Care Guide
Complete Red Cherry Shrimp Care Guide
Perfect partners for Amano shrimp. Learn how these colorful cleaners complement your algae control strategy.
Forget expensive chemicals and complicated equipment. Learn why Father Fish and experienced aquarists trust Amano shrimp as nature's ultimate algae-eating machine. Real results, zero drama.
Aquascape Oasis Team
Algae Control Experts
Amano Shrimp at Work in Natural Habitat
Here's what Father Fish and every experienced aquarist knows: Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are the ultimate algae control. Not because they're trendy, but because they actually work. They've been doing this job for decades while other "solutions" come and go.
Let's be honest: Amano shrimp aren't a magic bullet. They won't fix poor lighting, nutrient imbalances, or neglect. But when your tank is basically healthy and you just need to control algae growth, nothing beats them.
They're maintenance workers, not miracle workers. Get your fundamentals right first, then let the Amanos handle the cleanup.
Bottom line: They're hardy. If your other fish are happy, Amanos will be fine.
Perfect planted tank setup
Copper = Death. Always use a water conditioner that neutralizes copper. Check any medications or fertilizers for copper content.
Pro tip: If you have copper plumbing, let water run for 30 seconds before filling tanks.
Their absolute favorite. Watch it disappear overnight.
The fuzzy stuff on glass and decorations.
Long stringy types that other fish won't touch.
Younger, softer brush algae gets eaten.
Keep surfaces clean and healthy.
Too tough and established. Address root causes instead.
Not actually algae. Won't touch it.
Usually too tough when established.
Generally plant-safe but might nibble damaged leaves.
Father Fish wisdom: They're great at preventing algae buildup, not necessarily eliminating established problems.
Reality check: More isn't always better. Start with fewer and add more if needed.
Active Amano searching for algae
Here's the tricky part: you want them hungry enough to eat algae, but not so hungry they starve. It's a balancing act that separates successful algae control from expensive shrimp casualties. For comprehensive water quality guidance, check our complete water parameters guide.
Father Fish approach: Let the algae be their primary food source, supplement only when necessary.
Blanched Vegetables
Zucchini, spinach, peas (remove after 24 hours)
Algae Wafers
Break into pieces, feed sparingly
Biofilm Boosters
Alder cones, Indian almond leaves
Quality Fish Food
Crushed flakes or small pellets
Overfeeding = lazy shrimp. If they're getting full bellies from your food, they won't bother with algae. Feed just enough to keep them healthy, not satisfied.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a perfectly balanced ecosystem? Our professional aquascaping services create self-sustaining tanks where natural feeding cycles maintain themselves. Learn about the best plants that support healthy shrimp colonies.
Neons, cardinals, embers - peaceful and ignore shrimp
Bottom dwellers that won't compete for algae
Peaceful personality, wrong mouth shape to eat shrimp
Complementary algae cleaning, different preferences
Glass cleaners, different food sources
Mollies, platies, swordtails (peaceful varieties)
Will eat anything that fits in their mouth
Aggressive and see shrimp as expensive snacks
Personality dependent - some are fine, others hunt
Professional crustacean crushers
Tiger barbs and similar - too aggressive
Natural predators, will hunt relentlessly
Simple rule: If a fish can fit an adult Amano shrimp in its mouth, it will eventually try. Amanos are 1-2 inches when mature.
Small tetras, rasboras, small gouramis
Angelfish, larger cichlids, goldfish
Here's the truth: Amano shrimp need brackish water for their larvae to survive. Your freshwater tank won't cut it, no matter how hard you try.
They won't overpopulate your tank. Unlike cherry shrimp that can explode in numbers, Amanos stay at whatever population you maintain.
Plan for replacements. With 2-3 year lifespans, budget for new shrimp every couple years.
Berried female - eggs won't survive in freshwater
Most common cause: copper poisoning or poor acclimation.
Normal behavior: Amanos are masters of camouflage and hiding.
Common cause: Too much supplemental feeding or wrong expectations.
Usually means: water quality issues or inadequate habitat.
Father Fish and countless successful aquarists trust Amano shrimp because they work. Not flashy, not complicated, just effective algae control that pays for itself in time saved and cleaner tanks.
No chemicals, no complicated equipment. Just nature's own algae control system working around the clock.
2-3 year lifespan means consistent algae control. Set it up right once, enjoy clean tanks for years.
Initial investment pays for itself in saved time, reduced algae treatments, and healthier tank ecosystem.
"The best aquarium solutions are usually the simplest ones. Amano shrimp work because they do what they're supposed to do, naturally. No gimmicks, no complications."— Father Fish Philosophy
Stop fighting algae with chemicals and start working with nature. Your tank (and your schedule) will thank you.
Perfect partners for Amano shrimp. Learn how these colorful cleaners complement your algae control strategy.
Create the perfect planted tank environment where your Amano shrimp can thrive and do their best work.