Description

Named after Takashi Amano, who popularised them as the algae crew for planted tanks, amano shrimp do a job no fish does as well. They work over hardscape, leaf surfaces and substrate all day, taking soft green algae, diatoms and leftover food.

They are also large enough – up to 5 cm – not to be eaten by most community fish, which makes them far more practical than neocaridina in a mixed tank.

Keeping notes

• Copper-based medications kill shrimp. Check every treatment before dosing a tank containing amanos.
• They will not breed in freshwater; larvae need brackish water to develop. Numbers stay stable rather than growing.
• Feed only if algae runs out. Overfed amanos ignore algae.
• Amanos are escape artists. Keep the tank covered or leave a wide rim above the water line.