Species profile
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Peaceful
Easy care
40 L minimum aquarium
3–5 cm adult size
Bottom all
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Excellent algae-eating shrimp. Needs stable, clean water; cannot breed in freshwater.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
6–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom all
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.2
Peaceful social shrimp and strong grazer. Provide mature surfaces, cover and stable water; protect intakes and keep a lid because they can climb from the aquarium.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
40 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 25 cm
Accepted scientific name
Caridina multidentata
Alternative names
Amano Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Caridina japonica (historical name)
Native range
Japan and Taiwan, in coastal river systems with amphidromous reproduction.
Natural habitat
Freshwater streams and rivers used by adults; larvae are carried downstream into brackish/marine-influenced water before juveniles migrate back upstream.
Diet & feeding
Persistent grazer of algae, biofilm and detritus. Supplement with shrimp foods, vegetable matter and modest protein rather than expecting algae alone to sustain them.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females become larger and deeper-bodied; lateral markings tend to form elongated dashes compared with the smaller males' more discrete dots.
Breeding
Females carry eggs in freshwater, but larvae require saline/brackish development before metamorphosing and returning to freshwater; normal freshwater tanks do not complete the life cycle.