Amano Shrimp

The Amano shrimp is named after Takashi Amano, the pioneer of planted aquarium art; it became famous through its use in his aquariums to clear thread algae. Its gray, translucent body has broken lines of dark dots along the sides and a light stripe along the back. Reaching 5–6 cm, it grows noticeably larger than Neocaridina shrimp.

It lives in freshwater streams close to the coast in Japan and Taiwan. Its larvae drift down to the sea and develop in salt water; the juveniles then migrate back upstream into fresh water, against the current.

• Volume: 30 liters or more for 3–5 individuals.
• Water: 20–26°C, neutral and soft to moderately hard. Stay away from products containing copper.
• Escapes: When water quality deteriorates it tries to climb out of the aquarium; sudden escape attempts are a warning to check water parameters.
• Filter intake: Adults are not sucked in, but a sponge guard is still a good idea.

Omnivorous with a very big appetite. It eats thread algae, biofilm, leftover food and decaying plant matter. When algae in the aquarium runs low it should be supplemented with shrimp food, spirulina tablets and blanched vegetables; otherwise it may nibble soft-leaved plants. Grabbing a tablet and running off with it at feeding time is a familiar sight.

Peaceful; it leaves fish alone. At feeding time it is greedy and pushy toward other shrimp but does them no harm.

Good companions: Peaceful community fish (tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus), red cherry shrimp, nerite snails. Because of its size it does not become prey for small fish.

Avoid: Angelfish, cichlids, goldfish and large fish whose mouths can fit a shrimp.

Because Amano shrimp do not breed in fresh water, no colony is formed; instead a cleanup crew is put together according to the size of the aquarium and the amount of algae. The general rule is one Amano per 10–20 liters; 3–6 Amanos are enough for a 60-liter planted aquarium.

In a larger group they become bolder and can be seen during the day as well. As algae in the aquarium decreases, extra food should be given; otherwise hungry Amanos may nibble soft plants.

Females regularly carry eggs and release larvae in the aquarium, but the larvae need salt water; in fresh water they die within a few days. That is why it does not breed in the aquarium. Breeding requires gradually moving the larvae into salt water in a separate container and feeding them phytoplankton for weeks; it takes expertise.

• Failed molts: Sudden water changes and unsuitable hardness.
• Mass deaths: Copper, pesticides and ammonia.
• Newly arrived Amanos hide during the first days; this is normal.

Females are larger and stockier; the markings on their sides are long, broken dashes. Males are smaller, and their dots are smaller, rounder and evenly spaced.