What Types Of Algae Do Amano Shrimp Eat – A Definitive Guide

Written ByHoward Parker

Staring at that stubborn green fuzz clouding your beautiful aquarium glass, or that stringy mess tangled in your favorite plants? Trust me, every single one of us in the aquarium hobby has been there. It’s a frustrating, all-too-common battle.

But what if I told you there’s a tiny, tireless, and totally fascinating janitor ready to join your aquatic team? I promise you, understanding the power of Amano shrimp is a game-changer for maintaining a pristine tank. They are nature’s perfect clean-up crew, but only if you know how to use them correctly.

In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into exactly what types of algae do amano shrimp eat, which types they’ll completely ignore, and how to create the perfect environment for them to do their best work. Get ready to turn your algae-fighting frustrations into a thriving, balanced, and beautiful underwater world.

The Amano Shrimp: Nature’s Premier Algae-Eating Crew

Before we get into their favorite foods, let’s properly introduce our hero: the Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata). These little powerhouses were made famous by the legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano, who recognized their incredible appetite for algae and introduced them to the hobby.

Unlike many other freshwater shrimp, Amanos are larger, more robust, and have an insatiable appetite. They aren’t just scavengers; they are active grazers, spending their entire day meticulously picking at surfaces. This makes them one of the most effective and eco-friendly additions you can make to a planted tank.

But they aren’t a magic bullet for every algae problem. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is the key to success. Let’s break down their menu.

The Main Course: What Types of Algae Do Amano Shrimp Eat?

So, you’re ready to deploy your shrimp squad. Here is a detailed look at the algae they absolutely love to devour. This section of our what types of algae do amano shrimp eat guide will help you identify if they are the right choice for your specific algae issue.

Soft Green Algae (Green Dust & Green Film)

This is the classic, thin green layer that often coats your aquarium glass, rocks, and slow-growing plant leaves. It’s one of the first types of algae to show up in a new tank and can quickly obstruct your view.

Luckily, this is Amano shrimp comfort food! You’ll see them constantly moving across these surfaces, using their tiny claws to scrape off and consume this soft film. A healthy team of Amanos can keep your glass looking crystal clear with very little effort on your part.

Hair Algae (Filamentous Algae)

Here it is—the number one reason most people get Amano shrimp. Hair algae, with its long, stringy, and unsightly green threads, can quickly overtake a planted tank, choking out delicate plants.

Amano shrimp are champions at combating this nuisance. They will systematically work their way through clumps of hair algae, pulling it apart and eating it strand by strand. If you have a hair algae problem, a small group of hungry Amanos can make a dramatic difference in just a few days. It’s one of the primary benefits of what types of algae do amano shrimp eat in a planted setup.

Biofilm and Soft Brown Algae (Diatoms)

Have you ever set up a new tank and noticed a brownish, dusty film covering everything within a few weeks? That’s likely diatoms, a type of algae that thrives on silicates present in new setups.

While unsightly, diatoms are a feast for Amano shrimp. They will diligently clean driftwood, substrate, and decorations, consuming both the diatoms and the invisible layer of biofilm (a collection of microorganisms) that grows on all aquarium surfaces. This makes them fantastic for helping a new tank through its “ugly phase.”

Black Beard Algae (BBA) – The Surprising Truth

Now for the most dreaded algae of all: Black Beard Algae (BBA). This tough, dark, wiry algae is the bane of many aquarists, and the role of Amano shrimp in fighting it is often misunderstood.

Here’s the honest truth: Amano shrimp can eat BBA, but with conditions. They will typically only go after it if it’s young, soft, and weakened. They are far less likely to touch mature, tough patches. Some hobbyists find success by treating the BBA first with hydrogen peroxide or liquid carbon, which weakens it enough for the shrimp to finish the job. Don’t expect them to clear a full-blown BBA infestation on their own.

The “No, Thank You” List: Algae Amanos Typically Ignore

Understanding what Amano shrimp won’t eat is just as important as knowing what they will. Adding them to your tank to fight the wrong kind of algae will only lead to disappointment. Here are the main culprits they’ll turn their noses up at.

Green Spot Algae (GSA)

Those hard, dark green, circular spots on your aquarium glass and slow-growing leaves like Anubias? That’s Green Spot Algae. Unfortunately, GSA is far too tough and crusty for the Amano’s delicate mouthparts to scrape off. You’ll need an algae scraper for this one; your shrimp won’t be any help.

Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)

This is a common source of confusion. Blue-Green Algae isn’t actually algae at all—it’s a photosynthetic bacteria called cyanobacteria. It forms slimy, dark green or blue-green sheets that can smell swampy.

Amano shrimp, along with nearly every other algae eater, will avoid cyanobacteria. It is believed to be toxic and unpalatable. Tackling this problem requires addressing the root cause, such as low nitrate levels or poor water flow, not adding more shrimp.

Staghorn Algae

Named for its resemblance to a deer’s antlers, Staghorn algae is a tough, wiry, branching algae that can be grey, green, or even reddish. Much like mature BBA and GSA, its texture is simply too tough for Amano shrimp to consume effectively.

Maximizing Your Clean-Up Crew: A Care Guide for Peak Performance

Simply adding shrimp to your tank isn’t enough. To get the most out of them, you need to provide the right environment. This what types of algae do amano shrimp eat care guide will ensure your crew is happy, healthy, and hungry.

The Right Number of Shrimp

Having the right stocking density is crucial. Too few, and you won’t see an impact. Too many, and they’ll run out of algae and require significant supplemental feeding.

A good starting point is one Amano shrimp for every 1 to 2 gallons of water. For a 20-gallon tank, a team of 10-15 Amanos is a fantastic clean-up crew that can make a real difference without overwhelming your bioload.

A Balanced Diet is Key

This is one of the most important what types of algae do amano shrimp eat best practices. While they are amazing algae eaters, they cannot survive on algae alone, especially once they’ve cleaned up the tank. A starving shrimp is an unhealthy and ineffective shrimp.

  • Supplemental Foods: Offer a high-quality shrimp pellet or sinking algae wafer 2-3 times a week.
  • Natural Grazing: Ensure you have driftwood and plants in the tank, as these surfaces cultivate the biofilm that is a staple of their natural diet.
  • Occasional Treats: They love blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber. Just be sure to remove any uneaten portions after a few hours to avoid fouling the water.

Ideal Water Parameters

Amano shrimp are hardy, but they thrive in stable conditions. Sudden changes can cause stress or even death, especially during molting when they are most vulnerable.

  • Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
  • pH: 6.5 – 7.5
  • GH (General Hardness): 6 – 15 dGH
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2 – 8 dKH

Pro Tip: Always acclimate your new shrimp slowly! The drip acclimation method is perfect for gently introducing them to your tank’s water parameters over an hour or two.

Common Problems and Smart Solutions

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Let’s troubleshoot some of the common problems with what types of algae do amano shrimp eat scenarios.

“My Amanos Aren’t Eating Algae!” – Why?

If your shrimp seem to be ignoring the algae buffet, there are a few likely reasons:

  1. You’re Overfeeding: If there’s an abundance of delicious fish food, flakes, and pellets falling to the bottom, why would they work for their food? They’ll take the easy meal every time. Try reducing the amount you feed your fish.
  2. They Are Stressed: Is there a fish in the tank that might be bullying them? Aggressive tank mates like large cichlids, some barbs, or even a Betta can cause shrimp to hide and stay inactive.
  3. The Algae is Unpalatable: Double-check that the algae you have is on their “approved” list. As we discussed, they won’t touch GSA or Cyanobacteria.

Molting and Hiding: Normal Behavior

Don’t panic if you can’t find your shrimp for a day or two! Like all crustaceans, shrimp need to molt their exoskeleton to grow. After molting, their new shell is soft, and they are extremely vulnerable. It is completely normal for them to hide until it hardens. You might even find the empty molt (a clear, shrimp-shaped shell) in the tank—leave it in, as they will often consume it to reclaim valuable minerals.

The Benefits of a Sustainable Algae Management System

Using Amano shrimp goes beyond just having a clean tank. It’s about creating a balanced, self-regulating ecosystem. This is the heart of a sustainable what types of algae do amano shrimp eat strategy.

By employing a natural clean-up crew, you drastically reduce or eliminate the need for chemical algaecides. These chemicals can harm sensitive plants, kill beneficial bacteria, and disrupt the delicate balance of your aquarium. Amano shrimp offer a truly eco-friendly solution that works in harmony with nature.

They are a living, breathing part of your aquascape that not only performs a vital function but also adds life and activity. Watching them work is a reward in itself!

Frequently Asked Questions About Amano Shrimp and Algae

How long does it take for Amano shrimp to clear algae?

This depends on the amount of algae and the number of shrimp. For a moderate hair algae problem in a 20-gallon tank, a crew of 10-15 Amanos can make a visible difference within a few days and have it largely under control within a week or two.

Will Amano shrimp eat my live plants?

Generally, no. Healthy Amano shrimp will not eat healthy plants. They are there to eat the algae on the plants. However, if they are starving, they may nibble on very soft, decaying, or melting plant matter, such as a delicate moss. This is another reason why supplemental feeding is so important.

Can Amano shrimp survive on just algae?

In a tank with a massive, ongoing algae problem, they might be able to for a while. However, in a well-maintained aquarium where algae is scarce, they absolutely cannot survive on algae alone. They need a balanced diet including biofilm and supplemental foods to stay healthy long-term.

Do I need to remove the algae myself if I have Amano shrimp?

Think of Amano shrimp as your maintenance crew, not a magic fix. For tough algae like GSA, you’ll still need to scrape the glass. For a massive algae bloom, it’s best to manually remove as much as you can first and then let the shrimp handle the rest. They are best for control and prevention.

Your Algae-Free Aquarium Awaits

So, there you have it—the complete rundown on what makes Amano shrimp such fantastic algae eaters. They are selective but incredibly effective at what they do. They excel at clearing soft green algae, diatoms, and especially nuisance hair algae, making them an invaluable asset for any planted tank enthusiast.

Remember that they are living creatures, not just tools. By providing them with the right environment, a balanced diet, and peaceful tank mates, you’ll unlock their full algae-eating potential.

Are you ready to add these incredible little janitors to your tank? With this guide in hand, you can confidently build a clean-up crew that will not only help you win the war on algae but also become fascinating and active residents of your beautiful underwater world. Happy shrimping!

Howard Parker
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