Amano Shrimp Vs Siamese Algae Eater – Picking The Perfect Algae Patrol
Staring at that stubborn film of green algae clouding your beautiful aquascape? You’re not alone. Every aquarist, from newcomer to seasoned pro, has waged war against unwanted algae at some point. It’s one of the most common frustrations in our hobby!
But don’t worry, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Nature has provided us with some incredible helpers. I’m here to demystify two of the most popular clean-up crew members and help you pick the perfect one for your tank.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater debate. We’ll compare their algae-eating prowess, tank requirements, temperament, and potential pitfalls. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to confidently choose your next algae-busting champion.
Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction to Your Algae-Eating Allies
Before we pit them against each other, let’s get properly acquainted with our two contenders. While both are famous for their cleaning abilities, they are fundamentally different creatures with unique needs and behaviors.
The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata): The Tireless Scavenger
Named after the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, who popularized their use, Amano shrimp are the workhorses of the invertebrate world. These small, translucent crustaceans are relentless foragers, constantly picking at surfaces.
They are fantastic for community tanks because of their peaceful nature and relatively small size. You’ll often see them in groups, swarming over a new piece of driftwood or a plant leaf, meticulously cleaning it of soft algae and biofilm.
The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus): The Black Brush Algae Buster
The Siamese Algae Eater, or SAE, is a sleek, energetic fish from the rivers of Southeast Asia. They are one of the very few creatures in the hobby that will reliably eat the dreaded Black Brush Algae (BBA), making them heroes to many aquarists.
Unlike the small shrimp, an SAE is a true fish that will grow to a considerable size. They are active swimmers that add a lot of life and movement to a tank, zipping around in search of their next meal.
The Great Algae Showdown: Amano Shrimp vs Siamese Algae Eater
This is the heart of our discussion. Choosing between these two isn’t just about which one looks cooler; it’s about matching their specific skills and needs to your aquarium’s unique environment. This section serves as your ultimate amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater guide.
Algae-Eating Abilities: Who Eats What?
This is the number one reason you’re here! Let’s break down their dietary preferences.
- Amano Shrimp: They are masters of cleaning soft algae. Think green dust algae on the glass, fuzzy thread algae, and the slimy biofilm that covers new hardscape. They will work 24/7. However, they are ineffective against tough, crusty algae like Green Spot Algae or the notorious Black Brush Algae.
- Siamese Algae Eaters: Their claim to fame is eating Black Brush Algae, a task most other cleaners ignore. They will also happily graze on hair algae and fuzz algae. Young SAEs are more voracious algae eaters; as they mature, they can get a bit lazy and may prefer fish food if it’s readily available.
The Verdict: It depends on your algae type. For general cleaning and soft algae, Amanos are unbeatable. If you have a BBA problem, the SAE is your specialist.
Size and Bioload: The Footprint They Leave Behind
The “bioload” is the amount of waste a creature produces, which impacts your water quality and filtration needs. This is a critical, often overlooked, difference.
- Amano Shrimp: They stay small, reaching about 2 inches (5 cm). Their bioload is almost negligible. You can keep a group of them in a smaller tank without significantly impacting your water parameters.
- Siamese Algae Eaters: These fish get big! A mature SAE can reach 5-6 inches (15 cm). Their bioload is substantial, similar to other fish of that size. They require a larger tank and more robust filtration.
The Verdict: For small tanks (under 30 gallons), Amano shrimp are the clear winner. SAEs are only suitable for larger, more established aquariums.
Temperament and Tank Mates: Who Plays Nicely with Others?
An algae eater is only helpful if it doesn’t terrorize your other tank inhabitants!
- Amano Shrimp: They are completely peaceful and will not bother any fish. The danger is the other way around—large or aggressive fish (like cichlids, large gouramis, or even some bettas) will see them as an expensive snack. They are best kept with small, peaceful community fish.
- Siamese Algae Eaters: As juveniles, they are generally peaceful community fish. However, as they mature, they can become semi-aggressive and territorial, especially towards their own kind or similarly shaped fish. A single adult SAE is often better than a group unless you have a very large tank (75+ gallons) with plenty of space.
The Verdict: For a peaceful, harmonious community tank with small fish, Amano shrimp are the safer bet. An SAE can work, but you must choose its tank mates carefully and be prepared for potential attitude problems as it ages.
Tank Requirements: Creating the Perfect Home for Your Clean-Up Crew
A happy cleaner is an effective cleaner. Providing the right environment is non-negotiable and is one of the most important amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater best practices.
Ideal Tank Size and Setup for Amano Shrimp
Amanos are flexible, but they do have some core needs.
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons. This gives a small group enough room to forage without competing too intensely.
- Setup: They thrive in planted tanks! Plants, driftwood, and rocks provide tons of surface area for biofilm to grow and give the shrimp places to hide, especially after molting when they are vulnerable.
- Lid: A tight-fitting lid is a must. Amano shrimp are notorious escape artists and can easily climb airline tubing or filter outlets right out of the tank.
Ideal Tank Size and Setup for Siamese Algae Eaters
SAEs need space to grow and swim.
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a single juvenile, but a 55-gallon tank or larger is highly recommended for an adult. This is not a nano tank fish.
- Setup: They need plenty of open swimming space, but also appreciate broad-leafed plants to rest on. A moderate current mimics their natural river habitat.
- Lid: Yes, a lid is crucial here too. SAEs are powerful swimmers and can easily jump out of an open-top tank when startled.
Water Parameters: Finding the Sweet Spot
Luckily, both species are quite hardy and can adapt to a similar range of water parameters, making them suitable for many community tanks.
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C) is the sweet spot for both.
- pH: A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5-7.5 works well.
- Water Hardness: They are adaptable, but avoid extremes. Stable water is more important than hitting a perfect number.
Pro-Tip: Always acclimate new shrimp or fish slowly using the drip method. This minimizes stress and greatly increases their chance of survival.
Beyond Algae: A Complete Care Guide for Amano Shrimp and SAEs
Algae alone is not enough. To keep your clean-up crew healthy for the long haul, you need to provide a balanced diet. This is your essential amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater care guide.
Feeding Your Amano Shrimp: More Than Just Algae
In a very clean tank, Amano shrimp can starve. You should supplement their diet 2-3 times a week.
- Specialized shrimp pellets with calcium for healthy shell development.
- Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber.
- Algae wafers or sinking pellets.
They are also fantastic scavengers and will clean up any leftover fish food that falls to the bottom.
Feeding Your Siamese Algae Eater: Keeping Them Hungry for Algae
The trick with an SAE is to feed it enough to stay healthy, but not so much that it stops eating algae.
- High-quality sinking pellets or flakes.
- Offer algae wafers occasionally.
- They will also graze on blanched vegetables.
Avoid high-protein foods like bloodworms, as this can make them lazy and more aggressive. A hungry SAE is a helpful SAE!
Common Problems and Pro Tips for Success
Even the pros run into issues. Here are some common problems with amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater and how to navigate them.
The “Fake” Siamese Algae Eater Trap (and How to Avoid It)
This is a huge problem in the hobby. Several other fish, most notably the Chinese Algae Eater and the Flying Fox, are often mislabeled and sold as SAEs. These impostors look similar as juveniles but grow up to be highly aggressive and stop eating algae entirely.
How to spot a TRUE Siamese Algae Eater:
- The black horizontal stripe runs all the way from the nose through the tail fin. On fakes, it stops at the base of the tail.
- They have a single pair of small barbels (whiskers).
- Their fins are clear and uncolored.
Amano Shrimp Disappearing Act: Where Did They Go?
If your shrimp vanish, there are a few likely culprits. First, check the floor around your tank—they may have escaped. Second, they are masters of hiding, especially after molting. Third, and most unfortunately, they may have become a meal for a tank mate you thought was peaceful.
Managing Aggression in Maturing Siamese Algae Eaters
If your adult SAE is becoming a bully, you can try a few things. Rearrange the tank decor to break up territories. Ensure it’s well-fed (but not overfed). If all else fails, you may need to re-home it to a more suitable tank with larger, robust tank mates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amano Shrimp vs Siamese Algae Eater
Can Amano Shrimp and Siamese Algae Eaters live together?
Yes, they can! In a large enough tank (30+ gallons), they make a fantastic team. The SAE tackles the tough BBA while the Amanos handle the finer, softer algae. A full-grown SAE will generally ignore Amano shrimp as they are too large to be considered food.
How many Amano Shrimp or Siamese Algae Eaters should I get?
For Amano shrimp, a good rule of thumb is one shrimp per 2 gallons of water as a starting point. They are social and do best in groups of 3 or more. For Siamese Algae Eaters, it’s best to keep just one unless you have a tank that is 75 gallons or larger, in which case a group of 3-5 can work if introduced together as juveniles.
Will a Siamese Algae Eater eat my shrimp?
A full-grown SAE will likely eat baby shrimp (shrimplets), so they aren’t a great choice for a dedicated shrimp breeding tank. However, they typically leave adult Amano shrimp and other larger dwarf shrimp species alone.
What are some sustainable and eco-friendly practices for keeping these species?
This is a fantastic question! To practice sustainable amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater care, always purchase tank-bred or sustainably sourced specimens from reputable sellers when possible. Avoid releasing any aquarium life into local waterways. Maintain your tank with natural methods, minimizing chemical use. Finally, commit to their full lifespan—SAEs can live for 10 years!—by providing them with a proper forever home.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins the Algae War?
So, after comparing the amano shrimp vs siamese algae eater, who should you choose? The truth is, there’s no single winner. The “best” choice is the one that fits your specific tank, your algae problem, and your long-term goals.
Choose Amano Shrimp if:
- You have a smaller tank (10-30 gallons).
- Your main problem is soft algae, biofilm, or thread algae.
- You have a peaceful community of small fish.
- You want a large, busy, and effective cleaning crew with a tiny bioload.
Choose a Siamese Algae Eater if:
- You have a larger tank (30 gallons minimum, 55+ recommended).
- Your primary enemy is stubborn Black Brush Algae (BBA).
- You have tank mates that can handle a larger, more boisterous fish.
- You want an active, swimming algae eater that adds a lot of movement.
Both of these creatures are incredible allies in our quest for a beautiful, clean aquarium. By understanding their unique strengths and needs, you’re now fully equipped to recruit the right soldier for the job.
Happy fishkeeping!
- Hydroponics Net Cups: The Ultimate Aquarist’S Guide To Cleaner Water - December 4, 2025
- What Is Deep Water Culture Hydroponics – Your Ultimate Guide To - December 4, 2025
- Hydroponics Columbia Sc – Your Complete Aquaponics Starter Guide - December 4, 2025