Amano Shrimp

What are Amano Shrimp?

Caridina multidentata (formerly called Caridina japonica) is an algae-eating dwarf shrimp that grows to about 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm), which is slightly bigger than your average Neocaridina cherry shrimp. It is clear-colored with a tan or gray-blue tint (that is sometimes affected by diet) and a solid stripe down the back. Males are smaller and have dots along the side of the body, while females are larger and have a row of dashes instead of dots.

While Amano Shrimp aren’t the most attractive shrimp, they have lots of interesting behaviors. You can find them constantly grazing for food with their front legs, climbing up plant leaves, and swiping food from bigger fish. Also, they won’t crossbreed with cherry or crystal shrimp, so you don’t have to worry about creating weird hybrids. In fact, they are not capable of reproducing in regular freshwater tanks at all since their larvae require highly brackish or salt water to survive. So, if you see a female fanning the eggs under her tail, don’t hold your breath expecting to see baby shrimp everywhere.

Their hardiness makes them quite adaptable to a wide range of water parameters, so you can keep them in 18–28°C, pH of 6–8, and moderate to hard GH. As with most crustaceans, they need at least some minerals to promote healthy exoskeleton molts.

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