Australian Amano Shrimp and Its Ability to Control Algae in Fish Tank

Avid hobbyists from all around the world have become more captivated by these incredible and busy-body aquatic creatures. We are talking about Australian Amano shrimps. These kinds of shrimps consume thick algae, which means they help you in cleaning up your fish tanks. No wonder, these species are becoming more popular not just here in Australia but also around many countries.

Australian Amano Shrimps and Amano Shrimps

Australian Amano Shrimps, scientifically known as Caridina Typus, are known for their peaceful behavior, which is a great add-on to your freshwater tank. They are widely known because it is a fantastic tank cleaners and can be fed by the waste products within the aquarium.

As compared to a typical Amano Shrimps, the Australian Amano has fewer markings and is smaller in body size approximately 2 to 3 centimeters and sometimes it can grow for up to 5 centimeters.

This species originated in Australia and it has an interesting vigorous characteristic. There is nothing to worry about when mixed with fish because it is safe and will not be predated as much as the smaller species. As mentioned, they enjoy any sort of algae as their snack. They enjoy consuming algae such as green sting algae, black sting algae, and black beard algae.

In order to breed Australian Amano Shrimps, it is required to put them in a tank with an appropriate amount of tank water. These water tanks should be in a good condition for the shrimps to survive. The standard size of the tank should be at least 10 gallons. The average life span of this breed is more or less 3 years.

Australian Amano Shrimps Diet

 Australian Amano Shrimps have garnered a reputation when it comes to top aquatic creatures that clean the fish tank naturally. They are known to be industrious species that love feeding on different types of algae. However, these creatures consume not only aquarium algae but also other food sources that are found in the tank such as debris from the shedding aquarium plants.

These dead plants that are accumulated in your aquarium are consumed by these shrimps. That is why having “a very clean” aquarium is not a favorite place of Australian Amano Shrimps. Tanks that are too clean mean not enough natural food for the shrimps. The following foods are also part of the shrimp’s diet: spinach, algae wafers, fish pellets, shrimp pellets, and more.

Relevance of Australian Amano Shrimps to Algae

It is recommended to put 1 Australian Amano Shrimp for every 5 Liters of water when starting your new plant tank. Even though this species is known to be an algae consumer, it does not really the only solution to your algae problems. 

The most common reason there is an occurrence of algae problems is because of the water and lighting conditions. If your water tank has lots of algae, putting in Australian Amano shrimps alone is not the only and best cure.

Of course, it is very important to identify first the root cause of the tank’s condition and have it addressed methodically so that it will be solved.

This kind of shrimp is not just really an algae-eating creature but a great scavenger instead. These species are so hard-working and industrious that they are constantly working on eating food and dirt particles that are not seen by the naked eye.

They provide exceptional tank cleanliness making your tank in a healthy condition with algae controlled. Since they are hardworking creatures, they deserve to have a diet that’s perfect for them and not just let them eat algae the whole time.

Adding Australian Amano Shrimps into The Tank

When you are planning to add this to your tank, let them undergo an adjustment period. Make them adjust and acclimatized by slowly introducing them to the tank water in a bowl for a period of time. And then, slowly increase the tank water until they have totally adjusted to it.

You will know when the shrimps are uncomfortable with the water if they are moving fast as fishes do. Once they get comfortable with it, then it is time to take them out and put them inside the aquarium.

Don’t get surprised when there is a little bit of color change while transferring them into their new home. When they are in the new home, they will go back to the normal color up to their full intensity.

Australian Amano Shrimps Breeding

Let us talk about Australian Amano Shrimps Breeding. This occurs right after the female shrimp molts. What she does is an attempt to hide and release pheromones in the water at the same time.

Male shrimps will detect when there is a release of pheromones and they will find her to mate. After mating, the female shrimp will carry the fertilized eggs in the swimmerets or known as pleopods until these eggs are hatched.

Breeding Australian Amano Shrimps is not difficult. However, you have to take now that starting the breeding process will need you to have at least 10 shrimps. This will make an even ratio of male-to-female successful breeding.

When they reached 4 to 5 months, they are all sexually mature and ready for mating. Again, the breeding season takes place right after the female shrimp’s molts. She is going to hide but is releasing the pheromones at the same time.

Thinking about adding some Australian Amano Shrimps for your tank? Take a look at Aquafy and place your order now!