Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) in a freshwater aquarium
Easy carePeacefulBottom/Surfaces dwellerStreams of Japan

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is a peaceful shrimp that's easy to keep. Give it a tank of at least 30 litres (8 US gallons), water held at 59-81°F, and a pH of 6.5-8.

Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size7.9 US gal
pH range6.5-8
Temperature59-81°F
Max size2.0 in (5.0 cm)
Captive lifespan1-3 years
SchoolingNo
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Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Streams of Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Amano Shrimp Tank Setup

A tank of 30 litres (8 US gallons) or more with rock-steady water suits them best - keep it at 59-81°F with a pH around 6.5-8. Stable conditions matter most, as shrimp struggle to moult and breed when parameters bounce around.

What Do Amano Shrimp Eat?

They're bottom feeders, so give them sinking wafers, tablets, or frozen treats like bloodworm once the lights go down. Flakes that never reach the bottom leave them hungry even when the tank looks well-fed.

Amano Shrimp Tank Mates

Sensitive to copper and some medications. The Amano Shrimp is peaceful, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. Good matches come down to the whole stocking list working together - temperature, tank size, and temperament - not any single label. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Amano Shrimp Good for Beginners?

Reasonable early choice after cycling. Buy after the tank has stable ammonia and nitrite readings, not the same weekend you fill it.

Amano Shrimp - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Amano Shrimp need?

Amano Shrimp need a tank of at least 30 litres (8 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Amano Shrimp need?

Keep them at 59-81°F with a pH of 6.5-8, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Amano Shrimp eat?

Amano Shrimp are bottom feeders. Give them sinking wafers, tablets, and frozen foods that settle on the substrate, ideally after the lights go off. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Amano Shrimp good for beginners?

Yes - Amano Shrimp are a reasonable beginner fish once the tank is cycled and parameters are stable. Add them after ammonia and nitrite read 0 ppm, not the same day you fill the tank.

Guides that pair with this fish

Browse species guides · Water parameters cheat sheet

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Fish to avoid mixing with Amano Shrimp

These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.

  • OscarPredator - Oscar will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • AxolotlPredator - Axolotl will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Betta (Male)Predator - Betta (Male) will eat or injure smaller tank mates