Amano Yamato Japonica Shrimp
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata is a species of shrimp native to Japan and Taiwan. Most commonly known as Amano shrimp, Japanese shrimp, Yamato shrimp, and algae shrimp. It is commonly accepted that Caridina multidentata was introduced into the world of aquaria by Takashi Amano in the early 1980s. They are usually used in an aquarium because they feed on algae. Caridina multidentata was previously known to aquarists as Caridina japonica but was renamed Caridina multidentata in 2006.
Amano shrimps are one of the larger shrimp species in the hobby and can reach 3 and 6 cms fully grown. Due to their larger size when compared to cherry shrimp, they make a more suitable addition to community tanks with bigger fish.
Cardinia multidentata species have a translucent body covered with a line of red-brown points on its sides. The dorsal surface has a white stripe that runs from the head to the tail and the eyes are black. Females are distinguished from males by their more elongated lower row of dots.
As with all shrimp species – do not use copper treatments, copper is extremely harmful to crustaceans. We do not actively treat our in-house shrimp aquaria other than with a supplementary dose of shrimp salt where required. We do not treat for bacteria, fungus or worms due to the copper contained within these treatments – please be mindful of this before you purchase.
Can I house fish and shrimp together?
Caution must be taken with all shrimp species if you are considering housing with fish. There are plenty of fish species that will live quite happily with shrimp. Please do your research however, as many fish, even community species, will view shrimp as food and attempt to eat them. As a general rule, do not house with larger fish that can fit a shrimp in its mouth.
What do Amano shrimp eat?
Amano shrimp thrive best on a diet of aquarium algae supplemented by algae wafers and occasional protein in the form of pellets, flakes, or frozen or live daphnia.
How many Amano shrimp should I keep together?
It is recommended that Amano shrimp are kept in a group of 6 or more to help reduce any dominant behavior. They have such a small bioload that you don’t need to worry about overstocking the tank.
Do Amano Shrimp eat fish poo?
Many people consider Amano shrimps to be clean-up crew that eat the poop in an aquarium, but their main food source is algae and it is not widely accepted that they eat fish waste. They have been seen to break down waste, which can be beneficial in terms of filtration, but Amano Shrimps also leave their poo in the tank which no one eats, so its a circular argument.
Features
Approx. size: 1cm -3cm
Maximum size: 3″ / 6cm
Origin: Japan, Taiwan
Family: Atyidae
Temperament: Peaceful, foraging
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 6+
Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 6.5-7.5
Ideal pH: 6.5–8.0
TDS: 80-400 (tapwater raised)
Water flow: low
Temperature: 18–28 °C
Ease of care
Easy. Fine substrate and plenty of hiding places recommended, as well as a ready source of algae.
Breeding
Fairly easy. Egg layers. Fry may be eaten by fish once hatched. They can survive without an aquarium heater but won’t breed at lower temperatures.
Life Span
They can live to 2-3 years in perfect conditions.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
