Shrimp Name: Amano Shrimp/ Yamato Numa Ebi/ Algae Eating shrimp (Caridina multidentata formerly Caridina Japonica) (Low Order)

Origin: Japan

Description: Can you believe that I was named after some guy called Takashi Amano. That is just so wrong; I have my own name you know. You can call me Amano. I have a very distinctive appearance. I have a nice line that runs down my body from top to bottom. Our female shrimp have brown dash lines (broken lines) and the males have dotted lines. I am white transparent, but not as transparent as the Ghost shrimp. Sometimes I have a light bluish appearance. When fully mature I average a size range of 3 – 5cm. I am highly desired by aquarists because of my algae eating habits and I do make such a wonderful addition to the tank. For all those people who don’t know how to keep an algae bloom in check, if you really have run out of ideas, you can pick me instead. The aquarist Takashi Amano was the first to realize that I am an algae eater. I am considered to be one of the best algae eating shrimp and way better than the Cherry shrimp.

Water Parameters: I can adjust to any temperatures, but that does not mean freezing or boiling water. Temperatures ranges around 20 – 30 ° C.  pH 6.5 -7.8.  Like all shrimp my survival depends on your ability to make regular water changes, with no detectable ammonia.

Sexing: Females are larger than males and can also be sexed by looking at the markings. The females have dashes on the side whilst the males have a row of dots.

Breeding: In order for my larvae to survive and successfully transform into mini me, brackish water is imperative. The larvae of an Amano shrimp can only survive in fresh water for a couple of days and in order to ensure their survival they should be transferred into brackish conditions. The reason for this is because in my natural habitat, the larvae are carried downstream after hatching. They need brackish water during the first weeks. It is not possible to replicate this pattern in a tank so the alternative is to put a berried amino shrimp in a separate tank until the larvae hatch. The female should be removed and gradually raise the salinity to about 17 grammes per litre.

Compatibility: We are a peaceful species and we can live with just about anyone except any aggressive fish. We are compatible with any dwarf shrimp and therefore our caretakers should not worry about any fishy inbreeding going on. I hate repeating myself but this is important especially for my ego, I might be difficult to breed but I can live with any other shrimp.