A Comprehensive Guide to Amano Shrimp:
Appearance, Anatomy, Biology, and Set Up
Amano shrimp, also known as Yamato shrimp, are one of the most popular freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. They are native to Taiwan, Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands, and are known for their voracious scavenging abilities, making them an essential member of any clean-up crew.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the appearance, anatomy, biology, and tank set up for Amano shrimp.
Appearance
Amano shrimp are drab in color, with brownish speckles and lines on their translucent bodies. They are wild in appearance, which makes them a great addition to any natural or biotope aquarium.
Their flat bodies are divided into two sections, the cephalothorax, and the abdomen. The cephalothorax contains the head and thorax and houses the eyes, rostrum, maxillipeds, and pereiopods.
The abdomen section contains the pleopods and the fantail used for swimming.
Anatomy of Amano Shrimp
Cephalothorax
The head and thorax are fused and together form the cephalothorax of the Amano shrimp. The rostrum, or beak, is used for feeding.
The eyes of Amano shrimp are located on each side of the cephalothorax and allow the shrimp to see in all directions. The maxillipeds, or mouthparts, are used to grasp and manipulate food before moving it to the rostrum.
The pereiopods are the five pairs of legs that extend from the body, which are used for moving and manipulating objects.
Abdomen
The abdomen of Amano shrimp contains the pleopods, which are specialized legs used for swimming. The fantail is an extension of the abdomen that helps the shrimp move quickly through the water.
The digestive, circulatory, and reproductive systems are also located in the abdomen.
Sexing
Male Amano shrimp have fewer and smaller brownish speckles than females. Breeding is possible, but the larvae are challenging to raise, making it important to provide hiding places for the spawning shrimp.
Behavior
Amano shrimp are peaceful and active scavengers, eating constantly throughout the day. They are not picky eaters and will eat anything organic.
Their grazing helps keep the tank clean and is beneficial for planted aquariums. It is common for Amano shrimp to form social groups and share food.
They are also excellent hiders and will seek out hiding spots when molting.
Origins of Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp were first discovered in the early 1980s by Takashi Amano, a Japanese aquascaper, who found them to be useful in maintaining his aquascapes. Since then, they have become a staple in the aquarium hobby, and their popularity continues to grow.
How to Set Up Amano Shrimp Aquarium
Tank Size
Amano shrimp are relatively small, and a shoal of five or more can be housed in a minimum tank size of 10 gallons. A larger tank is recommended for larger groups or for keeping other species with the shrimp.
Filtration
Filtration in an Amano shrimp tank is crucial. A sponge filter or power filter is recommended, with a sponge pre-filter to prevent shrimp from getting sucked into the filter.
Mechanical filtration removes debris, while biological filtration provides beneficial bacteria necessary for the nitrogen cycle.
Lighting
Full-spectrum lighting is recommended for aquariums that contain Amano shrimp as it promotes the growth of vibrant plants, which provide hiding and grazing spaces. Green algaes provide a natural food source for the shrimp.
Heating
Amano shrimp prefer cool waters, and a heater is only necessary if the aquarium falls below 68F. A temperature range between 70F and 78F is ideal.
Substrate
Amano shrimp do not have preferential substrate requirements. Both sand and gravel substrates are acceptable, and a plant substrate or pH reducing substrate may be added to promote plant growth.
Calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate may be added for shrimp molting.
Plants and Decor
A heavily planted tank is recommended for Amano shrimp as they provide excellent grazing and hiding spaces. Decor should include driftwood, rocks, and other natural-looking materials to promote a natural habitat.
In conclusion, Amano shrimp are a fantastic addition to any aquarium, thanks to their exceptional scavenging abilities, natural appearance, and peaceful behavior. Setting up an Amano shrimp aquarium is relatively easy, making them a great option for hobbyists of all skill levels.
With the right tank size, filtration, lighting, heating, substrate, plants, and decor, Amano shrimp can thrive, providing endless entertainment and fascination. Water &
Tank Parameters for Amano Shrimp
Maintaining proper water and tank parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of Amano shrimp.
Water quality affects the nitrogen cycle, which can adversely affect the shrimp if not properly managed. In this article, we will discuss the nitrogen cycle, tank parameters, and diet and feeding of Amano shrimp.
The Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle describes the process by which waste produced by the shrimp and other aquatic life in the tank is converted into less harmful compounds. The first stage of the process involves the production of ammonia, which is highly toxic to aquatic life, including Amano shrimp.
Beneficial bacteria, specifically Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, convert ammonia into nitrite, which is also harmful to Amano shrimp. The final stage of the nitrogen cycle involves the conversion of nitrite to nitrate, which can be safely removed from the aquarium through routine water changes.
It is essential to establish a well-functioning nitrogen cycle in the aquarium before introducing any Amano shrimp. A fishless cycle is recommended, where small amounts of ammonia are added to the aquarium to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Once the nitrogen cycle is established, nitrate levels should be regularly monitored to ensure they do not reach harmful levels for the shrimp.
Tank Parameters
Amano shrimp require stable water parameters to thrive, and any changes should be made slowly to avoid stress to the shrimp. The following table displays the ideal tank parameters for Amano shrimp:
Parameter | Ideal Range
— | —
Temperature | 70F – 78F
Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm
Nitrate | <20 ppm
pH | 6.5 – 7.5
GH | 6 – 8
KH | 2 – 4
Temperature – Amano shrimp prefer a temperature range between 70F and 78F, with any fluctuations being gradual.
Ammonia/Nitrite – Amano shrimp are incredibly sensitive to ammonia and nitrite and require their levels to be maintained at 0 ppm. Nitrate – Nitrate is the end product of the nitrogen cycle and should be routinely removed from the aquarium through water changes, with levels being kept below 20 ppm.
pH – Amano shrimp prefer a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Any significant fluctuations in pH can cause stress to the shrimp. GH – General hardness describes the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water and should be kept between 6 and 8 for Amano shrimp.
KH – Carbonate hardness describes the concentration of bicarbonate ions in the water and should be kept between 2 and 4 for Amano shrimp. It is worth noting that Amano shrimp’s ideal tank parameters are similar to other aquarium inhabitants, making them suitable for community tanks.
Diet & Feeding
Amano shrimp are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, decaying plant matter, and animal protein. It is crucial to provide a balanced diet to ensure the health and longevity of the shrimp.
Prepared shrimp food, such as Omega One Shrimp and Lobster Pellets, is an excellent source of animal protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Blanched vegetables, such as zucchini and spinach, are also popular with Amano shrimp and provide an excellent source of fiber.
Overfeeding can cause problems with water quality and algae growth, so it is recommended to feed the shrimp 2-3 times a week with enough food to last 2-3 hours. Amano shrimp are also natural algae grazers, and a well-established tank should have enough algae for the shrimp to feed on.
It is important to avoid using algaecides or other chemical treatments, as these can harm the shrimp and upset the balance of the aquarium. In conclusion, maintaining proper water and tank parameters, along with a balanced diet, is critical for the health and well-being of Amano shrimp.
Amano shrimp are an ideal species for the aquarium hobbyist, with their ability to clean up the aquarium and their peaceful temperament. With proper care, Amano shrimp can thrive for years, providing joy and interest to the aquarium.
In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed the importance of water and tank parameters for the health and longevity of Amano shrimp. Proper nitrogen cycle management, tank parameters, and feeding are crucial to maintain a well-functioning aquarium for Amano shrimp.
Tank parameters, including temperature, ammonia/nitrite, nitrate, pH, GH, and KH, should be carefully monitored, and a balanced diet of prepared shrimp food and blanched vegetables is recommended. Amano shrimp are natural algae grazers and can help keep the aquarium clean.
By following these guidelines, hobbyists can enjoy the beauty and natural behavior of Amano shrimp in the aquarium.