Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Photo: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Workhorses on green algae. They do not breed in freshwater, so the group you buy is the group you have. Bigger than cherries — slightly more fish-safe, not angel-safe.
The algae shrimp that stays aquarium-sized.
In the tank
- Best invertebrate for green algae on glass and plants.
- Bigger than cherries, so slightly more fish-safe — still not angel-safe.
- They do not breed in freshwater, so the group you buy is the group you have.
- Water
- freshwater
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Adult size
- 2 in
- Minimum tank
- 10 gal
- Group
- School of 3+
- Temperature
- 70–78°F
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Diet
- Algae, biofilm, wafers. They are better cleaners than cherries.
- Beginner
- Yes, if the tank is cycled
How to keep them
- Group of three-plus.
- Feed wafers if the tank is too clean.
Tankmates
Peaceful community fish that cannot swallow a 2-inch shrimp.
Avoid
Cichlids, goldfish, and crayfish.
Check tankmates · Shrimp compatibility · Stocking calculator
Same group
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Biofilm and leftover-food crew that also breeds.
Pick uneaten flakes and film off plants and hardscape.
Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
Glass-algae snail that will not flood a freshwater tank with babies.
Best snail for green algae on glass and hardscape.
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
Hungry scavenger. Cleans leftover food; will eat plants if underfed.
Pick up uneaten food before it becomes ammonia.