Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata), also called the Yamato or Japanese algae shrimp, is the hardest-working algae eater in the freshwater hobby. Beginner-friendly and completely peaceful, a small group grazes nuisance hair and soft green algae, biofilm, and leftover food across your plants, hardscape, and glass. Made famous by aquascaper Takashi Amano, it is a staple of planted community tanks. Pair it with the rest of our freshwater cleanup crew.

Care Guide

• Algae control: one of the best eaters of hair, string, and soft green algae. Plan on roughly one shrimp per 2 gallons for steady grazing.
• Keep a group: add 3 or more. They are social and far bolder in numbers.
• Stable water: add only to a fully cycled tank and acclimate slowly by drip. They are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and sudden swings.
• No copper: like all shrimp, they are killed by copper-based medications and copper-heavy fertilizers. Always check labels before dosing.
• Secure lid: Amano can climb airline and cords, so keep the tank covered.
• Molting: they shed their shell as they grow. Leave the empty molt in the tank, since they often eat it back for calcium.

Specifications

Compatibility

Amano shrimp are peaceful and do best with calm freshwater tank mates.

• Great with: small peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and danios; nerite snails; and other dwarf shrimp.
• Avoid: large or aggressive fish such as cichlids, big gouramis, and goldfish, plus anything large enough to treat a 2 inch shrimp as a snack.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Seachem NutriDiet Shrimp Flakes to supplement when algae runs low
• Galapagos Cholla Wood grows the biofilm shrimp love to graze
• Aquavitro Shrimp Hut gives them a safe place to molt and hide
• Live aquarium plants for cover and extra grazing surface
• More freshwater invertebrates to round out the cleanup crew

FAQ

How many Amano shrimp do I need? Plan on about one shrimp per 2 gallons for algae control, with a minimum group of 3.

Will they hurt my fish or plants? No. They are completely peaceful and do not damage healthy plants. They only graze algae, biofilm, and leftovers.

Can I keep them with community fish? Yes, with calm tank mates. Just avoid large or aggressive fish that may eat them.

Can I breed them at home? It is very difficult. The larvae need brackish water to develop, so home breeding is rare and most Amano shrimp are wild or farm raised.