Caridina multidentata
Family: Atyidae
Named after the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, these shrimp are the best algae eaters for planted tanks. Larger than Cherry Shrimp, they tackle hair algae and other nuisance algae.
Buy the setup, not just the fish
Stabilize a mature shrimp-safe planted tank before adding an Amano group.
The safest filter style for shrimp fry and long-finned bettas because it provides biological filtration without a hard intake.
Skip if: Skip it if you dislike visible in-tank equipment or already have a protected low-flow filter.
Check current price on AmazonA cheap safeguard that prevents shrimp fry from entering hang-on-back filters and softens intake pull.
Skip if: Clean it regularly; clogged sponge reduces flow and oxygenation.
Check current price on AmazonUseful if your source water is too soft or you use RO water for a shrimp tank.
Skip if: Do not add minerals blindly; test GH/KH first.
Check current price on AmazonAmmonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH tests prevent the most expensive beginner mistake: adding livestock to an unsafe tank.
Skip if: Test strips are faster, but liquid tests are usually more useful for diagnosing cycling problems.
Check current price on AmazonDo not use shrimp as a shortcut for an uncycled tank or an algae problem caused by unstable water.
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Hardy and long-lived. Excellent jumpers - keep tank covered. Won't breed in freshwater (larvae need brackish water).
Omnivore/algae specialist. Voraciously eat all types of algae including hair algae. Supplement with algae wafers when tank is clean.
Cannot breed in freshwater. Larvae require brackish water, making captive breeding very difficult. Most are wild-caught.
📚 Sources: Care parameters based on SeriouslyFish, FishBase, and Aquarium Co-Op. Use this as a planning guide; quarantine new livestock and adjust for your local water and tank maturity.