Amano Shrimp Or Cherry Shrimp: Your Guide To Choosing The Perfect
You’re standing in front of the invertebrate tank at your local fish store, and the classic question hits you: amano shrimp or cherry shrimp? It’s a choice almost every aquarist makes at some point. One is a translucent, algae-devouring machine, while the other is a vibrant splash of color that breeds with enthusiasm. They both look great, but which one is truly right for your aquarium?
It’s easy to feel a little stuck. You want a clean tank, but you also want a lively, beautiful ecosystem. You’ve probably heard conflicting advice online or seen stunning tanks featuring both.
Don’t worry—we’re here to clear up the confusion. In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know. We promise to give you the expert insights to confidently choose the perfect shrimp for your setup.
We’ll dive deep into their algae-eating skills, breeding habits, care needs, and even their personalities. By the end, you’ll know exactly which of these amazing little creatures will thrive in your aquatic world.
Meet the Contenders: A Tale of Two Popular Shrimp
Before we pit them against each other, let’s get properly acquainted. While both are “dwarf shrimp,” they come from different families and have distinctly different roles in the aquarium.
The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata): The Algae-Eating Powerhouse
Often called the “algae-eating shrimp,” the Amano shrimp earned its fame for a reason. Popularized by the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, this species is a tireless worker. They are larger than many other dwarf shrimp, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm).
Their bodies are mostly translucent with a pattern of small, dark dots or dashes along their sides. They aren’t flashy, but their functional beauty and relentless work ethic make them a favorite for planted tank enthusiasts who prioritize a pristine environment.
The Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi): The Colorful Breeder
If you want a pop of color, look no further than the Red Cherry Shrimp. These little gems are famous for their brilliant red hues, though they now come in a rainbow of cultivated colors like blue, yellow, orange, and even black.
They are smaller than Amanos, typically topping out around 1.5 inches (4 cm). What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Cherry shrimp are prolific breeders, and a small starting group can quickly turn into a bustling, colorful colony that adds constant movement and interest to your tank.
Algae-Eating Abilities: Who is the Better Janitor?
This is often the number one reason aquarists seek out shrimp. The benefits of amano shrimp or cherry shrimp as a cleanup crew are huge, but they specialize in different tasks.
Amano Shrimp are the undisputed champions of algae control. They have a voracious appetite and are one of the few creatures that will actively consume tougher algae types, including:
- Hair Algae
- Black Beard Algae (BBA), especially when it’s young
- String Algae
- Cladophora
An Amano crew is like hiring a professional cleaning service for your tank. They are methodical and relentless. If your primary goal is to combat stubborn algae, the Amano is your best bet, hands down.
Red Cherry Shrimp, on the other hand, are more like diligent daily housekeepers. They spend their entire day grazing on surfaces, picking at soft algae, leftover fish food, and biofilm—the invisible layer of microorganisms that covers everything in your tank. They are excellent for maintenance and preventing soft green algae from taking hold.
However, they won’t make a dent in tough, established algae like BBA. Think of them as preventing messes rather than cleaning up big spills. This is one of the most important amano shrimp or cherry shrimp tips to remember.
Breeding and Population: Do You Want a Bustling Colony?
This is perhaps the biggest difference between the two and a major deciding factor. Your answer to the question “Do I want more shrimp?” will point you in the right direction.
The Self-Sustaining Cherry Shrimp Colony
Cherry shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater aquariums. If you have both males and females and stable water conditions, you will get baby shrimp. A female carries her bright yellow or green eggs under her tail for about 30 days before releasing tiny, fully formed miniature versions of herself.
Starting with just 10-20 cherry shrimp can lead to a colony of hundreds within a year. This is fantastic if you want a vibrant, self-sustaining population. It’s also great for providing a natural food source for small, peaceful fish. Don’t worry—their population will generally self-regulate based on the available food and space.
The Challenging Amano Shrimp Lifecycle
Breeding Amano shrimp is a completely different story. While females will become “berried” (carry eggs) in your freshwater tank, the larvae cannot survive in freshwater. They require a complex transition to brackish or full saltwater to develop and then must be slowly transitioned back to freshwater.
This process is incredibly difficult to replicate at home and is typically only undertaken by dedicated, experienced hobbyists. For 99% of aquarists, this means the Amanos you buy are the only Amanos you will have. Their population will not grow, making them a predictable and stable choice for your cleanup crew.
The Ultimate Amano Shrimp or Cherry Shrimp Care Guide
Both shrimp are relatively hardy, but they have slightly different ideal conditions. Following these amano shrimp or cherry shrimp best practices will ensure they thrive.
Tank Size and Setup
Both shrimp appreciate a well-established, planted tank with plenty of hiding spots like driftwood, rocks, and mosses (especially Java moss). A mature tank has more biofilm for them to graze on.
- Cherry Shrimp: Can be kept in tanks as small as 5 gallons, though 10 gallons is a better starting point for a stable colony.
- Amano Shrimp: Due to their larger size and active nature, a 10-gallon tank is the minimum, with 20 gallons or more being ideal, especially for a group.
Water Parameters
Stability is more important than hitting an exact number. Always use a drip acclimation method when introducing new shrimp to your tank to avoid shock.
- Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina): Very adaptable. They prefer a pH of 6.5-8.0, a GH (general hardness) of 4-8, a KH (carbonate hardness) of 3-7, and temperatures between 65-80°F (18-26°C).
- Amano Shrimp (Caridina): Slightly less adaptable. They prefer a pH of 6.0-7.5, a GH of 5-12, a KH of 0-5, and temperatures between 70-80°F (21-26°C). They are particularly sensitive to fluctuations.
Diet and Feeding
In a mature tank, shrimp will find much of their own food. However, you should supplement their diet to ensure they get proper nutrition, especially if your tank is very clean or the population is large.
Feed high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach once or twice a week. Remove any uneaten food after a few hours to prevent water quality issues.
Suitable Tank Mates
This is critical! Almost any fish large enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth will try to eat it. Good tank mates include:
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Small Rasboras (like Chili or Phoenix)
- Snails (Nerite, Mystery)
- Other dwarf shrimp
Be very cautious with fish like Bettas, Angelfish, or even larger Tetras. While adult Amanos are more robust and less likely to be eaten, baby Cherry shrimp are an easy snack for almost any fish.
Common Problems With Amano Shrimp or Cherry Shrimp
Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.
The Failed Molt: This is the most common cause of death. Shrimp need to shed their exoskeleton to grow. If the water’s GH is too low or fluctuates wildly, they can get stuck in their old shell. Ensure your water parameters are stable and within the recommended range. A calcium supplement like crushed coral or a Wonder Shell can help.
Copper Sensitivity: Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper. Many fish medications and even some plant fertilizers contain copper. Always read labels carefully before adding anything to your tank.
Disappearing Shrimp: If your shrimp vanish, the first suspect is usually a predator you didn’t account for. The second is poor water quality, causing them to hide excessively or perish. Test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
The Sustainable Choice: Eco-Friendly Shrimp Keeping
As responsible aquarists, it’s worth considering the source of our livestock. This is another area where the amano shrimp or cherry shrimp choice has implications.
Nearly all Red Cherry Shrimp in the hobby are captive-bred. This is a huge win for sustainable amano shrimp or cherry shrimp practices. It reduces pressure on wild populations, minimizes the carbon footprint from shipping, and ensures the shrimp you get are already accustomed to aquarium life.
Amano Shrimp, due to their difficult breeding cycle, are often wild-caught. While collection is generally managed, it’s important to buy from reputable suppliers who prioritize ethical and eco-friendly amano shrimp or cherry shrimp sourcing. Supporting these businesses helps ensure the practice remains sustainable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amano and Cherry Shrimp
Can Amano shrimp and Cherry shrimp live together?
Absolutely! This is a very popular combination. They occupy slightly different niches and generally ignore each other. The larger Amanos won’t harm the Cherries, and their care requirements overlap enough to make it work beautifully. Just be aware that the Amanos are bold and may outcompete the shyer Cherries for supplemental food, so be sure to spread it around the tank.
How many shrimp should I start with?
For Cherry Shrimp, a starting group of 10-20 is perfect for establishing a breeding colony in a 10+ gallon tank. For Amano Shrimp, a good rule of thumb is 1 shrimp per 5 gallons of water to act as an effective algae crew, but you can start with a group of 3-5 for a 20-gallon tank.
Why are my shrimp hiding all the time?
New shrimp will often hide for a few days as they acclimate. If they continue to hide, it could be due to predatory tank mates, poor water quality, or a lack of cover. Ensure they have plenty of plants, wood, or rocks to feel secure. A confident shrimp is a visible shrimp!
Will Amano or Cherry shrimp eat my healthy plants?
No, this is a common myth. Neither shrimp has the mouthparts to damage healthy, robust plant leaves. They will, however, eagerly clean up any melting, decaying, or dead plant matter. In fact, this is one of their greatest benefits—they help prune your plants for you, preventing decay from fouling the water.
The Final Verdict: Which Shrimp is for You?
By now, you should have a much clearer picture. The choice between amano shrimp or cherry shrimp isn’t about which is “better,” but which is better suited to your goals.
Let’s boil it down:
Choose Amano Shrimp if:
- Your primary goal is to destroy tough algae like hair algae or BBA.
- You want a predictable, stable population that won’t reproduce.
- You have a larger tank (10+ gallons) and appreciate a functional, hard-working inhabitant.
Choose Red Cherry Shrimp if:
- You want a vibrant splash of color and constant activity.
- You are excited by the idea of breeding and growing a self-sustaining colony.
- Your algae problems are minor (soft algae, biofilm) and you want a daily maintenance crew.
Of course, the best answer might be: why not both? They make fantastic tank mates, giving you the best of both worlds—the unparalleled cleaning power of the Amanos and the dazzling color and activity of a Cherry Shrimp colony.
Whichever path you choose, you’re adding a fascinating and beneficial creature to your aquarium. Go forth, pick your perfect shrimp, and enjoy a cleaner, more vibrant tank!
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