Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Meet the Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) — the ultimate algae-crunching, tank-cleaning superhero. These little guys are like the janitors of the aquarium world, quietly munching away at algae while looking effortlessly cool. And bonus: they won’t steal the spotlight with flashy colours, but they make up for it with non-stop work ethic and charm.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 L (bigger is better — more space to graze and perform acrobatics)

• Temperature: 18 – 28 °C (they like it comfortable, not tropical sauna style)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Water Hardness: 4 – 12 dGH

• Filtration: Sponge or gentle filter to protect babies and adults

• Substrate & Décor: Plants, mosses, driftwood, and rocks for grazing and hideouts — they love exploring

Diet

Amano Shrimp are primarily herbivores, but they’re happy with a bit of variety:

• Algae and biofilm (their daily buffet)

• Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and cucumber

• Shrimp-specific pellets or wafers

• Occasional protein treats like daphnia or finely crushed flakes

Pro tip: Feed sparingly — these shrimp are graze-all-day champions.

Social Behavior

Amano Shrimp are peaceful, team-oriented, and thrive in groups of 5 or more. They get along with almost any community tank mates — small fish, peaceful rasboras, tetras, and snails are all fair game. Avoid large or aggressive fish that might see them as an appetizer.

Breeding

Here’s the catch: Amano Shrimp don’t breed in freshwater. Their larvae require brackish water to develop, so in most home aquariums, you’ll enjoy watching their hard work and personality rather than babysitting babies. Think of them as permanent tank guardians!

⭐ Fun Fact

Amano Shrimp were popularized by Takashi Amano, the legendary aquascaper, for their incredible algae-eating skills. They can clean algae in hard-to-reach spots, making them the unsung heroes of planted tanks — basically tiny, graceful, six-legged janitors with ninja skills. ✨

Reference: Bubbly Fish – creating underwater wonders.