Where to Find and Purchase Amano Shrimp for Your Aquarium

Amano shrimp, scientific name Caridina multidentata, are a popular freshwater aquarium shrimp prized for their algae eating abilities and peaceful nature Their natural habitat is streams and rivers in Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China In the wild, Amanos eat algae, dead plant matter, and microorganisms. In the aquarium trade, they help keep tanks clean by consuming several types of algae, including stubborn black beard algae.

Amanos have a few key features that make them easy to identify:

• Translucent bodies with a tan/brown base color and faint dots
• No front claws like other dwarf shrimp varieties
• Can grow up to 2 inches long as adults

These busy little workers make fantastic additions to planted tanks and shrimp-only species setups. But where can you find high quality Amano shrimp for sale? Here are some of the best places to buy healthy Amano shrimp:

Local Fish Stores

Visiting local independently owned pet and aquarium stores is a great way to find Amano shrimp. Benefits of buying from small local fish stores include

• Ability to pick out specific healthy shrimp instead of buying online
• Support local small businesses in your community
• Establish relationships with store staff for advice and discounts

The drawback is selection may be limited. Call ahead to stores in your area to ask if they have Amanos in stock before making the trip. Some stores will even hold or order shrimp for you.

Major Pet Retailers

Large national pet store chains like Petco, Petsmart, and Pet Supplies Plus also carry Amano shrimp. Convenience and location make these stores easy sources for shrimp. The shrimp available will depend on the individual store’s livestock selection. Options may be more limited compared to local fish stores. Check onlineinventories or call ahead to verify availability.

Online Aquarium Retailers

Purchasing shrimp online opens up many options that may not be locally available. Reputable online aquarium shops with good livestock shipping practices include:

• Aquatic Arts – Offers packages of 5 medium or large Amanos for $29.99 with free 2-day shipping.

• Buce Plant – Sells juvenile Amanos for $2.99 each or packs of 10+ for $2.49 each.

• Flip Aquatics – Prices Amanos from $249 to $399 depending on size,

• Imperial Tropicals – Sells both juvenile and adult Amano shrimp individually or in packs of 5, 10, and 20.

Check retailer websites for current prices and availability. Read customer reviews to help choose trustworthy sources known for healthy livestock and good customer service.

Things to Look for When Buying Amano Shrimp

When selecting Amano shrimp, look for these signs of health:

• Active movement and grazing on surfaces
• Intact limbs and antennae
• Full, rounded bellies
• No discoloration or clouding
• No visible parasites or fungi growth

Avoid any shrimp appearing lethargic, skinny, or already dead. The coloration may help indicate sex – females tend to be more brown while males have a grayer hue. But color is not a definitive indicator of gender.

Ask the seller how long the shrimp have been in their care and when they last molted. This can give you an idea of their acclimation status. Also ask about water parameters to ensure they will match your tank conditions. Significant differences could shock or kill shrimp after being introduced to your aquarium.

Acclimating New Amano Shrimp

Once home, use a drip acclimation method over 1-2 hours to safely introduce shrimp to your aquarium’s water parameters. Never dump store water containing shrimp directly into your tank. To acclimate:

• Place unopened shrimp bag in tank to equalize temperatures
• Open bag and remove shrimp with a net to a separate container
• Use an airline valve or knots to slowly drip tank water into the shrimp
• After 1-2 hours shrimp can be netted into the main tank

Go slowly with acclimation – temperature and chemistry shifts too quickly can kill shrimp. Patience leads to happy healthy invertebrates thriving in their new home. Observe shrimp closely for the first few days. They may hide initially but should become active once settled.

Summary

From local fish stores to online shopping, many reliable options exist for purchasing Amano shrimp. Check livestock conditions, compare prices, and research retailer reputations. With proper acclimation and tank conditions, these algae eating shrimps bring activity and free tank cleaning to freshwater setups. They are interesting to watch and research shows gazing at aquariums can reduce stress – making shrimp great pets with benefits beyond the aquascape.