Description

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Care Guide

The Amano Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina multidentata, is arguably the most effective natural cleaner in the hobby. Named after the legendary Japanese aquarist Takashi Amano, who popularised its use in planted tanks, this shrimp is a dedicated scavenger and an essential member of the aquarium fauna. They are best known for consuming types of algae that many other species ignore, such as stubborn hair and filamentous algae.

Key Characteristics and Origin

• Scientific Name: Caridina multidentata (formerly Caridina japonica)
• Origin: Native to Japan and parts of Taiwan, inhabiting river systems where they migrate to brackish water to breed.
• Maximum Size: Females are typically larger, reaching up to $5\text{ cm}$ (around $2$ inches); males are slightly smaller.
• Appearance: They possess a translucent, greyish body that may exhibit hints of green or brown, covered in a pattern of small, reddish-brown dots or dashes. This colouration often changes slightly depending on their diet and environment.
• Temperament: Extremely peaceful. They are active scavengers and will spend all day grazing on surfaces.

Aquarium Environment and Setup

Amano Shrimp thrive in mature, stable, and clean environments. Stability is far more important than any specific parameter.

Tank Size and Filtration

• Minimum Tank Size: A small group can be kept in tanks as small as $40\text{ litres}$ ($9$ UK gallons), but larger tanks are better for stability.
• Filtration: Standard internal or external canister filtration is suitable. Ensure the filter intake is covered with a sponge pre-filter or fine mesh to prevent the tiny shrimp (especially juveniles) from being drawn into the filter.
• Maintenance: Shrimp are highly sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry, especially nitrates. Regular, small water changes ($10-20\%$ weekly) are preferable to large, infrequent changes.

Habitat and Decor (Essential)

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is fine, as they do not burrow, but they will actively graze on surfaces.
• Plants and Wood: They require a heavily planted tank to provide security, grazing areas, and cover, especially during the vulnerable molting process. Java Moss and driftwood are highly recommended, as they offer excellent surfaces for the formation of biofilm (their natural food source).
• Hiding Spots: Use small caves, rock piles, or dense clumps of plants to offer immediate defence and security.

Water Parameters

Amano Shrimp are hardy once acclimated but require zero ammonia and zero nitrite. They can tolerate a neutral to slightly alkaline range.

Diet and Feeding

While famous for algae control, they are omnivores and dedicated scavengers. Do not assume they will survive solely on algae.

• Primary Diet: Biofilm and various soft algae (especially hair algae).
• Supplementation: Provide high-quality sinking shrimp pellets or wafers that are rich in vegetable matter and calcium (essential for their shell).
• Vegetables: Offer blanched vegetables such as spinach, kale, courgette, or cucumber every few days. Remove uneaten portions after $24$ hours to maintain water quality.
• Important: If the algae in the tank diminishes, supplemental feeding is crucial to prevent them from starving.

Compatibility and Special Considerations

Tank Mates

Only keep Amano Shrimp with very peaceful and small fish.

• Suitable Companions: Small Tetras (e.g., Neon or Ember Tetras), Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Rasboras, and other smaller, docile community fish.
• Avoid: Any fish with large mouths that could potentially eat the shrimp (e.g., Angelfish, medium to large Cichlids, Goldfish). Even typically peaceful fish like Guppies or Bettas may occasionally harass or eat shrimplets, though adult Amanos are too large for most.

Sensitivity to Copper and Chemicals

• Copper: Shrimp are highly sensitive to heavy metals, most notably copper. Even small traces found in certain fish medications can be fatal. Always check the active ingredients of any treatments before using them in a shrimp tank.
• Molting: Shrimp periodically shed their hard outer shell (exoskeleton) to grow. This process, called molting, leaves them very vulnerable and soft. Do not remove the shed shell; they will eat it to replenish vital calcium and minerals. A successful molt indicates good water quality and adequate mineral content.

Breeding

Amano Shrimp will frequently carry eggs (referred to as a “berried” female) in freshwater, but the eggs will not successfully hatch into adult shrimp. Their larvae require brackish water (a mix of fresh and salt water) to develop, making their captive breeding significantly more challenging than that of Neocaridina species (like the Cherry Shrimp).

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