Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

08 November 2026

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The Amano shrimp, Caridina multidentata, is a peaceful freshwater aquarium shrimp recognized by its translucent body and reddish-brown speckles. It is a useful grazer of algae and biofilm, but it requires stable, mature water and secure tank cover. Adults are generally hardy, while successful reproduction is challenging because the larvae require brackish conditions before completing development in freshwater.

Taxonomy and identification

The Amano shrimp is Caridina multidentata, a decapod crustacean in the family Atyidae. It has a mostly translucent body, long antennae, a distinct rostrum, and variable reddish-brown to dark spots and short markings along the sides. Females are usually larger and deeper-bodied than males. Color and pattern can change with background, diet, stress, and lighting.

Natural habitat

Caridina multidentata is native to freshwater streams and rivers in Japan and parts of Taiwan. Adults inhabit flowing, oxygen-rich freshwater with rocks, wood, leaf litter, plants, algae, and microbial growth available for grazing. In nature, reproduction involves downstream movement of larvae to more mineral-rich and saline water, followed by migration of juveniles back into freshwater.

Aquarium setup and water parameters

Provide a mature, fully cycled aquarium with gentle to moderate circulation, good oxygenation, hiding places, and surfaces carrying natural biofilm. Fine-leaved plants, moss, wood, and smooth rock are useful. A lid or covered filter openings help prevent escapes. A practical range is 18–28 °C and pH 6.5–7.8. Avoid ammonia and nitrite, sudden parameter changes, copper-based medications, and large or abrupt water changes. Moderate hardness and adequate calcium and magnesium support normal shell formation.

Feeding

Amano shrimp spend much of the day grazing on algae, biofilm, microorganisms, and soft organic material. In a well-established aquarium, supplement this natural grazing with small portions of shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, or other sinking foods. Feed sparingly and remove uneaten food. They are not a substitute for controlling the causes of persistent algae, and they may be outcompeted in heavily stocked tanks.

Tank mates

Keep them in groups where possible, especially in planted community aquariums. Suitable companions include peaceful small fish, snails, and other non-aggressive freshwater invertebrates with compatible water requirements. Avoid large, predatory, fin-nipping, or highly boisterous fish, which may eat or continually harass them. Newly molted shrimp and small individuals are particularly vulnerable, so dense plants and crevices are important.

Molting and health

Amano shrimp periodically shed their exoskeleton to grow. A freshly molted shrimp may be pale, inactive, and hidden while its new shell hardens. Leave shed exoskeletons in the aquarium; they may be eaten and provide useful minerals. Stable water, adequate dietary minerals, low pollutants, and cover reduce molting problems. A shrimp that repeatedly fails to molt, loses limbs, or becomes lethargic may be experiencing poor water quality, mineral imbalance, stress, or disease.

Breeding

Breeding in freshwater is possible, but raising the young is difficult. After mating, a female carries many small eggs beneath her abdomen and fans them with her pleopods. The eggs hatch into planktonic larvae that require carefully managed brackish or marine-leaning salinity, appropriate food, oxygenation, and clean water. After metamorphosis, juveniles can be gradually acclimated to freshwater. Unlike Neocaridina species, Amano shrimp generally do not produce fully formed freshwater juveniles, so a normal community aquarium rarely raises a complete generation.

Care summary

A mature, stable, planted aquarium with biofilm, gentle flow, hiding places, and peaceful tank mates suits Amano shrimp well. Their tolerance of a reasonably broad temperature and pH range makes them accessible to many aquarists, but stability is more important than pursuing an exact number. Identification from photographs alone can be uncertain because several translucent Caridina species have similar patterns; the supplied name is therefore treated as the intended identification.

Shrimp info

Size: 3.5–5 cm
Difficulty level: Beginner-Intermediate
Temperature : 18–28 °C
pH: 6.5–7.8

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