Description
Shop Amano Shrimp for sale in 5-pack and 10-pack sizes — the same hardy, algae-crushing shrimp popularized by legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano. Every group is hand-selected and quarantined for 14 days before shipping, so they arrive healthy and ready to go to work on your tank’s algae.
Amano Shrimp Availability & Pack Sizes
We currently stock Amano Shrimp in two group sizes so you can match your tank and algae load:
5-Pack: a great starting group for a single 10–20 gallon planted or community tank
10-Pack: better coverage for larger tanks, heavier algae growth, or a dedicated aquascape
Live stock levels and exact pricing per pack are shown above on this page and update in real time — if a pack size is temporarily sold out, check back soon or reach out and we can let you know when the next group ships.
Why Amano Shrimp Are the Algae-Control Powerhouse
Algae control is the #1 reason hobbyists buy Amano Shrimp. Caridina multidentata shrimp are famous for tearing through hair algae and thread/string algae that most other cleanup crew members ignore, and they’ll also graze diatoms, soft green algae, and leftover food and biofilm off plants, driftwood, and glass. Their larger size (about 1.5–2 inches / 4–5 cm as adults) makes them noticeably more effective algae eaters than smaller Neocaridina species like Red Cherry Shrimp — which is exactly why planted-tank keepers and aquascapers have relied on them since Takashi Amano first popularized the species decades ago.
Amano Shrimp Compatibility: Safe Tankmates vs. Tankmates to Avoid
Amano Shrimp are peaceful, non-territorial, and spend most of their time grazing rather than interacting with tankmates — but compatibility still depends on who else is in the tank.
Good Tankmates
Small, peaceful community fish such as tetras and Harlequin Rasboras
Bottom-dwelling Corydoras catfish
Other peaceful shrimp, like Red Cherry Shrimp
Algae-eating snails such as Nerite Snails and Mystery Snails
Use Caution or Avoid
Bettas: results are mixed. Many bettas ignore Amano Shrimp, but an individual betta — especially a male in a smaller or under-planted tank — may view a shrimp as prey or a target. If you want to try the combination, do it in a heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and be ready to rehome the shrimp if the betta becomes aggressive.
Cichlids, Oscars, and other large/aggressive fish: these will typically hunt and eat Amano Shrimp.
Goldfish and large predatory catfish: not a safe match — shrimp are viewed as food.
Size, Tank Size & Water Parameters
Adult size: ~1.5–2 in (4–5 cm)
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons for a small group; a mature, established tank with some existing algae/biofilm helps them settle in fastest
Temperature: 68–80°F (20–27°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes and to copper-based medications — always add Amano Shrimp to a fully cycled tank
For the full setup, diet, and water-parameter breakdown, see our Amano Shrimp Care Guide.
Shipping & Live Arrival
All Amano Shrimp for sale at Splashy Fish Store are quarantined for 14 days before shipping and ship live within the USA from our Virginia-based fish store, backed by our live-arrival guarantee. Looking for other cleanup crew options? Browse our full Freshwater Shrimp collection, including other Caridina Shrimp.
Amano Shrimp FAQs
What do Amano Shrimp do for my tank?
Amano Shrimp are one of the most effective algae-eating cleanup crew members available, especially against hair and thread algae that many other species won’t touch. They also graze biofilm, diatoms, and leftover food, helping keep glass, décor, and plant leaves clean.
What size and pack options do Amano Shrimp come in?
We offer Amano Shrimp in 5-pack and 10-pack group sizes. Adults reach about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm), noticeably larger than most Neocaridina shrimp, which helps them graze algae more effectively and reduces the odds of being preyed on by small fish.
Can Amano Shrimp live with bettas?
Sometimes, but it’s not guaranteed. Amano Shrimp are peaceful and generally not aggressive, but an individual betta can still view a shrimp as prey, particularly in a small or sparsely planted tank. A heavily planted tank with hiding spots improves the odds, but if you want a zero-risk pairing, choose tankmates like tetras, Corydoras, or peaceful snails instead.
Do Amano Shrimp breed in a home freshwater aquarium?
Not reliably. Females do carry and release eggs in freshwater, but the larvae require brackish (salt-mixed) water to develop through their larval stages before they can transition back to freshwater as juveniles. Without a dedicated brackish-water setup, the larvae won’t survive, so most home aquariums won’t see Amano Shrimp reproduce on their own — one reason we sell them as adult groups rather than breeding stock.
What tank size and water conditions do Amano Shrimp need?
A 5-gallon tank can work for a small group, though a larger, well-established aquarium with some algae or biofilm already present helps them settle in faster. They do best at 68–80°F, a pH of 6.5–7.5, and in a fully cycled tank — Amano Shrimp are sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes and to copper-based medications, so always confirm your tank is cycled and medication-free before adding them.
Do you ship Amano Shrimp across the USA?
Yes. We ship live Amano Shrimp within the USA from our Virginia-based fish store, with 14-day quarantine before shipping and a live-arrival guarantee.
