Amano Shrimp

The Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is the largest of the commonly kept freshwater dwarf shrimp and the one most often bought for a job rather than for looks. It comes from streams in Japan and Taiwan, and it is a translucent grey-brown with a neat row of dark dashes along each flank and a pale stripe down the back. Takashi Amano popularised it in planted aquascapes because it works through hair and thread algae that few other animals will touch.

Aquarium care

• Adults reach about 5 cm, noticeably larger than cherry shrimp.
• Peaceful, active and busy throughout the day.
• Keep a group of five or more; they settle far better in company.
• Omnivorous scavenger: algae, biofilm, leftover food, sinking wafers.
• Spends its time on the substrate, wood and plant leaves.
• Will not breed in a freshwater tank, as the larvae need brackish water.
• Use a lid; they are strong climbers.

Best suited to planted tanks and to communities of small, peaceful fish. Anything with a mouth large enough to swallow a shrimp is a poor match, so think carefully before adding them to a tank with adult cichlids or large barbs.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current shrimp list.