Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata), also known as Algae Eating Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, and Japanese Shrimp, are one of the most popular Caridina shrimp amongst aquarists. Amano Shrimp make excellent pets for beginners, as they are resilient, easy to care for and are very active, peaceful creatures. Amano Shrimp are good eaters, with a preference for algae (hence their nickname) and are fascinating to observe. Although breeding them is next to impossible, their charm and long lifespan make them a great choice for any fish keeper.
They can be kept both in a single species tank, or you can keep them with ghost or cherry shrimp.
Fortunately, because of their hardy nature, they don’t require much specialist care.
One of the biggest things you need to pay attention to is cooper. Avoid adding any copper into your fish tank / aquarium because this is highly toxic and damaging to all invertebrate.
Amano Shrimp Temperature Amano Shrimp are a hardy species that live in cool waters, able to tolerate a temperature range between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). An aquarium heater may not be necessary for this species, however, it is best to judge case-by-case, depending on the temperature of the room and the general climate. The higher the temperature, the higher their metabolic rate and activity, which may prevent and reduce aquarium algae, though this can lead to a shorter lifespan. Keepers must watch the temperature levels, because sudden fluctuations causes Amano Shrimp stress, weakening their immune system against attacks from parasitic or bacterial invasions. Higher heat is disadvantageous for Amano Shrimp as it affects their molting, decreases the levels of oxygen in the water, and decreases the valuable bacteria colonies. Amano Shrimp facing cooler waters will be lethargic, eat less, delay their growth, and also impact the beneficial bacteria. A thermometer can do wonders for a keeper (apart from choosing an ideal room to keep the Amano Shrimp) and either using a heater/cooler.
Amano Shrimp Water Parameters
Generally, Amano Shrimp can tolerate hard water, but for the sake of their health they should remain in water with a carbonate hardness around 6.0 to 8.0 dKH. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) must be at 100 to 400 ppm. Nitrite, Nitrate, and Ammonia levels should be at 0, as wild-caught Amano Shrimp react poorly to these chemicals. Amano Shrimp would benefit from having aquatic plants and changing their water twice a week, since this may reduce the levels of such harmful chemicals. Dechlorinators (also known as “conditioners”) may be added to the water, because Amano Shrimp are intolerant of chemical additives, for example chlorine and chloramines. It is important that keepers do not over-condition the water and instead follow the provided instructions
Amano Shrimp pH
Amano Shrimp dislike rapid pH drops, therefore it is recommended keepers stick with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 – a general neutral level. If an aquarist has soft tap water, a planted substrate with pH-reducing properties would make the water too acidic for the Amano Shrimp. To remedy this, calcium, magnesium or bicarbonate soda needs to be added to bring up the pH. Amano Shrimp cannot bear high carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which tends to decrease pH levels. This species should never be left in an environment with a pH below 6.0, as they will greatly struggle to survive.
They are reasonably hardy inverts and can withstand a wide range of water conditions;
pH level: 6.0 – 7.0.
Temperature: 70°F – 80°F.
Water hardness: 6.0 – 8.0DKH.
Amano Shrimp Lifespan
Amano Shrimp are able to live up to five years, though in captivity they usually survive two to three years. High-quality water and a good diet must be provided, as wild-caught Amano Shrimp have to adjust to their new environment.
Amano Shrimp Size
Amano Shrimp are one of the larger variety of dwarf shrimp, reaching a maximum size of two to three inches (5 to 7 centimeters). Amano Shrimp can take three to five months to reach their full size, however, this depends entirely on their health.
Amano Shrimp Tank Size
As a general rule, tank size should be determined by the number of Amano Shrimp keepers intends to house. One Amano Shrimp per every two gallons (7.6 L) is a good guide to follow, with a five gallon (19 L) tank being the absolute minimum if tank mates will be added.
A ten gallon (38 L) tank might be the best for Amano Shrimp, just to be on the safe side, giving them plenty of space to move around and live peacefully.
Amano Shrimp Tank Mates
Amano Shrimp are non-aggressive dwarf shrimp, largely unsuited to inhabit the same environment with larger, predatory species due to their lack of defence mechanism. You should not keep your Shrimp with any large or aggressive fish. The following list will give you a good indication of which types of fish to avoid:
Acceptable tank mates (apart from other Amano Shrimp) would preferably be:
Their tank needs to be large enough to accommodate other species, as well as the Amano Shrimp and all their hiding spots (dense vegetation, caves, PVC tubes).
Remember if you are uncertain fall back on the old rule of thumb; “if it can fit in its mouth, then exercise caution”.
How many Amano Shrimp should be kept together?
Being the social invertebrates that they are, Amano Shrimp should be kept in groups of at least five to six shrimp.
As a good rule of thumb, you can add 1 Amano Shrimp per 2 Gallons. However, it obviously depends on the number, and species, of fish you have in the tank
Can you add Amano Shrimp in a community tank?
Amano Shrimp must be fully mature if an aquarist is looking to add this species to a community tank. They need to be in a large colony of over ten shrimp in order to feel safe and develop the instinct to hide from larger fish. Caution should be exercised when putting Amano Shrimp in a new community tank as there are risks that need to be assessed.
Amano Shrimp Food & Diet
Amano Shrimp are omnivorous invertebrates that consume a variety of matter they find while scavenging for food that can naturally be found in their tank. Keepers must be aware of the fact that while Amano Shrimp are famous for being prolific algae consumers, they still require more than decaying plants to thrive. Amano Shrimp will enjoy being fed two to three times a week, with food such as blanched vegetables (e.g. zuchini, spinach), squash, cucumber, dried pellets/shrimp food (with spirulina and plant ingredients), algae wafers, aufwuchs, moss balls, frozen foods (bloodworms and brine shrimp) and supplements (as and when needed, especially if they lack algae and plant debris). At times they may snack on dead fish or molted exoskeletons, which is perfectly normal. It is important to manually take out uneaten food after an hour, as this will cause ammonia spikes and water contamination, which Amano Shrimp are sensitive to. Amano Shrimp prefer tanks with a decent amount of growing algae, and their meals will need to be adjusted, according to the size of their tank. Keepers must avoid copper as this is toxic to many shrimp species – food and medication labels must be read carefully..
these are Highley recommended to help enhance your shrimps health and colours.
Try catappa leaves for your shrimp .. all shrimp love these and it helps increase water quality for your shrimp tank.
Amano Shrimp and Algae
Amano Shrimp favour filamentous algae, and hobbyists can spot them grazing on groups such as Red algae (Rhodophyta), Hair algae (Bryopsis), String algae (debris), Green algae, Green dust algae (GDA), and Green Beard algae. Almost all sorts of algae present in their freshwater habitat will provide them with a suitable food source. If an aquarist wants their Amano Shrimp to eat more algae, they will need to feed them less.
Can Amano Shrimp survive on algae or do I need to feed Amano Shrimp?
Ideally, Amano Shrimp must be fed a nutritious, well-balanced diet several times a week, in addition to the algae that they graze on in their tank. Amano Shrimp need an omnivorous diet, despite their nickname being the “Algae Eating Shrimp.” These shrimp are not picky eaters and will eat almost anything, apart from cyanobacteria.
How much algae can Amano Shrimp eat?
Amongst other species, studies have shown that Amano Shrimp are the most adept at cleaning up algal biomass, in comparison to Red Cherry Shrimp, Nerite Snails, and Siamese Algae Eaters (SAE). Amano Shrimp tend to eat less of Black Beard Algae (BBA) and some cyanobacteria types, but will happily eat other forms of algae.
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