Amano Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp Together: Creating A Vibrant

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever looked at your beautiful planted aquarium and thought, “It’s almost perfect, but it’s missing something”? You want more life, more color, and a natural solution to that pesky algae that keeps creeping back. You’ve probably heard whispers about the legendary algae-eating prowess of Amano shrimp and the brilliant color of Cherry shrimp, but wondered if you could have the best of both worlds.

I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can. Keeping amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together isn’t just possible; it’s one of the best decisions you can make for a lively, healthy, and pristine aquarium. Don’t worry—creating this dynamic duo is easier than you think!

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the incredible benefits of this pairing, how to set up the perfect tank, a step-by-step care guide, and how to navigate any common problems. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to create a thriving, harmonious shrimp paradise.

Meet Your Cleanup Crew: A Tale of Two Shrimp

Before we dive into how to keep them together, let’s get properly acquainted with our two protagonists. While both are shrimp, they have unique personalities and skills that make them a powerhouse team.

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Often called the “workhorse” of the aquarium cleanup crew, the Amano shrimp is a legend for a reason. Named after the famous aquascaper Takashi Amano, who popularized their use, these shrimp are relentless algae eaters.

They are larger than many other dwarf shrimp, typically reaching up to 2 inches. Their translucent, grayish bodies are dotted with a line of black or reddish-brown spots. They are energetic, bold, and incredibly efficient at tackling tougher algae like black beard algae and hair algae that other species might ignore.

The Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

If Amanos are the workhorses, Cherry shrimp are the jewels of the aquarium. These little guys are famous for their brilliant red coloration, though they come in a rainbow of other colors like yellow, blue, and green. They are much smaller, usually maxing out at around 1.5 inches.

Cherry shrimp are fantastic scavengers, constantly picking at biofilm, decaying plant matter, and leftover fish food. They are also prolific breeders in the right conditions, meaning you can start with a small group and soon have a thriving, colorful colony that adds constant movement and interest to your tank.

The Amazing Benefits of Keeping Amano Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp Together

Pairing these two species creates a synergy that elevates your aquarium to a new level. The benefits of amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together go far beyond just looking nice. You’re creating a more balanced and self-sufficient ecosystem.

  • Unmatched Algae Control: This is the number one reason aquarists love this combo. Amanos tackle the big, tough algae, while the smaller Cherries meticulously clean delicate plant leaves and tight crevices, consuming finer algae and biofilm. Together, they leave no stone—or leaf—unturned.
  • A More Active and Interesting Tank: The size and behavior difference is fascinating to watch. You’ll see the larger Amanos confidently roaming the tank, while swarms of colorful Cherries graze peacefully on moss and driftwood. It adds layers of activity you wouldn’t get with just one species.
  • Efficient Detritus Removal: Both shrimp are exceptional scavengers. They will tirelessly seek out and consume uneaten food and decaying organic matter, which helps keep your water quality high and prevents ammonia spikes.
  • Perfectly Peaceful Coexistence: One of the best parts? They get along beautifully. Amano shrimp and Cherry shrimp are non-aggressive towards each other. You won’t have to worry about territorial disputes or fighting.

Setting Up the Perfect Shared Home: Tank Setup Best Practices

A successful community tank starts with a great foundation. Creating the right environment is the most important step in this amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together guide. Luckily, their needs overlap significantly, making setup a breeze.

Tank Size and Population Density

While you can keep shrimp in smaller tanks, a 10-gallon aquarium is the recommended minimum for a mixed colony. This provides enough space for both species to graze without feeling crowded and helps keep water parameters more stable.

For stocking, a good rule of thumb is:

  • Amano Shrimp: 1 per 3-5 gallons of water. They are larger and have a bigger appetite.
  • Cherry Shrimp: Start with a colony of 10 or more. Since they have a very low bioload (the waste they produce), you can comfortably keep many in a well-maintained tank.

Don’t worry about the Cherries overpopulating. Their colony size will naturally self-regulate based on the available food and space.

Water Parameters: Finding the Sweet Spot

Stability is more important than hitting one exact number. Both species are hardy, but they are sensitive to sudden changes in their environment. Aim for a happy medium that suits both.

  • Temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C)
  • pH: 6.5 – 7.8
  • GH (General Hardness): 6 – 10 dGH
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2 – 8 dKH
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm (absolutely critical!)
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Use a reliable liquid test kit to monitor your parameters, especially when you’re starting out. A well-cycled tank is non-negotiable for shrimp health.

The Importance of Plants and Hiding Spots

A heavily planted tank is a shrimp paradise! Live plants are not just for decoration; they are a critical part of the ecosystem. They provide surface area for biofilm—a slimy mix of bacteria and microorganisms that is a primary food source for shrimp.

Plants, driftwood, and rocks also offer crucial hiding spots. Shrimp feel much more secure when they have places to retreat, especially during molting, which is when they shed their exoskeleton to grow. This is a vulnerable time, and having plenty of cover reduces stress. Java moss, hornwort, and cholla wood are fantastic, low-maintenance options that shrimp adore.

How to Keep Amano Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp Together: A Step-by-Step Care Guide

You’ve got the tank set up and ready to go. Now comes the exciting part: bringing your shrimp home! Following this amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together care guide will ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.

Acclimation: The Crucial First Step

I cannot stress this enough: do not just plop your new shrimp into the tank. They are extremely sensitive to changes in water chemistry. The best method is drip acclimation, and it’s super easy.

  1. Place your new shrimp and their bag water into a small, clean container.
  2. Take a piece of airline tubing and tie a loose knot in it or use a small valve to control the flow.
  3. Start a siphon from your main tank into the container, adjusting the knot/valve so the water drips out at a rate of 1-2 drips per second.
  4. Let this process continue for at least an hour, allowing the water volume in the container to double. This slowly and safely adjusts the shrimp to your tank’s parameters.
  5. Once acclimated, gently net the shrimp out of the container and release them into your aquarium. Discard the acclimation water.

Feeding Your Dynamic Duo

In a mature, planted tank, your shrimp will find plenty of food on their own by grazing on biofilm and algae. However, you’ll want to supplement their diet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need, especially for vibrant color and successful breeding.

Offer a high-quality shrimp food (pellets or powders) 2-3 times a week. You can also give them treats like blanched spinach, zucchini, or mulberry leaves. A pro tip for ensuring the smaller Cherries get their share is to crush up pellets or feed in multiple spots in the tank. This prevents the larger, more boisterous Amanos from hogging all the food.

Observation and Routine Maintenance

Part of the joy of shrimp keeping is watching them! Spend a few minutes each day observing your tank. Are they actively grazing? Do you see molted shells (a good sign of healthy growth)?

Perform a 10-20% water change weekly using a dechlorinator. When vacuuming your substrate, be extremely careful not to suck up any baby shrimp! Many keepers place a pre-filter sponge over their filter intake to protect tiny shrimplets.

Navigating Common Problems with Amano Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp Together

Even in the best-kept tanks, questions can arise. Here are some of the most common problems with amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together and how to handle them like a seasoned pro.

Food Competition: Are My Cherries Getting Enough?

You might notice the larger Amano shrimp are much more assertive during feeding time, sometimes snatching food right from the Cherries. While it looks dramatic, it’s rarely a cause for concern. As mentioned above, spreading out the food or using a feeding dish can solve this easily. Remember, Cherries are primarily biofilm grazers, so they are eating all day long, not just at “dinner time.”

Perceived Aggression: Is It Normal?

Amanos are not aggressive predators. They will not hunt or harm your Cherry shrimp. What you might mistake for aggression is simply their enthusiastic and sometimes clumsy approach to finding food. If an Amano bumps into a Cherry, the Cherry will simply zip away unharmed. True aggression is not a part of their nature.

Breeding and Population Control

One of the biggest differences is breeding. Cherry shrimp will readily breed in your freshwater aquarium, and a happy colony will grow quickly. Amano shrimp, however, have a more complex larval stage that requires brackish or saltwater to survive. This means they will not breed in your freshwater tank, so you don’t need to worry about them taking over.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Shrimp Keeping

Creating a beautiful aquarium can also be an environmentally conscious hobby. Opting for a sustainable amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together setup is a wonderful goal. Heavily planting your tank reduces the need for frequent, large water changes and creates a natural filtration system.

This shrimp duo forms a biological algae control team, eliminating the need for chemical algaecides that can harm the environment. Furthermore, by supporting local or home breeders for your shrimp, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping and support a more ethical and sustainable supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Amano Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp Together

Will Amano shrimp eat my baby Cherry shrimp?

This is the most common fear, but it’s largely unfounded. A healthy Amano shrimp is a scavenger, not a predator. While it’s theoretically possible for one to opportunistically grab a very weak or dying shrimplet, they will not actively hunt healthy baby Cherries. A tank with plenty of moss and cover provides more than enough protection for the shrimplets to thrive.

Can Amano and Cherry shrimp interbreed?

No, they cannot. They belong to two different genera (Caridina and Neocaridina) and are genetically incompatible. You can keep them together without any risk of crossbreeding.

What are the best tank mates for a mixed shrimp tank?

The best tank mates are ones that won’t see your shrimp as a snack! Small, peaceful fish like Otocinclus catfish, pygmy Corydoras, small rasboras (like chili or phoenix rasboras), and snails (like Nerite or Mystery snails) are all excellent choices that will leave your shrimp in peace.

How many Amano and Cherry shrimp should I start with?

A great starting point for a 10-gallon tank is 3 Amano shrimp and a colony of 10-15 Cherry shrimp. The Amanos will get to work on algae, and the Cherry shrimp colony will have enough numbers to feel secure and start breeding.

Your Thriving Shrimp Aquarium Awaits!

There you have it—everything you need to know to successfully and joyfully keep amano shrimp and cherry shrimp together. This pairing is truly one of the most rewarding in the freshwater aquarium hobby. They are peaceful, incredibly beneficial for your tank’s health, and endlessly fascinating to watch.

By providing a stable environment, plenty of plants, and a good diet, you are setting the stage for a vibrant, self-cleaning ecosystem. You’re not just keeping pets; you’re cultivating a tiny, beautiful world right in your own home.

So go ahead, take the plunge! Your perfect shrimp cleanup crew is waiting to bring your aquarium to life. Happy shrimping!

Howard Parker
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