How Long Do Amano Shrimp Live? A Look at Their Amazing Lifespan

Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) have become one of the most popular freshwater aquarium shrimp. Their hardy nature, peaceful temperament and voracious appetite for algae make them a favorite addition to planted tanks But just how long can you expect your amano shrimp to live?

As someone who’s kept these incredible shrimp for many years, I’ve been amazed at just how long they can survive under the right conditions. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the typical lifespan of amano shrimp and what factors impact it.

The Normal Lifespan of Amano Shrimp

Amano shrimp are not your average aquarium shrimp. Most dwarf shrimp species like cherry shrimp only live 1-2 years on average.

But amanos are different. They can easily live 2-3 years in captivity with the proper care. And there are many reports of amano shrimp reaching ages of 4 5 or even 8 years old!

So while 2-3 years is their typical expected lifespan, it’s not uncommon for amanos to far exceed that:

• Normal lifespan in captivity: 2-3 years
• Maximum reported lifespan: 8+ years

What accounts for their impressive longevity compared to other popular shrimp? To understand why, we first need to look at where they come from.

Why Amano Shrimp Live So Long

Amano shrimp originate from the mountain streams of Japan and Taiwan. Here they survive dramatic shifts in weather, food availability and water conditions.

Their natural habitat has molded them into hardy shrimp capable of coping with stressful situations. This gives them a leg up on captive longevity over shrimp species bred exclusively in tanks.

In addition, amanos don’t seem to have a predetermined lifespan limit like many animals. As long as their environment meets their needs, they continue living, growing and reproducing.

Some experts believe amanos may even be practically immortal if not exposed to disease, predators or accidental death. Quite an amazing fact about these shrimp!

Ideal Tank Conditions for Longevity

Given their natural resilience, amano shrimp don’t need pristine water conditions to reach old age. But getting their environment as close as possible to their native streams will help them thrive.

Here are the recommended water parameters for a long-lived amano shrimp colony:

• Temperature: 72-78°F. Cooler temperatures within this range are preferred.
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH/KH: 4-8 dGH. Moderately soft to medium hardness.
• Food: Protein-rich prepared foods along with algae grazing.
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons. The bigger the better.
• Filtration: Low flow. They dislike strong currents.
• Plants & Decor: Heavily planted with lots of hiding spots. They love moss!

Maintaining excellent water quality is also crucial. Perform 10-25% weekly water changes and test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate regularly.

Given their sensitive nature, amanos will suffer from buildups of waste. Make sure to gravel vacuum during water changes to remove debris.

Causes of Early Death in Amano Shrimp

While amanos can live for many years, they are still vulnerable to a number of threats in captivity. Here are some of the most common causes of premature death:

• Poor Water Quality: Exposure to ammonia, nitrite or high nitrate slowly poisons them.
• Copper: Even trace amounts of copper from tap water or medications can be lethal.
• Starvation: Not getting enough protein and grazing food leads to starvation.
• Molting Issues: An inability to properly shed their exoskeleton causes death.
• Aggressive Fish: Large or aggressive fish may attack and kill shrimp.
• Stress: Constant harassment from tankmates creates chronic stress.
• Disease: Bacterial, fungal and protozoan infections eventually prove fatal.
• Old Age: Like other animals, they eventually die of natural causes.

As you can see, there are many pitfalls that can cut an amano’s life prematurely short. Carefully managing their environment and diet is key to longevity.

Tips for Keeping Amano Shrimp Alive Longer

If you want your amanos to live for 5+ years, here are some tips:

• Quarantine new shrimp before adding to your main tank. A month-long quarantine prevents introducing disease.

• Test water parameters weekly. Stay on top of water changes and tank maintenance. Clean filters monthly.

• Provide plenty of hiding spots. Shrimp feel more secure with ample plant cover and decor.

• Supplement with calcium-rich foods. Calcium supports successful molting and exoskeleton growth.

• Feed a varied, protein-rich diet. Meaty foods provide nutrients needed for long-term health.

• Cull sick or dying shrimp immediately. Remove any deceased shrimp to prevent disease spread.

• Remove predators and bullies. Shrimp live much longer in peaceful community tanks.

• Perform frequent small water changes. Shrimp are very sensitive to waste accumulation.

Following these best practices goes a long way in supporting amanos to reach their maximum lifespan potential in your aquarium.

Real-World Examples of Amano Shrimp Lifespans

Seeing real examples of how long amano shrimp live in home aquariums provides helpful insight into their longevity. Let’s look at some reported lifespans from experienced shrimp keepers:

• 6 years – All 10 amanos a hobbyist purchased were still alive after 6 years.
• 8+ years – Two amano shrimp lived over 8 years in a 60 gallon heavily planted tank.
• 10+ years – One shrimp survived over 10 years in an unfiltered vase.
• 12-14 years – An original trio lived 12-14 years through several tank moves.

As you can see, lifespans well beyond 5 years are not just possible but almost expected under good conditions. And there are even reports of amanos exceeding 15 years old!

Their long lifespans compared to other shrimp species is a testament to their durability as tank cleaners and scavengers.

How to Tell an Amano Shrimp’s Age

Determining the actual age of your amano shrimp isn’t easy. Unlike fish, crustaceans don’t have visible growth rings on their body or bones. And all amanos grow at different rates based on diet, genetics and environment.

However, there are some general signs a shrimp is entering old age:

• Large size – Amanos over 2 inches likely are older shrimp.
• Faded coloration – Their characteristic dots tend to fade as they age.
• Orange tint – Some old shrimp develop an orange hue over time.
• Clumsiness – Slow movements and clumsiness point to advanced age.
• Reduced breeding – Egg production drops off in older females.

While not foolproof methods, these cues can help estimate an amano’s relative age. To know their exact age, you’d have to know when they were born or purchased.

Can You Help Amano Shrimp Live Longer?

Given their naturally long lifespans, amanos don’t need much help reaching old age. But there are a few things you can do to support longevity:

• Optimize diet – Feed a variety of protein-rich and vegetation-based foods.

• Supplement calcium – Add calcium-rich vegetables or use liquid calcium additives.

• Lower temperature – Keep water in the low 70s F. Colder temperatures extend lifespan.

• Reduce stress – Give them plenty of dense plants and hideouts to feel secure.

• Perform regular maintenance – Stay on top of water testing, changes, and filter cleaning.

• Use activated carbon – Activated carbon helps absorb toxins and keep water pure.

• Add botanicals – Leaves, cones and pods release beneficial tannins and acids.

With a little extra care, you can help your amanos enjoy life well into their senior shrimp years!

Saying Goodbye to Your Amano Shrimp

Despite your best efforts, the day will eventually come when your amano shrimp passes away. This is a normal part of keeping any pet.

When an amano dies, immediately remove it from the tank. Dead shrimp foul water very quickly. You can either discard the body or give it a ceremonial burial in the garden.

To honor its life, reflect on the joy and services that shrimp brought your aquarium over the years. While sad, finding deceased shrimp is a signal to get a new clean-up crew!

The amano shrimp lifespan lottery means you never know just how long they’ll live. Some will only survive a few months while others can live over a decade! However long you get to enjoy them, provide the