist keeper sources

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 fish
Lifespan
2–3 years

Amano Shrimp care mistakes to avoid

  1. Use a tight lid. Amanos are escape artists, especially in a new tank.
  2. Do not expect babies, because their larvae need salt water to develop.
  3. Keep a group, which reduces squabbling over food.
  4. Avoid copper in any medicine or plant product, which is fatal to shrimp.

Amano Shrimp tank mates

Common tank-mate questions

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 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.

Where to buy Amano Shrimp

Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. We earn nothing from these links. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.

Shop in:

Sold at The Shrimp Farm

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.

Complete the tank

The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.

Shop in:

  • Tank size for this species

    At least 10 US gallons (38 L)

  • Filter

    Air-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

      Check the voltage: this filter runs from an air pump, which plugs in. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so choose a pump sold for your own country.

      Maker's page

    • Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page

    • Tetra Brillant Filter Spain

      Check the voltage: this filter runs from an air pump, which plugs in. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so choose a pump sold for your own country.

      Maker's page

    • Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal

    Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.

  • Heater

    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

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page

    • Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page

    • Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page · Sold at zooplus.es

    • Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal

    Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.

  • Water Conditioner

    Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime

    Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.

    Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.

  • Test Kit

    Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master

    Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.

    Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.

Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.