Amano shrimp

Description

The Yamato or Amano shrimp was made known in the aquarium hobby as an efficient algae eater by Takashi Amano, initially under its synonym Caridina japonica. This species marked the beginning of the worldwide aquarium-keeping success of freshwater shrimp.

Compared with other species, it requires a relatively protein-rich diet, as otherwise it may attack snails, fish and other shrimp.

Some aquarists report that Amano shrimp cause feeding damage to plants when food is scarce. However, this can also occur when sufficient food is available. It apparently depends on the shrimp's "behavioural type". Some of them are plant lovers, while others never touch plants.

How breeding happens

After successful fertilisation, the eggs move into the females' abdominal pouches. After approximately 6 weeks, the female releases the eggs, and milky-transparent larvae measuring approximately 1 mm hatch. These must be transferred to brackish water (1.6% salinity). After 4 weeks and numerous moults, the larvae have developed into juvenile shrimp and can be transferred to freshwater.

Rearing them in pure seawater has proved more productive. Transfer back to freshwater should depend not on age but on size. At a size of approximately 5–6 mm, the juvenile shrimp have completed the phase during which they require saltwater and should be transferred back to freshwater.