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Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp, Algae Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp
Caridina Multidentata (>2006), Caridina Japonica
Origin	Japan, Taiwan
Size	3.5 ~ 5cm
pH	6 ~ 7.5
Temperature	10 ~ 28ºC
Breeding Type	Low Order Form

Origin

The Amano Shrimp is found in the Yamato River area of Japan and parts of Korea and Taiwan. In Japan, it is a.k.a Japanese Swamp Shrimp, Japanese Marsh Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp and Yamoto Numa-Ebi. Introduced and popularized by famous Aquascaping professional, Takashi Amano, this shrimp is named after him and hence the name "Amano" Shrimp. Following a study by a team of scientists from the National University of Singapore, the University of the Ryukyus and the National Institute for Environmental Studies the scientific name was rename to Caridina Multidentata from Caridina Japonica in 2006.

Characteristic

Transparent grayish or light green body with red-brownish spots on its sides which may look like broken lines, the dorsal surface has a white stripe that runs from the head to the tail. The female is easily distinguished from the male; males are slightly smaller (about 3cm) with more distinct spots while females is larger (about 5cm) with elongated spots forming like broken lines in adulthood.

In the Aquarium

Most (if not all) of the Amano Shrimps selling in aquarium shops are wild caught. As with all other shrimps, proper acclimatizing into the tank is needed. Once acclimatized in the aquarium tank, they are rather active and constantly searching for food. They can be kept with other species of freshwater shrimps except with the aggressive macrobrachia species. Due to their sheer size (compare to smaller species) they can easily pick up and carry the food away, leaving nothing behind for other smaller shrimps. Thus, additional food will be required for a community shrimp tank. Amano Shrimp can be kept with small fish like Rasbora, Badi Badi, Otocinclus.

Food
Being a diligent algae cleaner, with algae and decaying plants as the main source of food, aqua-scaping hobbyists will appreciate this shrimp especially in aquariums with moderate rock decoration and heavy live plant decoration. However, caution must be taken as it will also feed on tender buds or young plants when food is insufficient.

Water Conditions
This shrimp is highly sensitive to ammonia, nitrite and an excess of nitrate, and also be mindful that copper based water additives or medicines should never be used in the tank.

Breeding
It is believed that the mating season lies in late spring or early summer. Breeding the Amano in tank is somewhat difficult and very few have succeeded in raising the fry. In nature, young larvae will swims to the sea, returning only when they are large enough to swim back to the river.