Amano shrimp

They cannot be bred in freshwater

This is the defining fact, and it is worth understanding before you buy. Unlike Neocaridina and crystal reds, which release fully formed miniature shrimp, Amano females release free-swimming larvae that require brackish or saltwater to develop, then migrate back to fresh water as juveniles.

In a home aquarium the larvae simply die within a few days. Females will berry up and release repeatedly — nothing survives. Breeding them deliberately means a separate saltwater larval tank, precise salinity staging and a high failure rate, and it is a serious project rather than a weekend one.

The practical consequence: an Amano population only goes down. Plan on replacing them occasionally rather than expecting a self-sustaining colony. On the other hand they live two to three years or more, which is considerably longer than most Neocaridina.

What they actually eat

Amanos are the best general algae eaters available, but they are not a universal solvent. Setting expectations properly:

A hungry Amano is a far better algae eater than a well-fed one. If you feed the tank heavily, they will eat the food instead — they are fast, assertive, and will carry a pellet away from a much larger fish. Keep feeding modest if you want them working.

Care

Males are smaller with a row of evenly spaced dots along the flank; females are larger with the dots drawn into dashes. Both are translucent grey-green with a pale dorsal stripe.

Copper is lethal, as with every shrimp. They are strong climbers and will leave an open tank — particularly if water quality drops — so keep a lid on and treat an escape attempt as a signal to test your water.

Tankmates

Their size makes them the practical choice for a community tank where Neocaridina would be eaten. They are safe with most peaceful and semi-boisterous community fish, including larger tetras, rainbowfish, barbs and corydoras. They are not safe with anything big enough to swallow them — cichlids, large gouramis, most predators.

They will harass slow feeders at mealtimes and they will steal from bottom-dwellers. If you keep shy fish, feed in more than one place.

Amanos and Neocaridina coexist without issue — different genus, no interbreeding, same water. That is the one shrimp mix that works.

Where they fit

If you want a colony that multiplies and a splash of colour, buy cherries. If you want a working crew that keeps a planted tank clean and can live alongside fish, buy Amanos. Plenty of tanks should have both.

See also our parameter reference and aquascaping supplies at Pet Zone.

Questions we get asked

Can amano shrimp breed in a freshwater aquarium?

No. Females release free-swimming larvae that need brackish or saltwater to develop and then return to fresh water as juveniles. In a home freshwater tank the larvae die within days, so an amano population only declines over time.

Do amano shrimp eat black beard algae?

Generally not. They are excellent on hair and thread algae, soft green film and diatoms, but black beard algae, green spot and cyanobacteria are lighting, CO2 and flow problems that no animal will fix.

How many amano shrimp do I need?

About one per two to three gallons for algae control — six in a 20-gallon planted tank is a reasonable start. They also graze more effectively in groups.

Are amano shrimp safe with fish?

At around two inches they are too large for most community fish to eat, which makes them a better choice than cherry shrimp for a stocked tank. Anything able to swallow them, such as cichlids or large gouramis, is not safe.

Can I keep amano shrimp with cherry shrimp?

Yes. They are different genera so they cannot interbreed, and they want the same water. It is the one shrimp combination that works without compromise.

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