Care guide
Caring for Amano shrimp
- Adult size
- About 5 cm
- Water temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Smallest tank
- 40 litres
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Care level
- Easy
Amano shrimp are hardy, hard-working algae eaters and some of the larger dwarf shrimp, around 5 cm. They don't breed in fresh water, so the group you buy is the group you keep.
Tank and water
A cycled tank of at least 40 litres (10 US gallons), around 20 to 27 °C, with plants and hiding places. Like all shrimp, they're very sensitive to copper; check medicines and fertilisers before you use them.
They're good at escaping, so a lid is a must.
Food
They graze algae and leftover food, but feed a shrimp food or algae wafer a few times a week, especially in a clean tank.
Company and moulting
Keep a group of three or more with peaceful fish too small to eat them. They shed their shells as they grow; leave the old shell in the tank, as they eat it for minerals.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.