Amano Shrimp Care Guide
3 min read · Updated Jan 2026
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are the hardest-working algae eaters in the hobby. Larger and more active than cherry shrimp, they earn their keep clearing nuisance algae from planted tanks.
In this guide
Species Snapshot
- Tank size
- 10+ gallons
- Temperature
- 65-80°F
- pH
- 6.0-7.6
- GH
- 6-12 dGH
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Adult size
- 2 in
- Diet
- Omnivore / algae
If cherry shrimp are the hobby's gateway invertebrate, Amano shrimp are its workhorse. Made famous by the aquascaper Takashi Amano, these translucent, two-inch shrimp eat more algae than any other commonly kept invertebrate, which makes them a near-default addition to planted tanks.
What you need
Amano shrimp need the same stable, cycled tank as any shrimp, but their larger size means they appreciate a bit more swimming room and a tank with established algae and biofilm to graze.
Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter (Medium)
Keeps larger shrimp tanks safe — high biological capacity, zero risk to baby shrimp.
A sponge filter keeps the tank shrimp-safe, but Amanos are sturdy enough that they also do well with a hang-on-back filter fitted with a pre-filter sponge over the intake.
Tank size and setup
A 10 gallon tank is a reasonable minimum, and a 20 gallon or larger planted tank is where Amanos really shine. They are active foragers that roam the entire tank, so floor space and plenty of plants or hardscape to climb keep them busy and visible.
As with all shrimp, cycle the tank fully before adding them. Amanos are hardy, but they are not immune to ammonia.
Water parameters
Amano shrimp accept a wide range: 65 to 80°F, a pH of 6.0 to 7.6, and a GH of 6 to 12 dGH. Like all shrimp they molt as they grow, so adequate mineral hardness is important for a clean molt.
Their larger size makes them slightly more forgiving of minor swings than cherry shrimp, but stability is still the goal.
Common mistakes
- Buying too few — one or two shrimp cannot keep up with a real algae problem
- Expecting them to clear black beard algae overnight; they prefer soft green and biofilm
- Overfeeding the tank, which gives shrimp easy food and stops them grazing algae
- Using any copper-based product, which is lethal to all shrimp
Diet and feeding
In a tank with a healthy algae and biofilm supply, Amano shrimp need almost no supplemental feeding. If algae runs low, offer a small amount of shrimp food, an algae wafer, or a piece of blanched zucchini once or twice a week.
A telltale sign you are overfeeding the tank: the shrimp ignore the algae and wait around for food. Cut back, and they will get back to work.
Building a planted tank?
Use our Tank Builder to spec a planted setup — light, substrate, filter, and the gear that keeps shrimp safe.
Build my tank kit →Tank mates
Amano shrimp are peaceful and pair well with small, non-aggressive community fish and other shrimp. Because adults are two inches long, they are too big for most fish to eat, which makes them easier to keep in a community tank than tiny cherry shrimp.
Avoid large cichlids, goldfish, or anything big enough to view a two-inch shrimp as a snack.
Breeding
This is where Amanos differ sharply from cherry shrimp. Females readily carry eggs, but the hatched larvae require brackish water to survive and then must transition back to freshwater. Replicating that at home is a real project, so the vast majority of keepers buy Amanos as algae crew rather than breed them.
Recommended products
Pair your Amanos with a quality light and substrate to grow the plants that keep them fed and happy.
NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted Light
Great value full-spectrum LED that grows most easy to medium plants.
CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted Substrate
Mineral-rich black substrate that feeds plants and looks great behind colorful shrimp.
Anubias Nana (Potted)
Nearly indestructible low-light plant — tie it to hardscape and ignore it.
Add a group of Amano shrimp to a stable, planted tank and you gain a tireless cleanup crew that keeps algae down and the whole aquarium looking sharp.