Amano shrimp, those tireless little algae-eating machines, have earned a special place in the hearts of aquarists everywhere. I still remember the first time I added a handful to my heavily planted tank, watching in awe as they meticulously cleaned every leaf and surface. But their peaceful nature and fascinating behavior make them more than just cleanup crew; they’re a captivating addition to any community aquarium.

However, creating a harmonious environment where your Amano shrimp thrive alongside other tank inhabitants requires careful consideration. Not all fish and invertebrates play well with these delicate shrimp. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll explore the best tank mates for Amano shrimp, ensuring peaceful coexistence and a flourishing ecosystem. We’ll delve into habitat setup, dietary needs, and even address the occasional shrimp escape artist!

Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting your underwater journey, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to create the perfect home for your Amano shrimp.

• Related: Top 5 fish that eat snails but not shrimp in your aquarium (compatibility of fish species and shrimp included)

Top 6 algae-busting Amano shrimp tank mates

• Emerald eye rasboras
• Zebra danios
• White cloud mountain minnows
• Otocinclus catfish
• Nerite snails
• Mystery snails

Amano shrimp have a well-deserved reputation as algae-eating powerhouses. Their voracious appetite for various types of algae, from hair algae to green spot algae, makes them a valuable asset in maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium. But, let’s face it, a tank full of just shrimp, while effective, might lack a bit of pizzazz.

So, let’s explore some fantastic fish companions that not only coexist peacefully with Amano shrimp but also contribute to algae control, creating a vibrant and balanced ecosystem.

Emerald eye rasboras

These fish with their striking green eyes and vibrant orange bodies, are a visual treat for any aquarium. These peaceful schooling fish reach a modest size of about 1.5 inches, making them ideal companions for Amano shrimp.

They thrive in well-planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water and enjoy a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods. Their peaceful temperament and preference for the upper water column ensure they won’t bother your shrimp, while their natural foraging behavior helps keep algae in check.

Zebra danios

Zebra danios, with their iconic black and white stripes, are a lively addition to any community tank. These energetic swimmers zip around the aquarium, adding a sense of movement and dynamism. Growing to about 2 inches in length, they’re perfectly sized to coexist with Amano shrimp.

Zebra danios are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of water conditions. Their active grazing on algae makes them excellent partners for Amano shrimp in the battle against unwanted growth. Plus, their playful antics are endlessly entertaining to watch.

White cloud mountain minnows

If you’re looking for a coldwater option, White Cloud Mountain Minnows are a fantastic choice. These shimmering beauties, with their iridescent scales and striking red fins, bring a touch of elegance to any setup. Reaching a maximum size of about 1.5 inches, they’re perfectly suited to share a tank with Amano shrimp.

White Clouds are peaceful, social fish that thrive in cooler temperatures and appreciate well-oxygenated water. They’ll happily graze on algae alongside your shrimp, creating a harmonious and visually appealing aquatic community.

Otocinclus catfish

Otocinclus Catfish, often simply called “Otos,” are the unsung heroes of the algae-eating world. These little guys are like tiny vacuum cleaners, tirelessly scouring surfaces for algae and biofilm. Growing to a maximum of about 2 inches, they’re perfectly content to share a tank with Amano shrimp.

Their peaceful nature and preference for the bottom of the tank mean they won’t compete with or bother your shrimp. Just make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and a varied diet to keep these hardworking catfish happy and healthy.

Nerite Snails

Nerite Snails are another fantastic addition to any Amano shrimp tank. These little guys are like tiny bulldozers, constantly plowing through algae and leaving your aquarium glass sparkling clean.

Their patterned shells add a touch of visual interest, and their slow, deliberate movements are oddly mesmerizing. Reaching about an inch in size, they won’t bother your shrimp and even help keep the tank tidy. Just make sure your lid is secure – these snails are surprisingly good climbers!

Mystery Snails

Mystery Snails, with their captivatingly veiled appearance, add an air of intrigue to any aquarium. But they’re more than just eye candy – these guys are algae-eating machines, constantly cleaning surfaces. Reaching a maximum size of about 2 inches, they peacefully coexist with Amano shrimp.

Their slow, methodical movements are oddly mesmerizing. Just make sure your lid is secure; these snails are surprisingly good climbers! And be prepared for some unexpected additions – they reproduce asexually.

3 Must-have bottom dwellers for Amano Shrimp Tank

• Corydoras catfish
• Kuhli loaches
• Malaysian trumpet snails

While Amano shrimp are busy cleaning surfaces and gobbling up algae, there’s a whole world of activity happening at the bottom of your tank. It’s easy to overlook this underwater realm, but a thriving bottom layer is crucial for a healthy and balanced ecosystem. That’s where bottom-dwelling tank mates come into play.

They act as the cleanup crew, diligently sifting through the substrate and ensuring uneaten food and debris don’t accumulate. This not only keeps your tank sparkling but also helps maintain good water quality for your Amano shrimp and other inhabitants.

Corydoras catfish

Corydoras catfish, affectionately known as “Cories,” are the quintessential bottom dwellers for any Amano shrimp tank. These peaceful little scavengers spend their days diligently sifting through the substrate, hoovering up leftover food and detritus that could otherwise pollute the water.

This not only keeps the tank sparkling clean but also prevents harmful ammonia spikes that could stress your shrimp. Plus, as they forage, they stir up the substrate, releasing hidden food particles that your Amano shrimp will happily gobble up. It’s a win-win situation!

Kuhli loaches

Kuhli loaches, with their playful, eel-like movements, bring a touch of the unexpected to the bottom of your tank. They’re masters of disguise, burrowing through the substrate and popping up in surprising places.

But their antics aren’t just for show. As they wriggle through the gravel, they help to aerate it, preventing the buildup of harmful gases and promoting a healthy environment for your Amano shrimp.

Plus, they’ll happily gobble up any leftover food they find, ensuring a clean and balanced tank.

Malaysian trumpet snails

Malaysian Trumpet Snails, with their distinctive cone-shaped shells, might look a little odd at first, but they’re unsung heroes in the Amano shrimp tank. These industrious little guys spend most of their time burrowed in the substrate, constantly sifting through it and consuming leftover food and debris.

This not only helps prevent unsightly buildup but also maintains water quality by reducing the risk of ammonia spikes. Their burrowing action also helps aerate the substrate, promoting a healthy environment for beneficial bacteria and plant roots.

3 Stunning centerpiece fish for Amano shrimp communities

• Pearl gourami
• Honey gourami
• Neon tetras

A well-balanced aquarium isn’t just about function; it’s about crafting a living masterpiece. Amano shrimp, with their graceful movements and translucent bodies, are already a captivating addition.

But let’s take it up a notch. Imagine a few stunning centerpiece fish, their vibrant colors and unique personalities adding depth and dimension to your aquascape. It’s like adding the final brushstrokes to a beautiful painting.

Pearl gourami

Pearl Gourami, with their shimmering bodies and iridescent fins, are a captivating addition to any Amano shrimp tank. These elegant fish glide through the water with a serene grace, adding a touch of tranquility to your aquascape.

They’re relatively easy to care for, preferring well-planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water. Their peaceful demeanor ensures they won’t harass your shrimp, allowing everyone to coexist in harmony.

Honey gourami

Honey Gourami, with their vibrant orange bodies and flowing fins, are a dazzling alternative if you love the look of Gouramis but have a smaller tank. These peaceful fish thrive in well-planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water.

They’re not picky eaters and will happily accept flakes, pellets, and the occasional treat of frozen or live bloodworms. Their gentle nature ensures they’ll leave your Amano shrimp alone, and you might even catch them snacking on some algae, too!

Neon tetras

Neon Tetras, with their vibrant blue and red stripes, are a classic choice for a reason. These peaceful schooling fish add a dazzling flash of color to any Amano shrimp tank. They thrive in well-maintained aquariums with clean, slightly acidic water, and a gentle current.

Neon Tetras are relatively easy to care for, readily accepting a variety of high-quality flakes and pellets. Their small size and non-aggressive nature make them perfect companions for Amano shrimp, ensuring a harmonious and vibrant community.

4 Amano shrimp tank mates to absolutely avoid (And Why!)

• Cichlids
• Oscars
• Crayfish

Now, let’s talk about the party poopers – the fish and invertebrates you should absolutely avoid adding to your Amano shrimp tank. Trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. One time, I thought it would be a good idea to add a few goldfish to my shrimp tank, thinking they’d be peaceful enough.

Well, let’s just say the shrimp population dwindled rapidly, and I was left with a few very well-fed goldfish. So, let’s avoid those heartbreaking scenarios and ensure your Amano shrimp live long and prosper!

Cichlids

Cichlids, while beautiful and fascinating, are a definite no-no when it comes to Amano shrimp. These guys can be real bullies, especially the larger varieties. They’re territorial, aggressive, and have a voracious appetite. Your poor little shrimp wouldn’t stand a chance against these bruisers. It’d be like throwing a shrimp cocktail into a shark tank. So, save yourself the heartache and skip the Cichlids if you want your Amano shrimp to thrive.

Oscars

Oscars, with their bold personalities and impressive size, might seem like a tempting addition to your aquarium. But trust me, these guys are best left in their own tanks. They’re like the T-Rex of the fish world – big, powerful, and with an appetite to match.

Your Amano shrimp would look like nothing more than a tasty appetizer to these hungry giants. Their large size and aggressive nature would leave your shrimp feeling constantly stressed and vulnerable. So, if you want your shrimp to thrive, skip the Oscars and opt for some more peaceful tank mates.

Crayfish

Crayfish might seem like interesting additions to a community tank, but trust me, they’re best left in their own aquariums. These guys are opportunistic omnivores and have a taste for shrimp. Their sharp claws and predatory instincts make them a real threat to your Amano shrimp.

Even a seemingly peaceful crayfish can be tempted by a tasty shrimp snack, especially during molting periods when your shrimp are particularly vulnerable. So, if you want your shrimp to thrive, skip the crayfish and opt for some more peaceful tank mates.

Beyond fish: Creating the ideal Amano shrimp habitat

The role of live plants in Amano shrimp tanks

Now, let’s shift our focus from the fishy side of things to the verdant world of aquatic plants. Live plants are like the unsung heroes of the Amano shrimp tank, offering a multitude of benefits for your tiny inhabitants. I’ve always been a big fan of heavily planted tanks – they just create such a natural and vibrant atmosphere.

First and foremost, live plants provide essential hiding spots and shelter, especially for stressed or molting shrimp. Think of them as little shrimp safe havens, tucked away amongst the leaves and stems.

But that’s not all! Shrimp are constantly grazing, and they’ll happily munch on the algae and biofilm that naturally grows on live plants. It’s like a built-in snack bar!

And let’s not forget about water quality. Live plants are nature’s filters, absorbing excess nutrients that can otherwise fuel unwanted algae growth. They even help oxygenate the water, creating a healthy environment for your shrimp and other tank inhabitants.

List of plant species for Amano shrimp tanks

• Java Moss
• Anubias Nana
• Hornwort
• Water Sprite

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. If you’re wondering which plants to choose for your Amano shrimp tank, I’ve got you covered. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless aquatic plants, and some have proven to be particularly well-suited for these shrimp.

Java moss

Java Moss is a classic choice for Amano shrimp tanks. Its dense, feathery growth provides plenty of hiding spots and surfaces for grazing. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance and thrives in a variety of water conditions.

Anubias Nana

Anubias Nana is another excellent option. Its broad, sturdy leaves offer ample cover, and its slow growth habit means less maintenance for you. It’s also quite hardy and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions.

Hornwort

Hornwort is a fast-growing, feathery plant that provides excellent cover and oxygenates the water. Its delicate leaves are also a favorite snack for Amano shrimp, making it a double-duty plant.

Water Sprite

Water Sprite, with its delicate, fern-like leaves, adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium. It’s a versatile plant that can be rooted in the substrate or allowed to float freely. Its dense foliage offers ample hiding spots and grazing opportunities for your shrimp.

These are just a few suggestions, and there are many other fantastic plants you can incorporate into your Amano shrimp tank. Just be sure to choose species that thrive in similar water conditions and provide plenty of hiding spots and grazing opportunities for your shrimp.

Amano shrimp diet: Beyond Algae

Okay, let’s dive into the culinary world of Amano shrimp! While these little guys are renowned for their algae-eating prowess, it’s important to remember that they need more than just green stuff to thrive. Just like us, they need a balanced diet to stay healthy and active.

I’ve seen firsthand the difference a varied diet can make. When I first started keeping Amano shrimp, I relied solely on the algae in my tank to sustain them. While they did a fantastic job cleaning up, I noticed they weren’t as active or vibrant as I’d hoped. Once I started supplementing their diet with high-quality shrimp food and occasional treats, they became noticeably more energetic and their colors popped!

So, what should you feed your Amano shrimp? I always recommend starting with a good commercial shrimp food formulated for algae eaters. These pellets or wafers are packed with essential nutrients and often contain algae meal or spirulina, providing a familiar food source while supplementing their diet.

But don’t stop there! Amano shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and will happily accept a variety of foods. Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and carrots are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also offer protein-rich treats like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp occasionally.

Feeding frequency

Now, let’s talk about feeding frequency. I typically feed my Amano shrimp once a day, offering just enough food that they can consume within a few hours. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you notice uneaten food after a few hours, remove it to prevent it from decomposing and polluting the water.

Remember, a well-fed Amano shrimp is a happy and healthy shrimp. By providing a varied and balanced diet, you’ll ensure your shrimp thrive and continue to be the stars of your aquarium!

Preventing Amano shrimp escapes: Filter & tank modifications

Alright, let’s tackle a common challenge faced by Amano shrimp keepers: the great escape! These little guys are surprisingly adventurous and have a knack for finding even the tiniest gaps or openings in your tank. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve found a rogue shrimp exploring my living room carpet! But don’t worry; with a few simple modifications, you can create a secure environment where your Amano shrimp can thrive without turning into escape artists.

First and foremost, let’s talk about filters. Those intake tubes can be a shrimp’s worst nightmare. They’re like tiny black holes, sucking in anything that gets too close. To prevent your shrimp from becoming an unwanted snack for your filter, consider adding a sponge pre-filter or a fine mesh cover over the intake. This will create a barrier that’s too small for your shrimp to pass through while still allowing water to flow freely.

Next, let’s address the tank lid. Make sure it fits snugly and securely. Even a small gap can be an invitation for an adventurous shrimp to explore the world outside their watery home. If you have a DIY lid or notice any gaps, consider using aquarium-safe silicone sealant to create a watertight seal.

Now, take a closer look at your tank. Are there any other potential escape routes? Maybe there’s a gap around the heater cord or a small opening where the filter tubing enters the tank. These seemingly insignificant spaces can be a shrimp’s gateway to freedom. Seal them up with silicone or use a bit of sponge or filter floss to create a barrier.

Finally, let’s talk about water parameters. Amano shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality, and a stressed shrimp is more likely to try to escape. Maintain good water conditions by performing regular water changes, testing your water parameters, and ensuring adequate filtration and aeration. A happy and healthy shrimp is less likely to wander off in search of greener pastures.

By implementing these simple modifications and maintaining a healthy environment, you can create a secure and thriving home for your Amano shrimp. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping these fascinating creatures safe and sound within their aquatic paradise.

Final thoughts

Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of our journey into the wonderful world of Amano shrimp tank mates! We’ve explored a diverse cast of characters, from algae-busting fish and hardworking bottom dwellers to stunning centerpiece fish.

We’ve also delved into the importance of live plants, a balanced diet, and even shrimp-proofing your tank. Remember, creating a thriving Amano shrimp community is all about balance, compatibility, and a touch of creativity.

So go forth, apply what you’ve learned, and watch your aquarium transform into a vibrant ecosystem where your Amano shrimp and their companions flourish.

Happy fishkeeping!