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Caridina multidentata amano shrimp for planted aquarium tank

Amano Shrimp

$29.99 USD
Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center
All livestock orders are shipped asap using priority services. For their safety, we may delay shipment at our discretion if conditions are not suitable for safe arrival.

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Caridina multidentata, aka Amano Shrimp, is a powerhouse in the planted aquarium hobby and one of the best-known algae eaters. We add these shrimp to nearly every new tank setup to help manage diatoms and other early algae growth. They’re fairly hardy and will tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them great for beginners and a must-have for new aquascapes.

While they don’t breed in freshwater and require special conditions for reproduction, Amano Shrimp can live long, healthy lives with proper care. They are generally peaceful but can be more assertive than other species, making them well-suited for tanks with peaceful to semi-peaceful tankmates. (Essentially, they’re better equipped to defend themselves if needed!) Amano Shrimp also grow larger than most other Caridina, so keep this in mind when deciding if you want to add them to your aquarium. A favorite around here, Amano Shrimp are essential members of any planted aquarium algae squad!

Tank size recommendation: 10G

Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper. If using tap, be sure to use a dechlorinator to ensure safety for your invertebrates.
Amano shrimp are generally peaceful, but can be assertive.

Amano Shrimp: The Real MVPs of Planted Aquariums

Got 99 problems and an algae outbreak is one of them? If you’re not willing to raise chemical warfare in your tank, then allow us to introduce you to our favorite anti-algae super soldiers: Caridina multidentata, code name Amano Shrimp

These shrimp are our top natural defense choice against initial algae problems. Nearly all planted aquariums will face annoying and unsightly algae in the initial stages after setup while it’s stabilizing. You’ll notice the first signs of this stage in your planted tank at around the 2 week mark. Diatomaceous algae, diatoms for short, appears in two forms:

  1. A soft-green type that blankets your tank. Hardscape, plants, free-floating. This kind is easy to remove. A quick swipe from a brush or algae scraper will do the trick.
  2. Its evolved form. A stubborn brownish layer that takes more effort to remove.

If they’re both easy to remove, what’s the problem? The problem is this type of algae’s reproduction rate. It’s fast. Like a weed, diatoms will return in as little as 2-3 days following even the most thorough water change with lots of scrubbing and manual removal. If you’ve been aquascaping for some time, you know that it also likes to grow in hard to reach areas like between your tiny root aquarium carpet plants that haven’t fully rooted yet. Or, between hardscape cracks where no tool may enter comfortably without disrupting the aquascape layout. 

On the bright side, the appearance of diatom algae also signals to aquascapers that the aquarium is fully cycled and livestock can be added. Right around now is when we take advantage of the opportunity to introduce a school of Amano Shrimp. Watch them bring balance through search and destroy of any algae they can get their maxillipeds (feeding legs) on. Give it about a week and a thorough water change. Most aquarists will notice an immediate reduction in this fast-growing algae. And there you have it! These MVP’s may not be as attractive or flashy as their Neocaridina cousins, but they’re not here for looks. Amano Shrimp offers one of the best ways to naturally reduce and prevent algae in a planted aquarium.

Caridina multidentata amano shrimp for planted aquarium tank

On the bright side, the appearance of diatom algae also signals to aquascapers that the aquarium is fully cycled and livestock can be added. Right around now is when we take advantage of the opportunity to introduce a school of Amano Shrimp. Watch them bring balance through search and destroy of any algae they can get their maxillipeds (feeding legs) on. Give it about a week and a thorough water change. Most aquarists will notice an immediate reduction in this fast-growing algae. And there you have it! These MVP’s may not be as attractive or flashy as their Neocaridina cousins, but they’re not here for looks. Amano Shrimp offers one of the best ways to naturally reduce and prevent algae in a planted aquarium.

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Shipping, Returns and Refunds

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Refunds
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