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Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

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Pack Size: 1

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$3.30

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Description
Freshwater Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

The most effective algae-eating shrimp available -- a larger, faster-moving freshwater shrimp with an unmatched capacity for consuming filamentous algae, hair algae, and thread algae that dwarf shrimp cannot control.

Most Effective Algae Eater Available Targets Hair and Filamentous Algae Significantly Larger than Neocaridina Cannot Breed in Freshwater Safe with Plants and Shrimp Active and Visible

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are the most effective algae-eating shrimp available in the freshwater hobby -- a larger, more active freshwater shrimp with an unmatched capacity for consuming the types of algae that dwarf shrimp cannot control: filamentous algae, hair algae, thread algae, and staghorn algae that grow in dense mats on plants, hardscape, and substrate. Named for the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano who popularised their use in planted tanks, Amano Shrimp are a standard recommendation in virtually every planted tank algae control approach precisely because they actively pursue and consume algae types that accumulate in planted tanks with high light and moderate nutrients -- the conditions that also produce the most growth from fast-growing plants. They are significantly larger than Neocaridina and Caridina dwarf shrimp -- reaching 4-5cm -- highly active throughout the day, and cannot breed in freshwater, which makes population management straightforward: the number you introduce is the number you have, with no risk of uncontrolled population growth. Safe with all Neocaridina and Caridina dwarf shrimp. Do not house with fish large enough to eat them.

6.5-7.5pH
6-15GH
1-8KH
65-78FTemperature
¼–½ inchSize
What to Expect

Algae Control, Size and Behaviour

Unmatched capacity for filamentous, hair, and thread algae -- the primary reason Amano Shrimp are recommended specifically -- rather than Neocaridina or other shrimp -- is their effectiveness against filamentous algae types. Hair algae, thread algae, and staghorn algae grow in dense, interlocked mats that Neocaridina graze on the surface of but cannot penetrate or clear. Amano Shrimp actively pull filaments from surfaces, carry and consume entire strands, and work persistently on dense algae patches that smaller shrimp ignore. In tanks with established hair algae problems, a group of well-fed Amano Shrimp visibly reduces the algae mass within a week. Significantly larger and more active than dwarf shrimp -- clearly visible at all times -- at 4-5cm, Amano Shrimp are two to three times larger than adult Neocaridina and are among the most visibly active shrimp available. They move rapidly across the tank floor, climb plant stems, and work across hardscape surfaces continuously throughout the day -- their activity level and size make them clearly visible from across the room in a way that dwarf shrimp browsing substrate often are not. Cannot breed in freshwater -- population stays fixed at introduction number -- Amano Shrimp larvae require brackish water to develop -- they cannot complete their lifecycle in freshwater and no breeding occurs in a standard freshwater tank. This makes Amano Shrimp unique among the shrimp in the catalog in that the number you introduce is precisely the number you will have indefinitely, with no risk of population expansion or any need for population management. Safe with Neocaridina and Caridina dwarf shrimp -- no predation -- Amano Shrimp do not prey on dwarf shrimp at any life stage and coexist without conflict. In a tank with both species, Amano Shrimp work on filamentous algae and larger food items while dwarf shrimp graze biofilm and finer substrate material -- complementary rather than competing foraging niches. Feed on algae and supplemental food -- do not over-rely on tank algae alone -- in tanks with little or no algae -- a healthy, well-balanced planted tank -- Amano Shrimp require supplemental feeding to remain healthy. They consume standard shrimp sinking foods, blanched vegetables, and biofilm from plant and hardscape surfaces. A tank with no supplemental food and no algae cannot support Amano Shrimp long-term regardless of how well other parameters are maintained. Stock at one per 10-15 litres for effective algae management -- a single Amano Shrimp in a 100-litre tank provides minimal algae control; a group of six to ten in the same tank provides measurable, visible impact on algae accumulation rates. Stock at the higher end of the density range for tanks with established algae problems and at the lower end for maintenance-level prevention.
How to Set It Up

Getting Started

1Confirm tank parameters and absence of shrimp-predatory fish before introduction -- Amano Shrimp are safe with all dwarf shrimp but are eaten readily by fish large enough to take them -- guppies and small tetras are safe tankmates, but most fish 6cm and above should be considered a risk. Confirm no predatory tankmates before introduction.
2Drip acclimate over 30-45 minutes -- Amano Shrimp are hardier than dwarf Caridina but still benefit from gradual acclimation. Float the bag for 15 minutes, then drip at one drop per second for 30-45 minutes before release.
3Introduce a group of at least six for effective algae control -- algae control effectiveness scales with group size. A minimum of six Amano Shrimp in tanks up to 80 litres provides meaningful algae pressure; larger tanks benefit from proportionally larger groups.
4Supplement with sinking food in low-algae tanks -- in a healthy planted tank with minimal algae, provide sinking pellets or blanched vegetables two to three times per week to sustain Amano Shrimp in good condition between algae-grazing opportunities.
Bonus Tip

Amano Shrimp introduced to a tank with an established hair algae or thread algae problem should be added alongside a concurrent reduction in photoperiod duration and light intensity -- not as the sole intervention. Amano Shrimp consume algae most effectively when the algae growth rate is simultaneously being reduced by addressing the conditions that caused it. Shrimp alone cannot outpace rapidly growing algae in high-nutrient, high-light conditions; shrimp plus reduced light and photoperiod produces visible clearing within one to two weeks in most cases.

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Before you order

Policies & Disclaimers

What to expect from your shrimp, how our guarantee works, and what to do when your order arrives.

Size

¼–½ inch

We select this size because younger shrimp generally tolerate shipping and adjust to a new aquarium better than fully grown adults. Proper acclimation and stable water conditions remain essential.

Photos & appearance

Product photos show representative examples of the shrimp’s variety and appearance. They do not show the exact animals you will receive or guarantee an identical color, pattern or intensity.

Individual appearance can vary with age, sex, lighting, substrate, aquarium conditions and shipping stress. Shrimp may arrive with lighter coloration and develop fuller color as they settle and mature.

Photos may show mature individuals. Please use the stated size and pack details to understand what you are purchasing.

Grades & selection

Unless a listing explicitly states a grade or selection standard, such as “S Grade” or “Painted Fire Red,” shrimp are sold as mixed grade. When specified, that listing’s grade or selection standard applies.

Even within the same grade, color coverage, intensity and pattern naturally vary. Individual shrimp are not guaranteed to look identical to the product photos.

Natural differences between males and females also apply to S Grade selections. Males may be smaller and less intensely colored than females of the same variety, including within an S Grade selection. This difference alone does not mean a male is incorrectly graded.

Natural variation alone is not considered a DOA claim. If you believe you received the wrong variety or a product that does not match its stated grade, contact us with clear photos so we can review it.

Males & sex selection

Male shrimp may be smaller and less intensely colored than females of the same variety. This difference alone does not indicate poor health or an incorrect grade. This also applies to S Grade selections; selecting a grade does not guarantee female-like size or color intensity in males.

Unless the listing explicitly promises a particular sex or ratio, individual males, females and sex ratios are not guaranteed.

Breeder packs

Breeder packs include a minimum of 8 females and 2 males. Bonus shrimp are random scoops and are not selected by sex, so your pack may contain more than 2 males when bonuses are included.

A breeder pack does not guarantee adult size, berried (egg-carrying) females, immediate breeding or a particular number of offspring.

Breeding results depend on maturity, acclimation and aquarium conditions.

What to expect after shipping

Temporary faded color, hiding, reduced activity and reduced appetite can occur after shipping. Provide a stable, established aquarium with appropriate conditions and follow proper acclimation practices.

Shipping stress alone is not a confirmed DOA. Our guarantee covers confirmed losses on arrival under its stated conditions; losses after the two-hour claim window are not covered.

Bonus shrimp & your paid count

When inventory allows, we may include one bonus animal for every five ordered of the same species. Bonuses are discretionary, are not guaranteed and are not separately eligible for refund or replacement.

Bonus shrimp are random scoops, not sex-selected. They may be male or female and can change the overall sex ratio of a breeder pack, including bringing the total above 2 males.

Bonus animals count toward the total arriving alive. Guarantee coverage applies when live arrivals fall below the number you paid for.

Example: If you pay for 10 shrimp and receive 12, an arrival of 11 live shrimp still fulfills your paid count. If fewer than 10 arrive alive, the shortfall may qualify under the guarantee.

For a suspected short count, document the animals, empty bag and shipping label before introducing shrimp to your aquarium. Refer to the full policy for the required counting photos.

Molting, shelter & handling

Shrimp shed their exoskeleton as they grow. A transparent, empty molt can resemble a shrimp; finding one does not by itself mean an animal has died. Provide grazing surfaces and shelter so freshly molted shrimp can remain undisturbed.

Avoid handling delicate shrimp to check their color or sex. If an animal appears injured, trapped in a molt or dead on arrival, photograph its condition through the unopened bag and report the concern promptly. Care observations do not replace the guarantee’s claim evidence.

Choosing tankmates & maintaining color lines

Small shrimp and shrimplets can be eaten by fish, even when adult shrimp appear to coexist with them. Dense plants and hiding spaces reduce exposure but cannot guarantee survival with predators. Review the particular shrimp’s water requirements alongside those of any tankmates.

Different Neocaridina color lines can interbreed, and offspring may not retain the parent colors. A mixed-color display and a breeding project with a consistent color line have different goals. A shrimp’s appearance at purchase does not guarantee the appearance of future offspring.

Acclimation & ongoing care

Prepare a stable, established aquarium before delivery. Use the acclimation guidance appropriate to the species and compare your measured water conditions with its published requirements rather than changing water rapidly to chase a single number.

Inspect and document any arrival concern before transferring animals, following the full guarantee’s documentation rules. Ongoing feeding, water quality and breeding outcomes depend on aquarium conditions; the Live Arrival Guarantee is an arrival policy, not a promise of future breeding or lifespan.

Checking quantities & reporting a short count

Check the actual animals received against your paid order quantity. For a suspected short count, the full policy calls for a clear counting photo showing all animals, the empty bag and the shipping label before they are introduced into an aquarium. Follow its counting instructions and contact us if you cannot document the count clearly.

Verified miscount claims are resolved with a refund for the missing paid animals under the current policy. A count made after release can be unreliable when animals hide among plants or hardscape.

Before opening: photographs & your first report

Use the email address on the original order and include all arrival concerns in the initial message to support@superiorshrimpaquatics.com within two hours of the carrier’s recorded delivery time. Photograph the sealed bag, visible and countable animals, shipping label, box and packing materials.

If the bag is leaking or damaged, photograph the leak or damage and wet packing before opening. Keep the original photographs and packaging. For cloudy water that prevents counting, take the original cloudy-water photo first and follow the full policy’s specific additional clear-container documentation instructions.

The guarantee contains restrictions on opening bags, acclimation and transfers. Review those instructions before taking action so the evidence needed to assess the claim is preserved.

Arrival problem? Document it promptly.

Email support@superiorshrimpaquatics.com within two hours of the carrier’s recorded delivery time, using the email address on your order.

  • Photograph the original sealed bag with the animals visible and countable.
  • Include the shipping label, outer box and packing materials.
  • Document any bag damage or leakage before opening.
  • Report all arrival losses in your initial message.

Read the full guarantee for photo requirements, cloudy-water documentation and claim eligibility before opening or transferring animals. Approved claims are resolved under the options and conditions stated there.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Shipping & coverage limits

Ground shipping carries increased risk for live animals, and the policy reserves the right to refuse guarantee claims on ground shipments. Choose your shipping method carefully.

The guarantee applies to the first delivery attempt. Redirection, pickup holds and carrier delays can affect eligibility under the full policy. Any product-specific coverage restrictions stated in a listing also apply.

Shipping Information

Hitchhikers & quarantine

Live aquatic products can carry tiny hitchhikers or eggs despite inspection. Pest-free arrival is not guaranteed. We recommend quarantining new arrivals before introducing them into an established aquarium.

Returns

Return Policy

Care guidance in this tab does not create additional guarantee requirements or exclusions. Please read the full policies for complete eligibility, documentation, resolution and return requirements.

    Amano Shrimp
    $3.30
    $3.30
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