Amano Shrimp Vs Neocaridina Shrimp – Which Algae-Eating Powerhouse Is

Written ByHoward Parker

Choosing the right shrimp for your aquarium can feel like a huge decision. You want a vibrant, healthy, and algae-free tank, but the choices—especially between the legendary Amano shrimp and the dazzlingly colorful Neocaridina shrimp—can be overwhelming. It’s a classic showdown in the shrimp-keeping world.

Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this complete amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, we’ll help you confidently pick the perfect shrimp for your unique aquarium setup and goals.

We’ll dive deep into the key differences in size, algae-eating prowess, breeding, temperament, and care requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which of these tiny janitors will be the champion of your aquatic world.

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Intro to Amano and Neocaridina Shrimp

Before we pit them against each other, let’s get to know our two competitors. While they may both be “dwarf shrimp,” they bring very different skills to the table.

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is the workhorse. Made famous by the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, who used them in his nature aquariums, these shrimp are renowned for one thing above all: their relentless appetite for algae. They are larger, translucent, and built for business.

The Neocaridina Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), on the other hand, is the artist. Best known by names like Red Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream, or Yellow Goldenback, these shrimp bring a stunning splash of color to any tank. They are smaller, come in a rainbow of hues, and are incredibly easy to breed.

Amano Shrimp vs Neocaridina Shrimp: A Side-by-Side Showdown

So, how do you choose between the cleaning crew champion and the colorful crowd-pleaser? Let’s break down the comparison point by point. This is the ultimate amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp care guide to help you decide.

Appearance & Size: The Ghost vs. The Rainbow

The most immediate difference is how they look. Neocaridina shrimp are bred for their vibrant, solid colors. You can find them in fiery reds, deep blues, sunny yellows, and even jet black. They are small, typically maxing out around 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Amano shrimp are the opposite. They are largely translucent, with a pattern of small, dark dots and dashes along their bodies. They are significantly larger and more robust, with females often reaching 2 inches (5 cm) or more. Their size makes them a more visible and active presence in the tank.

Lifespan & Durability: Who’s the Hardier Inhabitant?

When it comes to longevity, Amanos often have the edge. With proper care, they can live for 2-3 years, sometimes even longer. They are generally considered very hardy and adaptable once acclimated.

Neocaridina shrimp have a slightly shorter lifespan, typically around 1-2 years. While hardy, their smaller size can make them a bit more sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters. However, their prolific breeding often means your colony will sustain itself for many years.

Water Parameter Needs: A Key Deciding Factor

Here’s where some of the most important amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp best practices come into play. While both are adaptable, they have different preferences.

  • Neocaridina Shrimp: They thrive in slightly harder, more alkaline water. They use the minerals (GH and KH) in the water to build their shells.
    • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
    • pH: 6.5 – 8.0
    • GH (General Hardness): 6-12 dGH
    • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2-8 dKH
  • Amano Shrimp: They are more adaptable and can tolerate a wider range of parameters, including softer water, which makes them a great fit for many planted tanks that use CO2 injection (which can lower pH).
    • Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
    • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
    • GH: 4-14 dGH
    • KH: 1-8 dKH

The key takeaway? If you have naturally hard tap water, Neocaridinas will likely thrive. If you have softer water or a high-tech planted tank, Amanos might be a more forgiving choice.

The Algae-Eating Championship: Who Cleans Better?

This is the main event for many aquarists! What are the benefits of amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp when it comes to algae control? The answer isn’t as simple as one being “better” than the other—they specialize.

Amano Shrimp are the undisputed champions of tough algae. Their larger size and voracious appetite make them incredible at tackling stubborn varieties like:

  • Black Beard Algae (BBA)
  • Hair Algae
  • String Algae
  • Cladophora

Neocaridina Shrimp are fantastic biofilm and soft algae grazers. They are constantly picking at surfaces, cleaning up leftover food, and munching on the soft green or brown algae that forms on glass and decor. They are perfect for daily maintenance and keeping a tank looking polished.

Pro-Tip: For the ultimate cleanup crew, use both! A team of Amanos can tackle the tough outbreaks, while a colony of Neocaridinas keeps every surface perpetually sparkling. They coexist peacefully and cover all your algae-eating bases.

Breeding: The Rainbow Explosion vs. The Challenging Journey

The difference in breeding is perhaps the single biggest factor when choosing between these two shrimp. It’s a critical topic for anyone interested in a sustainable amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp setup.

Neocaridina shrimp are incredibly easy to breed. If you have a healthy, established group of males and females, they will breed in your freshwater aquarium. Females carry bright yellow or green eggs under their tails and release tiny, fully-formed shrimplets after about 30 days. Watching your colony grow from a handful to hundreds is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. This makes them a very eco-friendly amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp choice, as you can easily sustain your own population.

Amano shrimp are almost impossible to breed in a home aquarium. While females will carry eggs, their larvae require a complex transition to full saltwater (brackish water) and then back to freshwater to survive and develop. This process is extremely difficult to replicate, meaning virtually all Amano shrimp sold are wild-caught. If sustainability is a major concern, this is an important factor to consider.

Tank Mates and Temperament: Who Plays Nicely with Others?

Both shrimp are peaceful, but their size difference affects their interactions with other tank inhabitants.

Neocaridinas are small and timid. They can become food for even moderately sized fish. Ideal tank mates are small, peaceful species like nano rasboras, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, and otocinclus catfish. Never keep them with cichlids, angelfish, or gouramis.

Amanos are larger, bolder, and more boisterous. Their size makes them safe with a wider variety of community fish, including tetras, rasboras, and even a peaceful Betta (with supervision). They can be a bit greedy at feeding time, sometimes snatching food right from fish or other shrimp, but this behavior is generally harmless.

Common Problems with Amano Shrimp vs Neocaridina Shrimp (And How to Solve Them)

No pet is without its challenges. Here are some common problems with amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp and some quick tips to help you succeed.

  • Molting Issues (The “White Ring of Death”): This affects both species and is often caused by incorrect water parameters (especially GH) or sudden changes.

    Solution: Ensure your GH is stable and within the recommended range. Use a drip acclimation method when introducing new shrimp to avoid shock.

  • Neocaridinas Losing Color: If your colorful shrimp turn pale, it’s usually a sign of stress from poor water quality, incorrect parameters, or unsuitable tank mates.

    Solution: Test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Ensure your pH and GH are correct for them. Check for any aggressive fish.

  • Amanos Escaping the Tank: These shrimp are notorious escape artists, especially when first introduced.

    Solution: Make sure you have a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium. They can and will climb airline tubing and filter outlets to get out.

  • Colony Not Breeding (Neocaridina): If your Cherry Shrimp aren’t breeding, it could be due to stress, a lack of food, or having all shrimp of the same sex.

    Solution: Ensure the tank is mature and has plenty of biofilm. Supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp food. Make sure you have both males (smaller, less colorful) and females (larger, more colorful, often have a “saddle” of undeveloped eggs).

Frequently Asked Questions About Amano vs. Neocaridina Shrimp

Can Amano shrimp and Neocaridina shrimp live together?

Absolutely! This is one of the best combinations for a cleanup crew. They coexist peacefully and fill different niches. Just be aware that the larger Amanos might outcompete the smaller Neos for prepared foods, so make sure there’s enough to go around.

Which shrimp is better for a beginner?

For a true beginner, Neocaridina shrimp are often the better choice. Their ease of breeding provides a huge safety net—even if you lose a few, the colony will quickly replenish itself. Their bright colors are also incredibly rewarding for new hobbyists.

How many shrimp should I start with?

For Neocaridina, it’s best to start with a group of at least 10 to ensure you have a good mix of males and females to establish a breeding colony. For Amano shrimp, a group of 3-5 is usually sufficient for most tanks up to 30 gallons to have a significant impact on algae.

Will my Amano shrimp eat my baby Neocaridina shrimp?

This is highly unlikely. Amano shrimp are scavengers and algae eaters, not active predators. While it’s theoretically possible if an Amano was starving and a shrimplet was very weak or dying, a healthy Amano will almost always ignore healthy baby shrimp. Providing plenty of hiding spots like moss will ensure the shrimplets are safe.

The Final Verdict: Which Shrimp Should You Choose?

By now, you should have a clear idea of which shrimp is the right fit for you. This complete amano shrimp vs neocaridina shrimp guide isn’t about declaring one winner, but about finding your winner.

Choose Neocaridina Shrimp if:

  • You want a brilliant splash of color in your tank.
  • You’re excited by the idea of breeding shrimp and watching a colony grow.
  • Your tank is smaller, and you have peaceful, nano-sized tank mates.
  • Your primary goal is general, everyday cleaning of biofilm and soft algae.

Choose Amano Shrimp if:

  • Your number one priority is destroying tough, stubborn algae like hair algae or BBA.
  • You have a larger community tank and need a shrimp that can hold its own.
  • You are not interested in breeding shrimp.
  • You want a more active, visible shrimp that is constantly working.

Ultimately, the choice between these two amazing creatures comes down to your personal goals for your aquarium. Both are fantastic, hardy, and endlessly fascinating to watch. Whichever you choose, you’re adding a tireless worker and a captivating new inhabitant to your underwater world.

Now go forth and build that beautiful, thriving aquarium you’ve been dreaming of!

Howard Parker
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