Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Family: Atyidae

Amano Shrimp — the legendary algae eater of the freshwater world. Reaches 4–6 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH hardness
4–12 dGH
Adult length
4–6 cm
Minimum tank
40 L
Water layer
Bottom — constantly working over surfaces
Difficulty
Easy
Temperament
Extremely peaceful
Origin
Japan and Taiwan — cool mountain streams

Species overview

Caridina multidentata is an Atyidae freshwater shrimp, the famous Amano algae eater. In the aquarium it stays a tireless, peaceful grazer. Plan on 4–6 cm of adult shrimp at 18–26 °C, kept in groups of 5 or more, and pair it with any peaceful community fish.

Native biotope

Habitat
Cool, clean, well-oxygenated mountain streams
Flow
Moderate to strong current
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand or smooth gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and stones with a natural algae cover
Plants
Hardy plants; will not touch healthy leaves

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Groups of 5 or more; adults form loose colonies
Diet
Voracious algae eater; supplement with algae wafers
Recommended tankmates
  • Peaceful community fish of any size — Too large to be prey, too peaceful to harm
  • Freshwater snails — Complementary cleanup crew
Avoid keeping with
  • Copper-based medications — Lethal to all invertebrates
  • Large crayfish and big-mouth cichlids — Will prey on shrimp

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females are larger with a dotted line along the back
Breeding method
Larvae require a brackish/marine phase; rarely bred in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Amano Shrimp easy to keep?

Beginner-friendly. Extremely peaceful; groups of 5 or more; adults form loose colonies.

What temperature and water chemistry does Amano Shrimp need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.5, GH 4–12 dGH suit it.

How big does Amano Shrimp get, and what tank size?

Full size is 4–6 cm. Minimum tank: 40 L, with open swimming space along its bottom — constantly working over surfaces habits.

What does Amano Shrimp eat?

Voracious algae eater; supplement with algae wafers. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Amano Shrimp live with other fish?

Extremely peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Peaceful community fish of any size — Too large to be prey, too peaceful to harm, Freshwater snails — Complementary cleanup crew. Avoid Copper-based medications — Lethal to all invertebrates, Large crayfish and big-mouth cichlids — Will prey on shrimp.

Where does Amano Shrimp come from?

Native to Japan and Taiwan — cool mountain streams, where it lives in cool, clean, well-oxygenated mountain streams. Moderate to strong current; High oxygen.

How does Amano Shrimp breed?

Larvae require a brackish/marine phase; rarely bred in home aquaria. Females are larger with a dotted line along the back.