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.” ”.
Amano shrimp are a favorite freshwater aquarium shrimp known for their tireless algae eating habits. Their translucent bodies darting around the tank grazing on algae often make them one of the most entertaining clean up crew members. But while they readily devour many types of algae, some aquarists have found their Amano shrimp ignoring hair algae So do Amano shrimp really eat hair algae?
An Overview of Amano Shrimp
Before looking into the hair algae question, let’s start with a quick overview of these popular shrimps Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are native to fresh and brackish streams in Japan, Taiwan, and parts of Korea. They were introduced to the aquarium hobby by renowned aquarist Takashi Amano in the 1980s
Some key facts about Amano shrimp:
- Peaceful nature, do well in community tanks
- Grow up to 2 inches as adults
- Clear bodies with brownish dots; some color variations exist
- Active foragers and scavengers
- Eat soft green algae, brown diatoms, debris, biofilm
- Help clean plants, decor, substrate
- Breed in brackish water, larvae require saltwater
- Lifespan around 2-3 years with proper care
Amanos are easy to care for and make excellent tank janitors. They constantly pick at algae, helping keep plant leaves clean for good photosynthesis and growth. Their restless activity also aerates the substrate. But some aquarists have found their Amano shrimp ignoring hair algae infestations. What gives?
Do Amano Shrimp Eat Hair Algae?
Yes, Amano shrimp do readily consume hair algae in aquariums when it is available. Hair algae, also called filamentous algae, refers to long stringy green algae that can quickly take over tanks. It propagates fast and winds around plants, tank decor, and equipment.
Why do Amano shrimp eat hair algae? A few key reasons:
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Part of natural diet – In the wild, Amanos frequent algae-covered streams and waterways. Hair algae provides a nutritious food source.
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High in protein – Hair algae contains more protein than many soft green algae. This supports growth and breeding.
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Abundant food source – Hair algae often proliferates, providing an endless food supply.
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Grazers by nature – Foraging on algae biofilms is core to the constant grazing behavior of Amano shrimp.
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Opportunistic eaters – Amanos have diverse appetites and eat whatever is readily available.
So by nature, Amano shrimp seek out and devour hair algae quite effectively. Their gnawing mouthparts allow them to break the algae down efficiently.
Why Don’t My Amanos Eat Hair Algae?
If your Amano shrimp seem to ignore hair algae, there are a few possible reasons:
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Overfed – Well-fed shrimp are less inclined to actively forage for algae. Reduce feeding to promote grazing.
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New tank – It takes time for new shrimp to adjust and exhibit natural behaviors. Allow a few weeks.
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Insufficient numbers – Too few shrimp can’t control extensive algae growth. Add more Amanos.
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Undetected food – Shrimp may be grazing at night or on hidden algae patches. Look closely.
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Molting issues – Shrimp about to molt often stop eating until their exoskeleton hardens.
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Health problems – Parasites, disease, or poor water quality can affect appetite.
Usually, the main reason is overfeeding. Try cutting back on protein-rich foods like shrimp pellets. This will stimulate their appetite for nutritious algae around the tank. Making sure shrimp are acclimated and healthy also helps.
Be patient and give shrimp time to settle in and exhibit natural grazing behaviors. Add supplemental algae wafers to ensure they have an adequate diet while getting to work on hair algae.
How Many Amano Shrimp to Control Hair Algae?
The number of Amano shrimp needed depends on the tank size and extent of the algae problem. Some general stocking guidelines:
- 5-10 gallon tank – Start with 3-5 shrimp.
- 15-29 gallon tank – Start with 5-8 shrimp.
- 30-50 gallon tank – Start with 8-12 shrimp.
- 50+ gallon tank – Start with at least 12 shrimp.
These are conservative starting numbers. Monitor algae levels and add more shrimp if needed. Reduce feeding to promote foraging activity. Amanos breed easily in brackish water, so consider hatching more to conquer hair algae.
Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots like driftwood and plant thickets. Shrimp feel secure when they have places to retreat to while actively patrolling algae-affected zones.
Alternatives for Controlling Hair Algae
While Amano shrimp are effective hair algae eaters, relying solely on them has risks. Rapid algae growth can outpace the shrimp, allowing algae to choke out plants. Using Amanos as part of an integrated strategy works better. Other control methods include:
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Reducing light – Limit light duration to 6-8 hours daily. Use timers and reduce intensity. Algae needs light to proliferate.
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Adding plants – More plants uptake nutrients needed for algae growth. Floaters shade the tank too.
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Improving flow – Good water movement distributes nutrients evenly for plants to outcompete algae.
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Manual removal – Twice weekly, manually remove clumps of hair algae by hand or with an algae scraper.
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Cleanliness – Frequent water changes and gravel vacuuming removes excess nutrients before algae uses them.
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Add algae eaters – Shrimp, snails, Otocinclus catfish, and plecos will all graze on hair algae.
Amano shrimp should be part of this multifaceted approach. Their tireless appetite for hair algae keeps it under control between manual removals and competing plants uptake. Shrimp also reach small, hard to access spots.
Amano shrimp do eagerly devour hair algae due to its nutritious value and plentiful presence. Their restless foraging helps keep this fast-growing algae in check. Lack of interest in hair algae is usually temporary or due to overfeeding.
Use Amano shrimp as part of an integrated hair algae control strategy. Manual removal, optimal conditions for plant growth, and other algae eaters combine to conquer hair algae. With patience and diligence, your tank and shrimp can get the pesky algae under control!
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.
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.
Can Amano shrimp eat black beard algae?
Even though black beard algae are the notorious, tough, resilient algae in the algae category, an amano shrimp can eat them with ease. No matter how resilient these algae are, an amano will prowess it with its inhuman active mode. These black beard algae result from too much light, inadequate filtration, and overfeeding in the tank.