Amano Shrimp

Overview

The Amano shrimp is one of the most famous algae eaters in the hobby, named after the Japanese aquascaper Takashi Amano who used them to keep his planted tanks spotless. These see-through, greenish shrimp are covered in tiny dots and dashes, and they spend almost every waking moment picking at surfaces to find soft algae, biofilm, and bits of leftover fish food. They are bigger than most dwarf shrimp, which makes them a little bolder and harder for fish to bother.

Amanos come from streams in Asia, and while people often link them to rice paddy country, they are true stream and river shrimp. They are peaceful, active, and fun to watch as they scuttle across leaves and driftwood. One thing to know: like all shrimp and other invertebrates, they are very sensitive to copper, so any medicine or plant fertilizer that contains copper can harm or kill them.

What it is and where it comes from

The Amano shrimp is a freshwater shrimp from clear streams in Japan and other parts of Asia. It grows larger than most colorful dwarf shrimp and has a clear body dotted with little brown or reddish marks. Aquascapers around the world keep them because they are such dedicated algae grazers, working through a tank like a tiny janitor team.

Tank and water needs

Give a small group at least a 10 gallon (38 L) tank with plenty of plants, moss, and driftwood to explore. Keep the water clean and stable, between 70 and 78 F (21 to 26 C), with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. A gentle filter is best because tiny shrimp can get sucked into a strong intake, so cover the intake with a sponge. Never add anything with copper in it.

Diet and feeding

Amano shrimp mostly feed themselves by grazing on algae and biofilm that grows naturally in the tank. In a very clean tank you should offer a little extra food, like a sinking algae wafer, blanched zucchini, or a specialized shrimp pellet a few times a week. They are not fussy, but they do best with a steady supply of green stuff to nibble.

Tankmates and temperament

These shrimp are completely peaceful and will not harm anything. Good tankmates are small, calm fish like tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid big or aggressive fish, and remember that many fish will happily eat baby shrimp, though adult Amanos are usually too large to be swallowed.

Breeding and moulting

Amano shrimp are famous for being hard to breed at home. The tiny babies, called larvae, need salty brackish water to survive their first stage of life, so they almost never make it in a normal freshwater tank. Like all shrimp, Amanos also moult, meaning they shed their old shell to grow a bigger one, and you may find these empty shells lying around (do not worry, the shrimp is fine).

Fun facts

• Amano shrimp are named after the famous Japanese aquascaper Takashi Amano.
• They are among the best natural algae eaters you can add to a planted tank.
• Their babies need brackish (slightly salty) water, so they rarely breed at home.
• Copper is poisonous to them, so copper-based medicines and fertilizers must be avoided.
• They shed their whole shell as they grow, a process called moulting.

Frequently asked questions