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Overview:

Considered one of the best algae eating additions for any aquarium. They are highly sought after by hobbyist and make great additions to any tank. I have never had the pleasure of keeping this shrimp so much of this information is gleaned from deferent sources across the Internet. I would greatly appreciate any comments you have on the care and keeping of these fine animals.

Quick stats:

Listed tank sizes are the minimum
Size:	Up to 2" (5 cm)
Tank:	Any
Strata:	Bottom-middle-top
PH:	6.5-7.7
Hardness:	Hard and alkaline. dH range: 5.0-20.0º
Temperature:	59-80ºF (15-27°C)

Classification:

Order:	Decapoda
Family:	Atyidae
Class:	Crustacea
Genera:	Caridina
Species:	japonica

Common name:

Amano Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Yamato numa-ebi

Image gallery:

Additional species photographs

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Distribution

Yamato region in Japan

Typical for all shrimp species.

Body color consists mostly of a light brown opaque color. On the back shell, there is a tan stripe that runs from the head down to its tail. On the shrimp's side flanks, are a series of broken lateral lines that are a reddish-brown in color. The tail also contain two or more black and white dots.

Maintenance:

Amano shrimp are very tolerant when it comes to water conditions. Since they come from swamps and marshes they can also tolerate different levels of salinity. pH is not overly critical and they will adapt to a wide range due to their home water conditions. A well established planted tank is a must as are very sensitive to ammonia/ammonium. Like most invertebrates they are very sensitive to heavy metals - like copper- as it seems to interfere with their molting process which will cause them to die. You must be careful when choosing tankmates for these fish, small peaceful species are the rule. Cichlids and other large fish will simply see them as food and quickly eat them. This shrimp has been known to live up to three years in captivity. Caridina japonica has been known to eat almost every kind of algae known to the aquarist and this is the main reason they are so highly sought after The Amano are not just a cure all for an algae problem as they are finicky when it comes to how much, and of what type of algae to eat. One algae that Amano do not like, is the dreaded black beard algae. Nevertheless, when they are hungry they will gnaw away at some of it. These shrimp are most active at night, but seem to do a decent job during the day as well. Even if there is an abundance of algae in the tank,. In rare cases, Caridina japonica has even been known to eat plants. Along with eating some living plants and algae, Amano will also eat detritus in the form of dead plant leaves and leftover food.

Found in still and slow-moving marshes and swamps.

Breeding:

The Amano Shrimp is difficult to breed. I have read that there have only been a few people who have managed to breed these shrimp, and even fewer who have managed to raise the fry. It is believed that the mating season lies in late spring or early summer. If fry are produced, they should be removed from the parents, and should be kept in an aquarium with a sponge filter and plenty of algae to eat.

Amano Shrimp Click photo to buy

Your comments:

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From: Diane Date:4/9/2007 I bought 8 Amano shrimp in Feb 2001. I still have 4 buzzing around the tank today (April 2007). Hardy things. I love watching them 'swim' across open water by racing their little legs like cartoon characters. They can shift too ! But if you have a sickly fish in with them, you need to get it into another tank fast else the shrimp will likely finish it off leaving you with nothing but a sad little skeleton. From: A Taaffe Date:2/25/2007 I bought these for my daughter and they keep her community tank clean. So I bought a few more and kept them in my hospital tank which USED to suffer terribly from algae. Several sick fish later, they are still there and doing a great job From: Brian Date:9/03/2005 I have been able to breed and raise these little guys in a planted tank for about a year now. Very dense plants, PH is controlled by Co2 to be about 7.0. They are kept with German blue rams so I'm sure I've lost many. Really haven't done anything special to get this result. Amazing clean-up crew!!! From: Jenny Mallett Date:10/27/2004 Kept these for the last year, pH of 8, nitrate 40ppm. Can't seem to stop them producing eggs. Excellent species to help keep algae levels low, perfect for a community tank. From: Chris Date:10/18/2004 These little guys have kept my tank very clean and are fairly strong. Here in Japan, the water is very hard and is difficult to maintain steady pH levels. They are true survivors! From: Lunchbox Date:3/6/2004 As cool as these are, and the ease of caring for them, they are best kept away from many loach species. I had 2 of these shrimp and my blue loaches seemed to have gotten fatter while there was not even a piece of shrimp remains in the tank. Just a lil hint of caution. From: Einz Date:3/12/2004 Got 2. Very shy when first introduced to tank; kept hiding and even jumped out of tank when I was away. Luckily 1 survived after several minutes outside. Now very outgoing in community tank of tetras and livebearers Sheds old skin after every major water change. Prefers leftovers over algae. Entertaining - must get some more!

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