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Maximum size : 6 cm
Amano Shrimp - Caridina multidentata : Complete Shrimp Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Amano Shrimp, known for their adaptability, peaceful nature, and efficient cleaning abilities, make for an excellent choice for beginner aquarists looking to add invertebrates to their tanks. These Shrimp are great algae eaters, keeping your aquarium clean and well-maintained, and can thrive in various water temperatures, including garden ponds in frost-free areas. Amano Shrimp can coexist with other peaceful, non-aggressive fish, making them an excellent addition to a community aquarium. When selecting tank mates, it's essential to consider species that are not too aggressive or predatory. Suitable tank mates for Amano Shrimp include Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Catfish, and freshwater Snails. It's advisable to keep the Shrimp in odd-numbered groups, ensuring that there are more females than males to prevent any dominant behavior. The perfect aquarium setup for Amano Shrimp should include live aquarium plants, as they provide hiding places, grazing areas, and climbing spots for the Shrimp. Driftwood roots or branches will offer further hiding spots and additional areas to graze on. Amano Shrimp have unique glass-like bodies, with light brown, green, or reddish-brown hues, solid dots and dashes that run the entire length of their body, and a narrow whitish-cream coloured stripe that runs from head to tail. Their eyes are black, and they have lengthy antennae, which adds to their visual appeal. Overall, Amano Shrimp are an excellent addition to any aquarium, offering both beauty and practicality. Their hardiness and adaptability make them a suitable option for novice and experienced aquarists alike.Amano Shrimp Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexing Amano Shrimp can be challenging, as the differences between males and females are relatively subtle. Typically, females have a larger and more rounded abdomen, while males have a straighter, narrower body shape. In general, females are significantly larger than males.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Caridina multidentata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1860 |
| Other Names | Algae Eating Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Japonica, Japanese shrimp |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Caridina |
| Origins | Japan Taiwan Philippines China Fiji Madagascar |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | N/A |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 2 - 3 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6 .5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| KH | 1 - 10 |
| TDS | 100 - 450 |
| ℉ | 70 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21.1 - 26.7 |
Natural Habitat
Amano shrimp are native to the Ogasawara Islands in Micronesia, located directly south of Tokyo, Japan. However, you can also find them in other countries such as Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, Fiji, and Madagascar. Amano shrimp typically inhabit freshwater streams and rivers, as well as marshes and swamps, where they can easily find aquatic plants and algae to feed on, while the substrate is soft. Interestingly, during breeding periods, Amano shrimp will migrate to brackish water or saltwater areas. This is because the larvae need saltier water to survive the first few stages of their life. Adding Amano shrimp to your aquarium is an excellent way to showcase their unique beauty and contribute to their conservation efforts. So why wait? Explore the wonders of Amano shrimp and add a touch of Micronesia to your home today!Breeding
Breeding Amano Shrimp in a home aquarium can be challenging, but it is a rewarding experience for the determined aquarist. However, raising the young beyond the larvae stage of development requires patience and specific care. To breed Amano Shrimp, the water parameters must be stable and the environment safe, with slightly higher temperatures than usual and brackish water. Although natural mating is typical, breeding requires careful attention, and young shrimp must be raised in a separate tank with optimal conditions. The female Amano Shrimp can lay anywhere between 1000-3000 eggs, which remain on her swimmerets below the stomach until they are ready to hatch. The eggs are evident, changing from green to yellowish-brown, and hatching can take up to five weeks.Diet & feeding
Rewritten: Amano Shrimps are renowned for being easy to feed as they readily consume various types of algae and almost any form of waste, including fish feces or decaying plants. However, a balanced diet is essential, and providing dried food such as pellets and algae wafers as well as green vegetables is recommended. Moss balls and sponge filters are also great additions to the aquarium for these Shrimp as the fine food particles tend to collect on them, providing a leisurely feeding opportunity.Videos
