Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

This aquarium shrimp was previously known as Caridina japonica but was renamed Caridina multidentata following a study in 2006. They are usually used in an aquarium because they are known as algae eaters, thus cleaning the aquarium if in large numbers.  

Caridina multidentata is a species of shrimp found in the Yamato River area of Japan as well as parts of Korea and Taiwan. It was previously known as Caridina japonica but was renamed Caridina multidentata following a study in 2006.

According to different sources, Caridina multidentata was introduced into the world of aquaria by Takashi Amano in the early 1980s. Takashi Amano is a well known photographer and aquarist. He would have been the first who noticed these shrimps' useful characteristic as algae eaters and started using them as aquarium shrimp in his show aquaria.

The most important characteristic of Caridina multidentata is the translucent body covered with reddish brown points of ± 0.3 mm on their sides which may look like a broken line of reddish colour. The dorsal surface has a white stripe that runs from the head to the tail and the eyes are black.

Females are easily distinguished from males from the more elongated lower row of dots lining the body.

It should be noted that if keeping this pet shrimp, copper based water additives or medicines should never be used !.

Quick facts

• Common names: Amano shrimp, algae-eaters shrimp, Yamato shrimp, Japonica, alga shrimp, Japanese swamp/marsh shrimp, Yamamoto shrimp, Yamato Numaebi.
• Adult size: 5 cm
• Optimal conditions: Temperature tolerance: 18 - 27°C (64 - 80°F), ideal 24°C (76°F)
  pH: 6 - 7. Water hardness: 6 - 10 dGh.
• Feeding: algae, fish food (flakes, spirulina-based fish food).