Caridina japonica
| Common Names: | Amano Shrimp Algae-Eating Shrimp |
| Salinity: | Freshwater |
| Distribution: | Native to southern Japan and Korea. |
| Care: | Provide a tank of at least five gallons. Care is easy and the majority of water parameters are tolerated, though extremes should be avoided. As this shrimp eats primarily algae, it is best kept in an established tank that already has some algal growth. Hiding places such as rocks, plants, and driftwood are required, because Amano Shrimp may be slightly territorial among each other. Additionally, when not foraging for food, this shrimp prefers to take shelter in shady areas of the tank. Do not house the Amano Shrimp, or any aquarium shrimp, with invertebrate-eating fish such as puffers, large cichlids, or loaches. Gouramis, Bettas, and moderately-sized catfish may also harm the Amano shrimp. Many fish medications, particularly those containing copper compounds (common ingredients in many ich treatments), are extremely toxic to aquarium shrimp. If treating the tank is necessary, use only medications that are labled as safe for aquarium invertebrates. |
| Feeding: | The Amano Shrimp feeds primarily on algae found in the aquarium. It will also, however, scavenge any left over fish food and eat sinking foods added to the tank (such as shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and vegetables). It will also eat any small live foods it can catch. While not considered predatory towards fish, this shrimp will eat unprotected fish eggs and young fish fry if it is able to catch them. It may also attack dying fish that are unable to defend themselves, and also feed upon already deceased fish. Free-swimming fry are generally considered safe with this shrimp. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 5cm (2") Female: 5cm (2") |
| Comments: | Now one of the most popular aquarium shrimp, the Amano Shrimp was introduced to the hobby by the world-renowned aquarist and photographer Takashi Amano (as indicated by the shrimp's common name). This shrimp is known for its algae-eating abilities, and is one of the few species in the hobby that will eat filamentous algae. Despite the fact that this shrimp is so common in the aquarium hobby, it is actully quite difficult to breed in a home aquarium. It is not uncommon to see females carrying eggs on their swimmerets, but the eggs require brackish water to hatch. The shrimp larvae exist in a drifting, planktonic state before assuming a benthic, freshwater lifestyle after molting several times. |
| Image Credit: | Natalie |
| Submitted By: | Natalie |
| Contributors: | Natalie |
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