Species Profile The Amano Shrimp is the OG of all freshwater shrimp. Popularized in the 1990s by master aquascaper Takashi Amano, this species revolutionized the hobby by proving to be an invaluable asset to any aquarium clean-up crew. Larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp, Amanos are famous for their appetite for nuisance algae, including the stubborn hair and string varieties that other shrimp ignore. They feature a translucent body decorated with a pattern of broken tan or brown horizontal lines and a subtle stripe running down the back. **Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock. Key Features & Notes Tank-raised juveniles shipped at 0.75 to 1.5 inches for optimal adaptation. Renowned clean-up crew targeting hair algae, string algae, diatoms, and detritus. Resilient species, often living 2 to 3 years in a stable environment. Larger than Neocaridina, a peaceful companion for community tanks with bigger fish. Thrives across a wide range of water parameters once acclimated, unlike delicate Bee shrimp. Constantly foraging, keeping the aquarium ecosystem balanced and clean. Care Specifications Provide a spacious setup with a 10-gallon tank minimum to accommodate their high activity levels and larger adult size. Keep water parameters completely free of copper treatment medications or fertilizers containing heavy metals. Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Caridina multidentata Common Name(s) Amano Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Japanese Swamp Shrimp Care Difficulty Easy Adult Size 2.00"+ (5.0+ cm) Diet Omnivore / Heavy Algae & Biofilm Grazing Minimum Tank Size 10 Gallons Temperature Range 65°F–84°F (18°C–29°C) pH Range 6.5–8.0 General Hardness (GH) 1–15 dGH Carbonate Hardness (KH) 1–10 dKH Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 80–450 ppm Lifespan 2–3 Years Frequently Asked Questions 1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock? Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup. 2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy? It depends on the species! Neocaridina and Amano shrimp thrive in inert substrates like gravel or sand, while Caridina species like Crystal Red Shrimp prefer active aquasoils that buffer pH down. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide. 3. Will Amano Shrimp overpopulate my aquarium? No, Amano Shrimp will not overpopulate home setups. Breeding Amano Shrimp is uniquely challenging because the newborn larvae require a transition into brackish or saltwater to survive before returning to fresh water as juveniles. To learn more about reproductive cycles for shrimp for aquariums, read our guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp. 4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner? Yes, Amano Shrimp are incredibly hardy and ideal for beginners due to their wide parameter tolerance and resilience in community tanks. Get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.
