Algae can become a natural problem in any aquarium. When you don’t give them enough light and food, this unsightly problem can spread very quickly. There are a lot of ways to get rid of algae, but one of the easiest, safest, and most effective is to put an algae eater in the tank. It is said that Takashi Amano, the founder of modern aquascaping, kept his planted tanks clean with a lot of these little Japanese shrimp. That’s why they are now called “amano shrimp.” ”.
As any frustrated aquarist knows, hair algae can quickly take over and ruin the aesthetics of an aquascape. With its long strands that cling to plants hardscape and equipment it’s one of the most challenging types of algae to control. Many aquarists turn to Amano shrimp as natural hair algae eaters. But do Amano shrimp actually eat hair algae effectively? Let’s take a detailed look at the evidence.
An Overview of Amano Shrimp as Algae Eaters
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are renowned for their ability to consume many types of aquarium algae Reasons for their popularity include
- Voracious appetite for algae
- Larger size than other dwarf shrimp
- Peaceful temperament suitable for community tanks
- Available captive bred or wild caught
- Hardy and undemanding regarding water parameters
However, hair algae poses a particular challenge even for Amano shrimp. With its stringy composition and ability to cling to surfaces, hair algae requires a specialized feeding approach.
So can Amano shrimp successfully curb hair algae growth? Let’s analyze the evidence.
Effectiveness of Amano Shrimp Against Hair Algae
Many aquarists report limited success in using Amano shrimp to control hair algae. Potential reasons include:
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Composition – Hair algae’s stringy structure makes it hard for shrimp to ingest. They can’t just scrape it off surfaces.
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Attachment – When hair algae attaches firmly, shrimp struggle to break it loose to eat it.
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Preferences – Amanos prefer more tender green algae if available rather than tougher hair algae.
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Fullness – Once Amano shrimp are full, they are less inclined to eat hair algae if other food is present.
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Numbers – A few Amano shrimp may struggle to control widespread hair algae. Large groups are more impactful.
So while Amano shrimp do eat hair algae, they generally make a bigger dent in more tender green algae varieties. Their limitations with hair algae relate to its growth form and their own feeding motivations.
Evidence from Aquarists on Hair Algae Eating
Looking at firsthand experiences from aquarists is instructive:
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“My small group of Amanos will pick at hair algae but won’t make much difference.”
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“They’ll eat hair algae if very hungry but prefer flakes or vegetables.”
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“Amanos graze the tender new growth of hair algae but not the established tufts.”
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“Once my tank was covered in hair algae. Twenty Amanos demolished it within weeks!”
The takeaway seems to be that Amanos will eat hair algae, but their interest depends on hunger levels, group size, and the specific type of hair algae present in the tank. Relying solely on them to remove thick growth is unrealistic.
Strategies to Increase Hair Algae Consumption
If you want to maximize hair algae eating by Amano shrimp, consider these tips:
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Starve them – Stop other feeding for a few days so shrimp focus on hair algae.
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Add numbers – Use at least 1 shrimp per 2 gallons for fast results.
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Remove competition – Take out other algae eaters competing for the same food.
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Attack new growth – Shrimp will eat newer tender strands more readily than established growth.
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Increase phosphates – Higher phosphates make hair algae more palatable and nutritious to shrimp.
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Supplement food – Feed a mineral-rich diet to shrimp when targeting hair algae.
With the right approach, Amano shrimp can make a significant dent in hair algae. But results will be gradual rather than instant.
Other Effective Hair Algae Eaters
While Amano shrimp can help, they are most useful against hair algae when combined with other algae eaters targeting different forms of growth. Good tank mates include:
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Siamese Algae Eaters – Active fish that aggressively consume hair algae.
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Florida Flagfish – Voracious hair algae eaters if given ample space.
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Plecos – Certain species like Rubber Lips attach to and devour hair algae.
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Crossocheilus – Fish like the Siamese Flying Fox thrive on hair algae strands.
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Nerite Snails – Attached snails that slowly graze on hair algae as they move.
A clean up crew with a combination of shrimp and other algae eaters makes quick work of hair algae through combined effort.
Culture Tips to Deter Hair Algae
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to hair algae. Follow these tips to avoid explosive growth:
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Careful light limitation to 6-8 hours daily
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Consistent fertilization including nitrate and phosphate
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Adequate water circulation and surface agitation
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Targeted excel or peroxide spot treatments
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Quick removal of initial growth strands
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Overfiltering to compete for nutrients
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Abundant fast growing stems to absorb nutrients
By maintaining optimal conditions, you can keep hair algae from gaining a foothold for Amanos and other algae eaters to munch on.
Amano shrimp can help control hair algae through steady grazing, especially on new tender growth. But thick tufts require an army of shrimp and other algae eaters to conquer. Focus on prevention through proper husbandry techniques. Then utilize Amano shrimp as part of your clean up crew for dealing with any hair algae that appears. With persistence and a multi-pronged approach, you can keep this stubborn algae from wrecking your aquascape!
What are Amano Shrimp?
Caridina multidentata (formerly called Caridina japonica) is an algae-eating dwarf shrimp that grows to about 1. 5–2 inches (4–5 cm), which is slightly bigger than your average Neocaridina cherry shrimp. It is clear with a tan or gray-blue tint that can change depending on what you eat. There is a solid stripe down the back of it. They are smaller in males and have dots on the sides of their bodies. Females are bigger and have a row of dashes instead of dots. While they aren’t the most attractive shrimp, they have lots of interesting behaviors. With their front legs, they constantly graze for food, climb up plant leaves, and steal food from bigger fish. They won’t breed with cherry or crystal shrimp either, so you don’t have to worry about making weird hybrids. For that matter, they can’t reproduce in normal freshwater tanks because their larvae need very salty or brackish water to live. So don’t hold your breath if you see a female shrimp fanning the eggs under her tail. There won’t be baby shrimp everywhere.
Berried female amano shrimp with eggs under her tail
How to Set Up an Aquarium for Amano Shrimp
They are native to East Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. They do well in both freshwater and low-salt water. Because they are hardy, they can handle a wide range of water conditions. For example, you can keep them in water that is 65 to 82°F (18 to 28°C), has a pH of 6 to 8, and has moderate to hard GH. Like most crustaceans, they need minerals to help their exoskeletons shed in a healthy way. If your water is soft, add Wonder Shell or Seachem Equilibrium.
They do not need to be kept in groups and have a low bioload. This means they can live in most nano tanks (or bigger) as long as the lid fits tightly. Amano shrimp are very good at getting out of their tanks, so make sure to seal off any holes where power cords or airline tubing are coming out. A jungle of real aquarium plants and decorations would be great for them. They could graze all day and hide when they need to molt.
If there isn’t enough food for everyone, amano shrimp may beat cherry shrimp to it because they are bigger.
What fish can live with amano shrimp? Because they are friendly and don’t breed, they can live with many peaceful community fish of the same size, such as tetras, Endler’s livebearers, corydoras catfish, bristlenose plecos, kuhli loaches, other shrimp, and snails. Large cichlids, barbs, and goldfish, on the other hand, could eat them. Stay away from those fish. Also, they can eat anything and will gladly steal fish food from their tank mates, so don’t keep too many of them with dwarf shrimp and other fish that eat more slowly.
Because of their transparent shells, you can see the organs inside of an amano shrimp.
Do Amano Shrimp REALLY eat hair algae??
What do Amano shrimp eat?
Amano shrimp are known as one of the best algae eaters which can eat almost any algae. Other than algae, they eat worms, fish, snails, other dead shrimps, pellets, flakes, algae wafers, and living plants. To get them hungry, you have to refrain from feeding them food to go after the algae.
Do Amano shrimp eat hair algae?
Yes, Amano shrimp eat a variety of algae and that includes hair algae. Do cherry shrimp eat hair algae? Yes, cherry shrimp will also consume hair algae. The Shrimp Farm shares three of its favorite algae eating shrimp species! (Dwarf) shrimp are the janitors of the aquarium world.
Do Amano shrimp eat alkaline water?
Amano shrimp thrive in water that is slightly alkaline with a pH range of 7.0-8.0. The ideal temperature range for them is between 72-78°F. It’s best to keep the water clean and free of harmful chemicals. What is the recommended feeding schedule for Amano shrimp? Amano shrimp are primarily algae eaters and can survive on a diet of algae alone.
Where can I buy Amano shrimp?
You can buy Amano shrimp at The Shrimp Farm! Order your aquarium cleaning crew here. Probably the absolute most popular aquarium shrimp in the hobby, cherry shrimp are appreciated for their red coloration, fast breeding and efficiency when it comes to eating algae. Like Amano shrimp, they will eat various types of algae – and they do it quickly.