Amano Shrimp

Popularized by legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, the Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata, formerly Caridina japonica) is the undisputed powerhouse of planted-tank algae control. Growing to 4.5–5 cm and living 3–4 years, its strong chelipeds shred stubborn filamentous hair algae, staghorn algae, and detritus across hardscape rocks and driftwood far faster than smaller dwarf shrimp.

Amano shrimp thrive in well-oxygenated water (20–27 °C, pH 6.2–7.5, GH 6–10) and require a tight lid or lowered waterline: if dissolved oxygen drops at night (especially in CO₂-injected aquascapes) or ammonia/nitrite spikes occur, Amanos are notorious escape artists that climb out via filter hoses. Stock 1 shrimp per 5–10 liters for active algae control.

Primarily herbivorous and a voracious eater of filamentous hair algae, brush algae, and diatoms. Once visible algae is cleared, supplement with spirulina wafers, blanched zucchini, and mineral pellets—otherwise starving Amanos may nibble tender shoots of Alternanthera or fine mosses.

Amphidromous lifecycle: females frequently carry hundreds of tiny eggs in freshwater tanks, but newly hatched planktonic larvae (zoea) cannot survive in freshwater beyond 4–6 days. Raising them requires transferring larvae to full-strength marine water (30–35 ppt) with microalgae for 30–40 days before metamorphosis—meaning Amano shrimp will never overpopulate your planted aquarium.