Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Japonica Shrimp - Caridina multidentata

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 10/10
Area of tank: All surfaces
Aquarium water conditions: 7-8.5, s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 18 - 27C
Feeding: Scavengers, will usually find enough food in the aquarium but can be supplimented with proprietary foods
Minimum tank size: 30cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Atyidae (Freshwater shrimps)
Synonyms: Caridina Japonica
Other common names: Amano Shrimp, Algae Shrimp, Yamamoto Shrimp, Japanese Shrimp, Japanese Marsh Shrimp
Origin: Japan
Natural habitat:
Size: 4cm
Behavior: Peaceful, walks over surfaces to feed, may be reclusive at first
Breeding: Produces larvae, difficult to breed in home aquariums (see main text)
Natural water conditions:
Sexing: Females are larger and have a more pronounced spotted/broken line patterning

Fish code No.2901

Recently Viewed fish: Japonica Shrimp

The Japonica Shrimp is an absolute blessing to the community aquarium due to its brillant ability to remove virtually any algae type. Because of its small size it must be mixed carefully, avoiding any very nippy fish or predatory species. Having said this, most fish of a peaceful nature, even those large enough to eat the shrimps, will simply ignore the shrimps as they go about their business.
Once introduced, these shrimps will often dissapear and become reclusive for a while before gaining confidence in their environment. Japonica Shrimps are a naturally grouping and social species so they must be kept in groups. Larger groups tend to be more confident and will venture out together. The species are a very interesting addition to the aquarium and well reccommended. Although these shrimps will adapt to a wide range of conditions, harder water is preferred.
Unlike most other Caridina species, the Japonica Shrimp produces larvae rather than fully formed young. Up to 2000 larvae can be produced at one time but these usually perish in home aquariums. The larvae need to be hatched and raised in brackish water and fed microscopic foods. In the wild the larvae are washed into the sea where they develop and head back into freshwater. Reports of successful breeding in general conditions are likely to have been carried out by misidentified shrimps similar in appearance to C. japonica.
As with other shrimps, they are very sensitive to strong medications, especially those containing copper.

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