What To Feed Amano Shrimp Larvae – Your Step-By-Step Phytoplankton
So, you looked into your aquarium and saw it—the holy grail for many shrimp keepers. Your female Amano shrimp is “berried,” her belly full of tiny eggs. You’re already picturing an army of the world’s best algae-eaters keeping your tanks pristine. It’s an exciting moment!
But then you read about the next step, and your heart sinks a little. Raising Amano shrimp larvae isn’t as simple as with other shrimp. They can’t survive in freshwater, and they won’t eat normal shrimp food. It feels like a nearly impossible challenge meant only for biology labs.
Don’t be discouraged! While it’s true that breeding Amano shrimp is a project, it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in this hobby. We promise this guide will walk you through exactly what to feed amano shrimp larvae and how to create the perfect environment for them to not just survive, but thrive.
In this complete care guide, we’ll demystify the process, covering the essential microscopic foods they need, a simple method for culturing your own “green water,” a day-by-day feeding schedule, and how to troubleshoot the most common problems. Let’s turn that “impossible” challenge into your next great aquarium success story.
The Amano Larvae Challenge: Why They’re Such Picky Eaters
Before we dive into the “what” of feeding, it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) have a fascinating and complex life cycle that’s very different from Cherry or Crystal shrimp.
Those other common dwarf shrimp have what’s called direct development. The eggs hatch into miniature, fully-formed versions of the adults. They immediately start crawling and grazing on biofilm, algae, and any food you provide. It’s a straightforward process.
Amano shrimp, however, have indirect development. The eggs hatch into a free-floating larval stage called zoeae. These tiny, almost invisible larvae are helpless. They can’t crawl or graze. Instead, they drift in the water column.
In the wild, the freshwater streams where adult Amanos live carry these larvae out to sea. There, they drift in the saltwater, feeding on microscopic marine algae (phytoplankton) until they grow, metamorphose into shrimplets, and make the journey back to freshwater. Your job as a breeder is to replicate this saltwater “ocean” phase in a dedicated tank.
The #1 Food Source: What to Feed Amano Shrimp Larvae for Success
So, what can these tiny, drifting zoeae actually eat? The answer is simple in concept but requires a bit of preparation: they are filter feeders that consume microscopic food suspended in the water. This is the most critical part of this what to feed amano shrimp larvae guide.
Phytoplankton: The Golden Ticket
The absolute best food for Amano shrimp larvae is live phytoplankton. This is a catch-all term for microscopic, single-celled algae that form the base of most marine food webs. It’s the perfect food for several reasons:
- Perfect Size: The algae cells are small enough for the tiny larvae to easily filter from the water and consume.
- Highly Nutritious: It’s packed with the essential fatty acids (like DHA and EPA) and nutrients the larvae need for healthy development and metamorphosis.
- Stays Suspended: Unlike powdered foods that quickly sink and rot, live phytoplankton stays alive and suspended in the water column, providing a constant source of food.
The most commonly used and effective species for this purpose is Nannochloropsis. It’s hardy, easy to grow, and has an excellent nutritional profile.
Culturing Your Own “Green Water” (A Simple DIY Method)
The most reliable and sustainable what to feed amano shrimp larvae method is to grow your own phytoplankton, a process often called “culturing green water.” It sounds intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple. Think of it like keeping a very easy, bubbly green pet.
What You’ll Need:
- A clear container (a 2-liter soda bottle or a large glass jar works perfectly).
- An air pump and airline tubing (no air stone needed).
- A light source (a simple LED desk lamp or even a sunny windowsill will do).
- A live phytoplankton starter culture (you can buy this online from aquarium or reef suppliers).
- Phytoplankton fertilizer (like Guillard’s F/2 formula).
The Steps:
- Prepare the Water: Mix saltwater to a specific gravity of around 1.019 (the same as your larval tank). Fill your culture container about 80% full.
- Add the Culture and Fertilizer: Add your starter culture and a few drops of fertilizer according to the product’s instructions. A little goes a long way!
- Set Up Aeration: Run the airline tubing to the bottom of the container. The gentle bubbling keeps the algae suspended and provides gas exchange.
- Provide Light: Place the container under your light source for 16-24 hours a day.
Within a few days to a week, you’ll see the water turn from a pale tint to a rich, pea-soup green. Congratulations, you’ve made green water! You can now “harvest” some daily to feed your larvae and top off the culture container with fresh saltwater and fertilizer to keep it going indefinitely. This is a core part of the how to what to feed amano shrimp larvae process.
Commercial Alternatives: When DIY Isn’t an Option
If you’re not ready to culture your own, you can purchase live phytoplankton from local fish stores (especially those catering to saltwater reef tanks) or online retailers. It’s more expensive and less convenient, but it’s a perfectly valid option. Just be sure to check the expiration date, as its nutritional value degrades over time.
A Step-by-Step Feeding Schedule and Guide
Once your larvae have hatched and been moved to their saltwater rearing tank, the feeding fun begins. The goal isn’t to “feed” them at set times but to maintain a constant food source in the water. The key is to manage the water’s color.
Day 1-7: The Critical First Week
The first week is the most delicate period. Add enough of your phytoplankton culture to the larval tank to give the water a light green tint. You should be able to easily see through the tank, but it shouldn’t be crystal clear.
Check the tank twice a day. If the water is starting to look too clear, it means the larvae have eaten most of the algae. Add a little more green water to restore the color. This is one of the most important what to feed amano shrimp larvae tips.
Day 8-30: Growing Strong
As the larvae grow, their appetites will increase. You’ll likely notice the water clearing up faster than it did in the first week. Continue the same process: monitor the green tint and add more phytoplankton as needed to maintain that consistent, light-green hue.
Don’t be tempted to make the water dark green. Overfeeding can lead to an algae crash, which will foul the water and can be fatal to the larvae.
The Final Stage: Post-Larval Shrimp
After about 30-50 days, you’ll witness the magic of metamorphosis. The larvae will transform into tiny, fully-formed shrimplets and settle on the tank surfaces. At this point, they are no longer filter feeders.
You can stop adding phytoplankton. They will now graze on the biofilm that has developed in the tank. Once you slowly acclimate them back to freshwater, they will eat the same foods as their parents: biofilm, algae wafers, and finely crushed flakes.
Best Practices for a Thriving Larval Tank
Feeding is only one piece of the puzzle. The environment must be perfect for the larvae to survive. Following these what to feed amano shrimp larvae best practices is just as important as the food itself.
The Importance of Salinity
This cannot be overstated. Amano larvae must be in brackish or saltwater. Aim for a specific gravity between 1.018 and 1.024, which is about 25-33 parts per thousand (PPT) salinity. Use a refractometer for accurate measurement. The water must be mixed using marine salt and RO/DI water, not aquarium or table salt.
Water Quality is Non-Negotiable
A larval tank is a delicate ecosystem. You can’t use a standard filter, as it will suck up the tiny larvae. Instead, rely on gentle aeration from an airline tube to keep the water moving.
Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food (or a crashed phytoplankton culture) will quickly create ammonia. If you need to do a water change, use a piece of airline tubing to siphon debris from the bottom, and replace the water with pre-mixed saltwater of the exact same salinity and temperature.
Lighting and Temperature
Keep a light on the larval tank for at least 12-16 hours a day. This not only helps you see the larvae but also keeps the phytoplankton you add alive and photosynthesizing, which helps with oxygenation. Maintain a stable temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
Common Problems with What to Feed Amano Shrimp Larvae (And How to Fix Them)
Even with perfect preparation, you might run into issues. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems and their solutions.
Problem: The Water is Too Clear (Starvation Risk)
If the water is consistently crystal clear just hours after adding food, your larvae are either very hungry or your phytoplankton culture is not dense enough. The solution is to add more green water more frequently. If your own culture seems weak, give it more light and fertilizer to boost its density.
Problem: The Water is Murky or Smells Bad (Crash Risk)
This is a sign of overfeeding or a bacterial bloom. The water has too many nutrients, and bacteria are taking over. Immediately perform a small (10-20%) water change with clean saltwater. Reduce the amount of phytoplankton you’re adding until the water stabilizes back to a light green tint.
Problem: Larvae Are Dying Off Suddenly
A mass die-off is usually caused by a sudden change in water parameters. Check your salinity and temperature immediately. An ammonia spike from a crashed culture or other contamination is the most likely culprit. Maintaining a pristine, stable environment is the best prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Amano Shrimp Larvae
Can I feed amano shrimp larvae yeast or crushed fish flakes?
No, please don’t. While some old guides might mention these, they are terrible options. The particles are often too large for the larvae to eat, and they rot extremely quickly, fouling the water and causing fatal ammonia spikes. Stick to live phytoplankton for the best chance of success.
How do I know if the larvae are eating?
It can be tough to tell! The best sign is that the water is gradually clearing, indicating the algae is being consumed. If you have a magnifying glass, you can sometimes see a tiny green spot in their digestive tracts. Ultimately, the proof is in their survival and daily growth.
What are the benefits of raising my own amano shrimp?
There are so many! The benefits of what to feed amano shrimp larvae yourself include creating a sustainable, free source of the best algae-eaters in the hobby. It’s also an incredibly fascinating and rewarding biological project. An eco-friendly what to feed amano shrimp larvae approach means you’re not relying on wild-caught specimens.
How long does it take for larvae to metamorphose?
The larval stage typically lasts between 30 and 50 days. The exact duration depends on factors like water temperature, food availability, and overall water quality. Patience is key!
Your Amano Breeding Journey Begins Now
Breeding Amano shrimp is undoubtedly a journey. It takes dedication, a bit of science, and a lot of patience. But it is far from impossible. The key lies in understanding their unique life cycle and providing that one critical ingredient: microscopic live food.
By culturing your own phytoplankton and carefully maintaining a stable, green-tinted saltwater environment, you are giving those tiny zoeae everything they need to complete their incredible transformation.
You have the knowledge, you have the plan, and you understand the challenge. Now go forth and raise those amazing Amano shrimplets! Your aquariums, and your sense of accomplishment, will thank you for it.
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