Can You Mix Amano And Cherry Shrimp – Your Guide To A Thriving

Written ByHoward Parker

Dreaming of a vibrant, algae-free aquarium bustling with tiny, fascinating life? You’re not alone. Many aquarists want to combine the powerhouse cleaning abilities of Amano shrimp with the brilliant pop of color from Cherry shrimp.

But a crucial question always comes up: will they get along? Will one bully the other? It’s a valid concern that can make or break the harmony of your tank.

Imagine a beautifully planted aquarium where these two shrimp species work together, creating a dynamic, low-maintenance ecosystem that is an absolute joy to watch. One tirelessly scrubs away algae while the other adds a splash of vivid red to your aquascape.

Good news—that vision is completely achievable! In this complete guide, we’ll explore exactly can you mix amano and cherry shrimp and provide the expert tips you need to create a peaceful and thriving mixed-shrimp community.

Meet Your Cleanup Crew: A Tale of Two Shrimp

Before we dive into mixing them, let’s get properly acquainted with our two contenders. Understanding their individual personalities and needs is the first step toward creating a happy home for both.

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Often called the “king of algae eaters,” the Amano shrimp is a true workhorse. Named after the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, who popularized their use, these shrimp are larger and more robust than many other dwarf shrimp.

They are translucent with a pattern of dots and dashes along their bodies. While not as colorful as Cherries, their relentless appetite for nearly all types of algae makes them an invaluable member of any planted tank. They are active, bold, and endlessly entertaining to watch as they go about their business.

The Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

If Amanos are the functional workhorses, Cherry shrimp are the dazzling jewels of the shrimp world. These tiny shrimp, part of the Neocaridina family, are famous for their brilliant red coloration, though they come in many other colors like blue, yellow, and green.

They are fantastic scavengers, picking at biofilm and leftover food, but their main appeal is their stunning appearance and prolific breeding. A colony of Cherry shrimp adds a constant source of movement and color that can transform any aquarium. Don’t worry—these little guys are perfect for beginners!

The Big Question: So, Can You Mix Amano and Cherry Shrimp?

Let’s get right to it: Yes, you absolutely can mix Amano and Cherry shrimp! They are widely considered one of the best shrimp pairings in the aquarium hobby for several key reasons.

First and foremost, they are peaceful towards each other. An Amano shrimp will generally show no aggression towards a Cherry shrimp. Their size difference—Amanos can be twice as large—doesn’t lead to bullying. They simply occupy the same space without conflict.

Second, and this is crucial, they cannot interbreed. Amano shrimp (Caridina family) and Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina family) are from entirely different genera. There is zero risk of them cross-breeding and creating hybrids. This means you can maintain the pure, vibrant red of your Cherry shrimp colony without any issues.

Their peaceful coexistence makes this combination a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to create a diverse and functional invertebrate tank.

The Benefits of Keeping Amano and Cherry Shrimp Together

Combining these two species isn’t just possible; it’s highly beneficial. Creating a mixed tank offers advantages that you wouldn’t get from keeping just one type. This is one of the key benefits of can you mix amano and cherry shrimp setups.

  • Superior Algae Control: Amanos are undisputed champions at eating tough algae like hair algae and black beard algae. Cherries, on the other hand, are better at picking at soft algae and biofilm on delicate surfaces. Together, they form a comprehensive cleaning crew that covers all your bases.
  • Stunning Visual Contrast: The subtle, translucent appearance of the Amano shrimp provides a beautiful contrast to the bold, solid color of the Cherry shrimp. This dynamic pairing makes your tank more visually interesting and active.
  • Different Foraging Levels: While both are bottom-dwellers, you’ll often see the larger, bolder Amanos venturing out into the open, while the smaller Cherries graze on plants and hardscape. They utilize different parts of the tank, reducing direct competition for food.
  • Increased Bio-Activity: A healthy, active invertebrate population contributes to a more stable ecosystem. Their constant foraging helps turn over the substrate and prevent waste from building up in hard-to-reach places.

Setting Up Your Tank for Success: A Step-by-Step Guide

A successful mixed shrimp tank is all about preparation. While they are compatible, you need to create an environment where both can thrive. This can you mix amano and cherry shrimp care guide will walk you through the essentials.

Tank Size and Population

A 10-gallon tank is a great starting point for a mixed shrimp community. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own territories and forage without feeling crowded.

A good stocking rule of thumb is:

  • For a 10-Gallon Tank: Start with 3-5 Amano shrimp and 10-15 Cherry shrimp.
  • For a 20-Gallon Tank: You can comfortably house 6-8 Amano shrimp and a colony of 20+ Cherry shrimp.

Remember, your Cherry shrimp will breed, so their numbers will grow over time! The Amanos will not breed in freshwater, so their population will remain stable.

Water Parameters: Finding the Sweet Spot

Luckily, both species have overlapping water parameter needs, which is why they work so well together. Aim for a stable environment within these ranges.

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
  • pH: 6.8-7.6
  • GH (General Hardness): 6-8 dGH
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2-6 dKH
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (absolutely critical!)
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

The most important thing is stability. Shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes, so use a drip acclimation method when introducing them to your tank.

Creating a Shrimp Paradise: Plants and Hiding Spots

This is one of the most important can you mix amano and cherry shrimp best practices. A heavily planted tank is a happy shrimp tank. Plants provide surface area for biofilm to grow (a primary food source), offer shelter during molting, and provide hiding spots for tiny Cherry shrimplets.

Excellent plant choices include:

  • Mosses (Java Moss, Christmas Moss)
  • Floating Plants (Duckweed, Red Root Floaters)
  • Broad-leafed Plants (Anubias, Java Fern)
  • Stem Plants (Hornwort, Rotala)

Adding driftwood and small caves also creates essential hiding places where shrimp can feel secure, especially when they are vulnerable after molting.

Common Problems When Mixing Amano and Cherry Shrimp (And How to Solve Them)

While this pairing is usually seamless, there are a few potential issues to be aware of. Knowing the common problems with can you mix amano and cherry shrimp will help you prevent them before they start.

Problem 1: Food Competition

Amano shrimp are much more assertive and aggressive eaters. When you drop in an algae wafer or shrimp pellet, the Amanos will likely dart in and try to snatch it all for themselves.

Solution: Spread the food out. Instead of dropping one large pellet, crush it and sprinkle it across the tank. This gives the smaller, shyer Cherry shrimp a chance to eat. You can also feed powdered foods like Bacter AE, which spreads throughout the water column and feeds everyone equally.

Problem 2: Amano Shrimp and Baby Cherries

This is a hot topic. Will an Amano shrimp eat a baby Cherry shrimp? The answer is: it’s possible, but very rare. A healthy Amano will not actively hunt shrimplets. However, if a shrimplet is already dead, dying, or extremely weak, an Amano may opportunistically eat it.

Solution: Provide tons of cover. A thick carpet of moss is the best defense for your Cherry shrimplets. This gives them countless places to hide and graze safely until they are large enough to be ignored by everyone else in the tank.

Problem 3: Stress from Tank Mates

The biggest threat to your shrimp isn’t each other—it’s their fish tank mates. Even small fish like tetras or guppies may pick at and eat baby Cherry shrimp.

Solution: Choose tank mates carefully. The best tank mates for a shrimp colony are other peaceful invertebrates (like snails) or very small, shrimp-safe fish like Otocinclus catfish. If you must have other fish, stick to species with very small mouths and provide dense plant cover.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach to Shrimp Keeping

Part of being a great aquarist is being a responsible one. A sustainable can you mix amano and cherry shrimp setup is not only better for the environment but also leads to a healthier, more self-sufficient tank.

An eco-friendly can you mix amano and cherry shrimp tank focuses on balance. By using live plants, you create a natural filtration system that reduces your reliance on frequent water changes. The shrimp, in turn, clean the plants and prevent algae, reducing the need for chemical algaecides.

Furthermore, by creating a thriving environment where your Cherry shrimp can breed, you create a self-sustaining population. This means you won’t need to purchase new shrimp, reducing the impact of shipping and collection on wild habitats. Always try to source your shrimp from reputable local breeders to ensure they are healthy and ethically raised.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing Amano and Cherry Shrimp

Will Amano shrimp eat my adult Cherry shrimp?

No, a healthy Amano shrimp will not attack or eat a healthy adult Cherry shrimp. They are peaceful and will coexist without any issues. The only time you might see an Amano eating a Cherry is if the Cherry has already passed away from other causes.

How many of each shrimp should I get for a 10-gallon tank?

A great starting point for a 10-gallon tank is 3 to 5 Amano shrimp and a colony of 10 to 15 Cherry shrimp. The Cherry shrimp will reproduce over time, while the Amano population will stay the same, creating a nice balance.

Can Amano shrimp and Cherry shrimp interbreed?

Absolutely not. They belong to different scientific genera (Caridina vs. Neocaridina) and are genetically incompatible. You can keep them together with no risk of creating hybrid offspring.

Do they eat the same food?

Yes, they have very similar diets and will eat algae, biofilm, leftover fish food, and specialized shrimp pellets. However, Amanos are much more aggressive eaters, so you need to ensure the Cherries get their fair share by spreading food around the tank.

Conclusion: Your Thriving Shrimp Community Awaits

So, can you mix Amano and Cherry shrimp? The answer is a resounding yes! This dynamic duo is one of the best partnerships you can create in a freshwater aquarium.

By combining the unmatched algae-eating power of the Amano with the vibrant color of the Cherry, you get the best of both worlds: a tank that is both beautiful and incredibly clean. By providing a stable environment with plenty of plants and hiding spots, you are setting the stage for a peaceful, fascinating, and self-sustaining ecosystem.

Don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Follow this guide, take your time, and you’ll soon have a bustling shrimp community that will be the highlight of your home. Happy shrimping!

Howard Parker
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