About Amano Shrimp
Amano Shrimp are the PREMIER ALGAE EATERS in the freshwater aquarium hobby, capable of consuming types of algae that other shrimp and fish won't touch. Named after legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano who popularized them in the 1980s and 1990s, these hardworking shrimp have become essential members of planted tank cleanup crews worldwide. If you have algae problems, Amanos are often the solution. What makes Amano Shrimp remarkable is the combination of their algae-eating prowess and hardy nature. They're larger than most dwarf shrimp (up to 2.5 inches), have a wide parameter tolerance, and can live alongside community fish that might prey on smaller shrimp. Their translucent bodies with distinctive line patterns make them easy to identify, and watching a group work over a patch of algae is genuinely satisfying. The fascinating complexity of Amano breeding stands in stark contrast to their easy keeping requirements. While adults thrive in simple freshwater setups, breeding requires replicating their natural lifecycle: larvae hatch in freshwater, drift to brackish estuaries, undergo metamorphosis, then migrate back to freshwater. This is why nearly all Amano shrimp in the trade are wild-caught from Japan and Taiwan - commercial breeding operations are rare, and home breeding is an expert-level challenge requiring specialized setups and dedication.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Amano Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Amano Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-400 ppm | 150-300 ppm |
| GH | 4-16 dGH | 6-12 dGH |
| KH | 2-12 dKH | 3-8 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8 | 7-7.5 |
| Temperature | 64-82°F (18-28°C) | 72-79°F |
Tank Setup for Amano Shrimp
- No special requirements - work in most community setups
- Planted tanks provide biofilm and some algae
- Appreciate hiding spots but are confident swimmers
- Standard filtration is fine - they're not as sensitive as dwarf shrimp
- Can handle moderate flow better than smaller shrimp
- Lid recommended as they may jump, especially when stressed
Care Tips for Amano Shrimp
- ALGAE EATING CHAMPIONS - the best in the hobby for most algae types
- Very hardy with wide parameter tolerance - excellent for beginners
- Larger size (up to 2.5 inches) makes them safer with community fish
- Can survive in most tap water conditions without RO
- Active swimmers and foragers - entertaining to watch
- May jump from open tanks - use lids or lower water level
- Long-lived for shrimp (2-3+ years)
Feeding Amano Shrimp
- Primary algae eaters - will consume most algae types including thread algae
- Will NOT eat black beard algae (BBA) - a common misconception
- Supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, quality shrimp food
- Excellent scavengers of uneaten fish food
- May compete with fish for food at feeding time
- Larger size means larger appetite - feed accordingly
Breeding Amano Shrimp
- BREEDING IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT - requires brackish water for larvae
- Females produce 1000-3000 tiny larvae (not shrimplets!)
- Larvae require gradual salinity increase over weeks
- After 4-6 weeks in brackish water, juveniles must return to freshwater
- Most hobbyists cannot successfully breed Amanos
- Nearly all Amanos in trade are wild-caught
- If you see berried Amanos, enjoy watching but don't expect survival
Common Problems with Amano Shrimp
- Escaping from open-top tanks - secure lids or lower water level
- Stealing fish food at feeding time - may need to distract them
- Won't eat black beard algae despite common claims
- Can be aggressive food competitors with smaller shrimp
- Deaths after purchase often from poor acclimation - drip acclimate
- Often wild-caught, so may carry parasites - quarantine recommended
Troubleshooting Amano Shrimp
Pay attention to any behavioral changes that may indicate problems. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Amano Shrimp FAQ
For most algae types, YES. Amanos are the undisputed champions of algae control in freshwater aquariums. They'll consume thread algae, hair algae, soft green algae, and more. However, they will NOT eat black beard algae (BBA) despite common claims. For pure algae-eating ability, nothing beats a group of Amanos.
Amano larvae require BRACKISH WATER to survive - they naturally drift downstream to estuaries. Replicating this lifecycle (freshwater eggs -> brackish larvae -> freshwater juveniles) is extremely difficult. The larvae are tiny, need specific salinity levels, and most die in freshwater. That's why nearly all Amanos are wild-caught.
NO - this is a common misconception. Amano Shrimp will not eat established black beard algae (BBA). They may nibble dying BBA after treatment, but they won't eliminate a BBA problem. Siamese Algae Eaters are better for BBA, or chemical treatments.
Often yes - Amanos' larger size (up to 2.5 inches) makes them safer with Bettas than smaller dwarf shrimp. Most Bettas won't attempt to eat something this large. However, aggressive Bettas may still harass them. Provide hiding spots and observe interactions.
Common causes: poor acclimation (always drip acclimate Amanos), copper poisoning from medications, parameter shock if moving from store to very different home water, or stress from wild-caught shipping. Amanos are hardy once established but need proper introduction.
For algae control, 1 Amano per 2-3 gallons is often recommended. A 20-gallon tank might have 6-10 Amanos. More shrimp = faster algae elimination. They do best in groups and are more active when kept together.
Takashi Amano (1954-2015) was a legendary Japanese aquascaper and photographer who revolutionized planted aquarium keeping. He founded ADA (Aqua Design Amano) and popularized the Nature Aquarium style. He introduced Amano Shrimp to the hobby as algae controllers, and they were named in his honor.
Track Your Amano Shrimp Parameters
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