Amano Shrimp, also known as Yamato Shrimp, are popular freshwater shrimp known for their effective algae-eating abilities. They have a transparent body with brown or green spots and stripes. Amano Shrimp are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are peaceful and can coexist with small, non-aggressive fish and other shrimp species.
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Amano Shrimp, also known as Yamato Shrimp, are popular freshwater shrimp known for their effective algae-eating abilities. They have a transparent body with brown or green spots and stripes. Amano Shrimp are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are peaceful and can coexist with small, non-aggressive fish and other shrimp species.
Amano Shrimp are translucent with a grayish-blue hue and tiny brown spots or dashes along their bodies. They have long antennae, strong front pincers for foraging, and can grow larger than most ornamental shrimp.
2-3 years
Omnivorous. They primarily consume algae and biofilm but will also eat commercial shrimp pellets and sinking foods.
Amano Shrimp are a favorite among aquascapers for their hardiness and unmatched algae-cleaning ability. While not ideal for breeding at home, their low maintenance and helpful nature make them a top choice for any peaceful community or planted aquarium.
Intermediate
10 gallons
6.5 to 7.5
6–15 dGH
68–78°F (20–25°C)
2 inches
Peaceful fish like Rasboras, Otocinclus, Tetras, Corydoras, Snails, Red Cherry Shrimp
Large/aggressive fish like Cichlids, Oscars, Loaches, or fin-nippers
Caridina multidentata
Atyidae
Japan, Taiwan
Very peaceful, best kept in groups
Feed 3–4 times per week if enough algae is not present. Offer blanched zucchini, spinach, algae wafers, and shrimp-specific sinking food. Avoid overfeeding as it can pollute water quickly.
Requires brackish water for larval development; difficult in home aquariums
Breeding Amano Shrimp in captivity is complex due to their larval development requiring brackish water. Females carry green eggs under their tail, which hatch into planktonic larvae that need brackish conditions to survive and grow before transitioning to freshwater.
pH: 6.5–7.5, Temperature: 68–78°F, Hardness: 6–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate < 20 ppm, No copper medications
May suffer from molting problems or starvation if underfed. Sensitive to poor water conditions and copper. Ensure calcium levels are sufficient to support healthy molts.
Peaceful and non-aggressive. They may display territorial behavior during feeding times.
Amano Shrimp are extremely efficient algae eaters and are often introduced into planted aquariums for algae control. They are non-aggressive and do best in small groups. They may hide during the day but become active scavengers during feeding or under low light.
The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata), also known as Yamato Shrimp, was popularized by aquascaping legend Takashi Amano. These shrimp are renowned for their exceptional algae-eating capabilities, especially with hair algae and detritus. Originating from Japan and Taiwan, they are larger than most ornamental shrimp and have a semi-transparent body with a series of dots or dashes along their sides. Their temperament is gentle and non-territorial, making them excellent community shrimp. Amanos are best kept in groups of 3–6 or more and prefer planted tanks with ample hiding spots. They are highly active and spend most of their time cleaning surfaces. Though breeding them in captivity is difficult due to their unique larval brackish requirement, they remain highly valued for their utility and peaceful presence. A healthy Amano colony will support a clean tank while offering subtle beauty and movement to any aquascape.