Red Cherry Shrimp Vs Amano Shrimp: A Complete Guide To Choosing Your

Written ByHoward Parker

So, you’re standing in front of the shrimp tank at your local fish store, or maybe you’re scrolling through an online shop. You see the vibrant, eye-catching Red Cherry Shrimp and the larger, more industrious-looking Amano Shrimp. You know you want a “clean-up crew,” but which one is right for you? It’s a classic aquarium dilemma, and trust me, you’re not alone in feeling a bit stuck.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help you solve this puzzle. As an experienced aquarist, I’ve kept and loved both of these amazing little creatures for years. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of the red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp debate and will be able to choose with total confidence.

We’re going to dive deep into a side-by-side comparison, looking at everything from their algae-eating power and appearance to their breeding habits and specific care needs. Let’s find the perfect shrimp for your beautiful aquarium!

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s do a quick meet-and-greet. Think of this as getting to know the personalities you might be inviting into your aquatic world.

On one side, we have the Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi). These are the superstars of the dwarf shrimp hobby. They are small, brilliantly colored, and known for being incredibly prolific. They add a splash of constant motion and color to any tank, especially a lush, planted one.

On the other side is the legendary Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata). Made famous by the father of modern aquascaping, Takashi Amano, these shrimp are the undisputed champions of algae control. They are larger, more transparent, and work tirelessly to keep your tank spotless.

Appearance and Size: Color Pop vs. Camouflage

One of the most immediate differences you’ll notice is how these two shrimp look. Your choice here really depends on whether you want your shrimp to be a centerpiece or a subtle, behind-the-scenes worker.

Red Cherry Shrimp: The Painted Jewels

Red Cherry Shrimp, or “RCS” as they’re often called, are all about visual appeal. They typically grow to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and boast a stunning, solid red coloration. The intensity of the red can vary, with higher grades like ‘Fire Red’ or ‘Painted Fire Red’ being almost opaque.

They are fantastic for adding a dynamic splash of color that contrasts beautifully against green plants and dark substrate. If you want a creature that is as much a pet as it is a cleaner, the RCS is a fantastic choice.

Amano Shrimp: The Subtle Workhorse

Amano Shrimp are built for function over fashion. They are significantly larger, often reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm). Their bodies are mostly transparent, with a pattern of small, dark dots and dashes running along their sides.

This near-invisibility allows them to blend into the aquascape, making them less of a visual focus. Their size gives them a confident presence, and you’ll often see them boldly navigating the tank, unafraid of small fishy neighbors.

The Algae-Eating Showdown: Who Cleans Better?

This is where the red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp comparison really heats up. Both eat algae, but they specialize in very different kinds. Understanding these differences is crucial to managing your tank’s ecosystem.

Amano Shrimp: The Algae Demolishers

If you have a serious algae problem, the Amano Shrimp is your answer. They are relentless eating machines with a much broader palate. Their key benefit is their appetite for tougher, more problematic algae types.

  • Hair Algae: They will happily devour strands of hair and thread algae.
  • Black Beard Algae (BBA): While not always their first choice, they are one of the few creatures that will pick at and help control the dreaded BBA, especially when it’s young.
  • Biofilm and Soft Algae: They eat these too, leaving surfaces sparkling clean.

Simply put, for sheer cleaning power and versatility, no dwarf shrimp beats an Amano.

Red Cherry Shrimp: The Delicate Grazers

Red Cherry Shrimp are more like maintenance workers than a demolition crew. They are constantly grazing on soft biofilms and delicate green algae that form on plants, glass, and decor.

They are fantastic for keeping a relatively clean tank looking pristine. However, if you’re facing an outbreak of something tough like hair algae or BBA, a colony of RCS will barely make a dent. Their small mouths just aren’t equipped for the tough stuff.

Breeding: The Prolific vs. The Challenging

Here lies one of the biggest deciding factors for many aquarists. Do you want a shrimp population that grows on its own, or do you prefer to control the numbers yourself?

Red Cherry Shrimp: Effortless Propagation

Want more shrimp? Just add water! Red Cherry Shrimp breed readily and easily in any standard, healthy freshwater aquarium. A female will carry a clutch of bright yellow eggs under her tail for about 30 days before releasing tiny, fully-formed shrimplets.

If you start with a group of 10 or more, you’ll likely have a thriving, self-sustaining colony within a few months. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch the population grow, and it’s one of the great benefits of red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp for many hobbyists.

Amano Shrimp: The Brackish Water Challenge

You will not wake up one day to a tank full of baby Amano Shrimp. While females will carry eggs in a freshwater tank, their breeding cycle is far more complex. The larvae need to be hatched in freshwater and then immediately moved to saltwater (brackish) to develop.

After a few weeks, they must be slowly re-acclimated back to freshwater. This process is extremely difficult to replicate at home. For 99% of hobbyists, this means the Amanos you buy are the only Amanos you’ll have.

The Ultimate Red Cherry Shrimp vs Amano Shrimp Care Guide

The good news? Both shrimp are quite hardy and perfect for beginners! Their basic needs are similar, but there are some slight differences to keep in mind. Following these red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp best practices will ensure they thrive.

Water Parameters: Stability is Key

More important than hitting an exact number is keeping your water parameters stable. Shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes. Always use a drip acclimation method when introducing them to a new tank.

  • Temperature: 68-78°F (20-25°C) is a happy medium for both.
  • pH: RCS prefer slightly alkaline water (6.5-8.0), while Amanos are a bit more adaptable (6.0-7.5).
  • GH (General Hardness): 4-8 dGH for RCS, 6-15 dGH for Amanos. Shrimp need minerals for healthy molting.
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 3-8 dKH is a good range for both to keep pH stable.
  • Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate: ALWAYS 0/0/<20 ppm. Shrimp are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Your tank must be fully cycled.

Diet and Feeding

In a mature tank, shrimp will find plenty of biofilm and algae to eat. However, you should still supplement their diet a few times a week to ensure they get all their nutrients.

Offer them high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber. This helps prevent common problems with red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp, like failed molts due to poor nutrition.

Tank Setup and Mates

A planted tank is the ideal environment. Plants provide cover, surface area for biofilm to grow, and help keep water quality high. Mosses like Java Moss are particularly loved by shrimp and their babies.

When it comes to tank mates, think small and peaceful. Neon Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Otocinclus, and small Rasboras are great companions. Avoid any fish large enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth, like Angelfish, most Cichlids, or even an aggressive Betta.

The Final Verdict: Which Shrimp Should You Choose?

Okay, it’s decision time! After covering this complete red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp guide, the choice should be much clearer. Let’s boil it down.

You should choose Red Cherry Shrimp if:

  • You want a vibrant pop of color in your aquarium.
  • The idea of a breeding, self-sustaining colony excites you.
  • Your primary goal is general maintenance of biofilm and soft algae.
  • You have a smaller tank (5+ gallons).

You should choose Amano Shrimp if:

  • Your main priority is powerful, effective algae control.
  • You are battling tougher algae like hair algae or BBA.
  • You prefer to have a set number of shrimp and do not want them to breed.
  • You have a medium to large tank (10+ gallons).

And what about the ultimate question… can you keep them together? Absolutely! This is one of the best how to red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp tips. They coexist peacefully and fill different roles, creating a super-effective and diverse clean-up crew.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Cherry Shrimp vs Amano Shrimp

Can Red Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp live together?

Yes, they are excellent tank mates. They do not compete for resources and will ignore each other. The Amanos will tackle the tough algae while the Cherries handle the delicate biofilm, creating a perfect cleaning team.

Which shrimp is better for beginners?

Both are fantastic beginner shrimp! However, Red Cherry Shrimp are arguably a tiny bit easier because their breeding success is a great indicator of a healthy, stable tank environment, which can be very encouraging for a newcomer.

How many shrimp should I start with?

For Red Cherry Shrimp, it’s best to start with a group of at least 10 to establish a confident, breeding colony. For Amano Shrimp, their numbers depend on your algae load, but a good rule of thumb is 1 Amano per 5-10 gallons of water.

Will Amano shrimp eat my Red Cherry Shrimp babies?

This is a very common concern, but it’s extremely rare. Amano Shrimp are scavengers, not active predators. A well-fed Amano will completely ignore shrimplets. Providing plenty of cover, like dense moss, ensures the baby Cherries will be perfectly safe.

Your Aquarium, Your Choice

At the end of the day, the choice between Red Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp comes down to your personal goals for your aquarium. Do you crave the vibrant color and bustling activity of a breeding colony, or do you need the unparalleled cleaning power of a dedicated algae-eating squad?

Neither choice is wrong. Both of these little invertebrates are fascinating, useful, and a joy to watch. They represent a sustainable, eco-friendly red cherry shrimp vs amano shrimp approach to tank maintenance, reducing the need for chemical algaecides.

Now that you’re armed with all the information, you can make the perfect choice for your tank. Go forth and enjoy the wonderful world of aquarium shrimp. Happy shrimping!

Howard Parker
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