Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Also sold as Japanese swamp shrimp

Synonyms Yamato shrimp · Caridina japonica

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 5 cm (2 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 64–81°F (18–27°C) and pH 6–8, is kept in groups of 3 or more, and needs a tank of at least 20 L (5 gal).

At a glance

Type	Shrimp
Adult size	5 cm (2 in)
Minimum tank	20 L (5 gal)
Group size	3 or more
Temperature	64–81°F (18–27°C)
pH	6–8
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	4–15
KH	0–10
Lifespan	2–3 years
Eats shrimp	No

Before it goes in

Amano Shrimp needs at least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 36P.
Keep 3 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
It holds at 64–81°F (18–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
Its larvae need brackish water, so it will not breed in a freshwater tank: the number you buy is the number you keep.

What tank size does it need?

At least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 36P.

How many should I keep?

3 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.

What water does it want?

64–81°F (18–27°C), pH 6–8, GH 4–15, KH 0–10.

How long does it live?

2–3 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Amano Shrimp	Pinocchio Shrimp	Crystal Red Shrimp
Adult size	5 cm	5 cm	3 cm
Min tank	20 L	20 L	20 L
Group	3+	1+	10+
Temperature	64–81°F (18–27°C)	72–79°F (22–26°C)	68–75°F (20–24°C)
Eats shrimp	No	No	No

More livestock

Plan a tank with Amano Shrimp →

Sources (11) · checked Sep 2026