Fish That Can Live With Amano Shrimp: A Curated List For A Thriving

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever watched your tireless Amano shrimp cleaning crew and thought, “This is great, but my tank needs a splash of color and movement”? You’re not alone. Many aquarists love the algae-eating prowess of Amano shrimp but hesitate to add fish, fearing their prized invertebrates will become an expensive snack.

I promise you, creating a vibrant, peaceful community tank where both fish and shrimp thrive is not only possible—it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. You don’t have to choose between a clean tank and a lively one.

In this complete fish that can live with amano shrimp guide, we’ll dive deep into the perfect tank mates for your hardworking shrimp. We’ll explore the best fish species, detail exactly how to create a harmonious environment, and share some pro tips I’ve learned over years of keeping mixed-species tanks.

Why Amano Shrimp are the Unsung Heroes of Your Aquarium

Before we introduce their new neighbors, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) so special. These little janitors are famous for one thing: their insatiable appetite for algae. They are one of the most effective and natural ways to keep your glass, plants, and decor sparkling clean.

The benefits of fish that can live with amano shrimp go beyond just aesthetics. When you build a community around these shrimp, you’re creating a more balanced and self-sustaining micro-ecosystem. The fish provide activity and color, while the shrimp manage waste and algae, reducing your maintenance workload. It’s a win-win!

However, Amano shrimp are defenseless. They can’t fight back against a curious or predatory fish. That’s why choosing the right tank mates is not just a suggestion—it’s the most critical step to success.

The Golden Rule: What Makes a Fish “Shrimp-Safe”?

So, how do you know if a fish is a friend or a foe? It comes down to a few key characteristics. When I’m considering a new species for my shrimp tanks, I always evaluate them based on these three golden rules.

1. Size and Mouth Size

This is the most straightforward rule. A fish can’t eat what doesn’t fit in its mouth. Look for fish that will remain small even as adults. A tiny mouth is the best sign of a shrimp-safe fish. While a full-grown Amano shrimp is fairly large (up to 2 inches), they are most vulnerable when they are young or after molting.

2. Temperament

A fish’s personality is just as important as its size. You want fish with a peaceful temperament. Avoid anything known to be aggressive, territorial, or overly boisterous. Fish that are constantly darting around or picking at everything can stress shrimp out, even if they aren’t actively trying to eat them. Stressed shrimp will hide constantly, and you’ll never see them.

3. Natural Diet

Check what the fish eats in the wild. Is it a carnivore, an omnivore, or an herbivore? While many omnivores are perfectly safe, dedicated carnivores or insectivores are more likely to view shrimp as a natural food source. Stick with fish that primarily eat algae, biofilm, or small prepared foods like flakes and micro-pellets.

Our Top 15 Recommended Fish That Can Live With Amano Shrimp

Ready to find the perfect tank mates? Here is my personally curated list of fantastic fish that will coexist peacefully with your Amano shrimp. I’ve kept almost all of these species with shrimp myself and can vouch for their good behavior when kept in the right conditions. This is the core of our fish that can live with amano shrimp care guide.

Best Nano Fish for Amano Shrimp Tanks

These tiny fish are perfect for smaller aquariums (10-20 gallons) and are completely harmless to adult Amano shrimp.

  1. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi): The classic community fish! Their brilliant blue and red stripes add stunning color, and their small mouths and peaceful nature make them ideal shrimp companions.
  2. Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae): These tiny, flame-colored fish are shy and gentle. They look incredible in a planted tank and will completely ignore your shrimp.
  3. Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae): One of the smallest fish in the hobby, the Chili Rasbora is a true nano species. Their vibrant red color and shoaling behavior are captivating, and they pose zero threat to even young shrimp.
  4. Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus): Also known as Galaxy Rasboras, these fish are breathtakingly beautiful. They are slightly shy, so a well-planted tank helps them feel secure and coexist peacefully.
  5. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus): Unlike their larger cousins, these tiny catfish often swim in the mid-water. They are incredibly peaceful and their small size makes them a perfect, active addition that won’t bother your shrimp.

Peaceful Mid-Sized Community Fish

For larger tanks (20 gallons and up), these species add a bit more presence without posing a threat.

  1. Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha): A beautiful and hardy fish with a calm demeanor. Their distinctive black triangle patch makes them a standout. They are peaceful swimmers who occupy the mid-to-top levels of the tank.
  2. Guppy / Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia reticulata / Poecilia wingei): Known for their vibrant colors and active personalities. Pro Tip: Stick to smaller strains like Endler’s or regular guppies. Avoid “jumbo” varieties, as larger mouths could be a temptation.
  3. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras sp.): The classic bottom-dwelling clean-up crew! Species like the Panda, Albino, or Bronze Corydoras are excellent choices. They are peaceful and will sift the substrate, leaving your shrimp to their own devices.
  4. Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus): Famous for their bright red noses (which indicate good water quality!), these are active but peaceful shoaling fish. They are a fantastic choice for a larger planted aquarium.
  5. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes): A hardy and underrated fish. They are not true tropicals and can handle cooler water, making them very versatile. Their peaceful nature makes them a trustworthy shrimp companion.

Excellent Bottom-Dwelling Companions

These fish share the lower levels of the tank with your shrimp but are specialized eaters that won’t compete or cause trouble.

  1. Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus sp.): The only fish that rivals Amano shrimp in algae-eating ability. These “Otos” are small, 100% vegetarian, and completely peaceful. They are a must-have for any planted tank with shrimp.
  2. Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii): These quirky, eel-like loaches are fantastic scavengers. They are nocturnal and shy, preferring to hide in sand or among decorations. They will unearth leftover food and ignore your shrimp entirely.
  3. Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.): If you need a serious algae-eater for a larger tank, the Bristlenose is your fish. Unlike common plecos that get huge, these stay a manageable 4-5 inches and are herbivores. Their mouths are designed for rasping on surfaces, not for catching shrimp.
  4. Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus): A stunning and tiny top-dwelling fish. They have small mouths and spend their time near the surface, meaning their paths will rarely cross with your bottom-dwelling shrimp.
  5. Dwarf Chain Loach (Ambastaia sidthimunki): A small, active, and peaceful loach that is much safer for shrimp than its larger cousins. They are known to eat pest snails, adding another layer of utility to your clean-up crew!

Fish to AVOID: The Shrimp Hunters’ Hall of Shame

Just as important as knowing which fish are safe is knowing which ones to avoid. Adding any of these to your shrimp tank is a recipe for disaster:

  • Most Cichlids: This includes Angelfish, Jack Dempseys, and even the popular German Blue Ram. They are intelligent predators and will systematically hunt your shrimp.
  • Larger Barbs: Tiger Barbs, Rosy Barbs, and others are known fin-nippers and are too boisterous and opportunistic for a shrimp tank.
  • Gouramis (most): While some, like the tiny Sparkling Gourami, can be okay, larger species like the Blue or Pearl Gourami will often bully and eat shrimp.
  • Bettas (with caution): This is a controversial one. Some Bettas will ignore shrimp completely, while others will hunt them relentlessly. It depends entirely on the individual fish’s personality. If you try, have a backup tank ready.

How to Successfully Introduce Fish to Your Shrimp Colony: Best Practices

Knowing how to fish that can live with amano shrimp is about more than just picking the right species. Your setup and introduction process are key. Following these fish that can live with amano shrimp best practices will dramatically increase your chances of success.

  1. Shrimp First, Fish Second: Always add your shrimp to the aquarium first. Let them establish a colony for a few weeks or even a month. This allows them to learn all the best hiding spots and feel secure before any potential threats are introduced.
  2. Provide Plenty of Cover: A heavily planted tank is a shrimp’s best friend. Plants like Java Moss, Subwassertang, and floating plants provide a dense jungle for shrimp to hide, molt, and forage in safety. Add driftwood and small caves as well.
  3. Feed the Fish Before Adding Them: Introduce your new fish to the tank after they’ve had a good meal. A full belly makes a fish less likely to go exploring for a snack.
  4. Acclimate Properly: Use a proper drip acclimation method for both your fish and shrimp. This reduces stress, and a less stressed animal is less likely to behave unpredictably.
  5. Choose Captive-Bred Fish: When possible, opt for captive-bred species. This is a more sustainable fish that can live with amano shrimp choice, as it reduces pressure on wild populations. These fish are also more accustomed to aquarium life and food.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Fish and Amano Shrimp

Even with the best planning, you might run into issues. Here are some solutions to the most common problems with fish that can live with amano shrimp.

Problem: My fish is chasing my shrimp!

Solution: First, ensure the fish is well-fed. Sometimes hunger brings out opportunistic behavior. Second, add more hiding spots. If a shrimp can easily escape, the fish will usually lose interest. If the behavior continues, you may have an unusually aggressive individual fish that needs to be moved to a different tank.

Problem: My Amano shrimp are always hiding.

Solution: This is a sign of stress. The fish you’ve chosen might be too active, even if they aren’t aggressive. Consider fish with a calmer demeanor. Also, check your water parameters—shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality, which can also cause them to hide.

Problem: My shrimp are disappearing one by one.

Solution: This is the classic sign of a “secret” predator. Double-check the identity of all your fish. Sometimes a fish is misidentified at the store. If all the fish are on the safe list, the culprit could be poor water quality leading to failed molts, or a lack of hiding places for them to molt safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp-Safe Fish

Can a Betta fish really live with Amano shrimp?

It’s a gamble. Amano shrimp are larger and faster than dwarf shrimp, which increases their chances. However, it depends 100% on the Betta’s individual personality. Some are gentle, some are killers. If you try, make sure the tank is at least 10 gallons and heavily planted.

Will my fish eat baby Amano shrimp?

Unfortunately, yes. Amano shrimp rarely breed in freshwater aquariums because their larvae require brackish water to develop. So, you are very unlikely to ever see baby Amano shrimp in your tank. If you are keeping other shrimp that do breed in freshwater (like Neocaridina), even the safest fish on this list will likely eat the tiny shrimplets.

How many Amano shrimp should I keep with my fish?

Amano shrimp are social and more confident in groups. I recommend a minimum of 3-5, but a group of 6 or more is even better. A good rule of thumb is about one Amano shrimp per 2-3 gallons of water for effective algae control.

Your Peaceful Community Tank Awaits

Creating a thriving aquarium where colorful fish swim peacefully alongside a dedicated crew of Amano shrimp is one of the most satisfying projects in this hobby. It’s a living piece of art that is both beautiful and balanced.

Remember the key takeaways from this guide: choose small fish with peaceful temperaments, provide an abundance of plants and hiding places, and introduce your shrimp first. By following these fish that can live with amano shrimp tips, you’re not just buying fish—you’re curating a community.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the safe species on this list. Your perfect, harmonious aquarium is just a few steps away. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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