Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata, the Amano Shrimp, was brought to worldwide attention by legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, who used large groups of these shrimp to control algae in his Nature Aquarium-style planted tanks. It remains the gold standard for algae control among freshwater invertebrates, consuming hair algae, thread algae, and various other nuisance algae types that few other creatures will touch.

The Amano Shrimp is a large, robust shrimp with a semi-transparent grey-beige body dotted with rows of small brown or reddish-brown spots. Females are noticeably larger than males and develop a longer row of dots that curves upward compared to males' straight rows. It is peaceful, active throughout the day, and compatible with a wide range of community fish provided the fish are not large enough to eat shrimp.

Breeding Amano Shrimp in captivity is extremely challenging as the larvae are marine planktotrophic, requiring salt water and specific phytoplankton to complete development. Wild-caught or farm-bred specimens are the primary source.

Water: 15–27°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 6–15; highly adaptable to most dechlorinated freshwater. Tank: minimum 20 L; plants, driftwood and algae growth essential; strong filtration preferred. Feeding: primary algae grazer; supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables if algae is scarce. Breeding: not practical in home aquaria; larvae require saltwater and marine phytoplankton. Compatibility: excellent with most community fish; avoid large cichlids and fish that eat shrimp.