Amano shrimp – Caridina Japonica
Species name: Caridina Japonica
Common names: Amano shrimp, Algae Eating Shrimp
Family: Palaemonidae
Order: Eucarida
Class: Malacostracea
Maximum length: 2 in.
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Hardiness: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Distribution: Japan, Korea and Taiwan
Diet: Omnivore. They are known to eat algae but will also eat leftover fish food and detritus which makes them excellent cleaners. Its diet should be supplement with quality flake food and/or pellet (pellets are best).
Additional information:
Caridina Japonica, also known as Amano shrimp or Algae Eating Shrimp is native of Japan, Korea and Taiwan where it can be found in swamps and marsh lands. It was named Amano shrimp after the aquarist Takashi Amano, who noticed their appetite for algae and introduced them in the hobby in the early 1980’s. It is now the most common shrimp present in aquariums.
Their body is transparent grayish with a tan stripe that runs the length of the back (from the head to the tail) and small broken horizontal lines/dots on their sides. The grey color becomes denser on the back. The body colour can change a little due food and water quality.
This shrimp is very useful in eliminating all types of algae, but they are not a solution against algae proliferation unless you have a large groupe (one or two per gallon).
They will do well in a well established aquarium. They are shy animals and prefer to be housed in large groups in tanks with plenty of plants, hiding places and peaceful fish that will not try to eat them. They can tolerate moderate levels of nitrate but regular water changes should be made to keep water quality as high as possible. They will prefer a neutral or lightly acid pH, a temperature between 71°F and 82°F.
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Article written by www.aquariumslife.com
References: Caridina Japonica Online
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