Orange Amano Shrimp (Caridina japonica) 2-3 cm

Overview

The Orange Amano Shrimp, Caridina japonica orange, is a striking colour form of the classic Amano shrimp, prized for its vivid orange body, active grazing behaviour and usefulness in planted aquariums. At 2-3 cm, these shrimp are ideal for established nano and community tanks where they can spend their time picking at biofilm, soft algae and leftover food. Their compact size and peaceful nature make them a favourite for aquarists who want both visual interest and a hardworking clean-up crew.

Unlike many ornamental invertebrates, Amano-type shrimp are not just attractive accents; they are genuinely useful aquarium residents. They are constantly on the move, browsing leaves, wood, rocks and substrate for edible films and detritus. In a well-maintained aquarium, they help keep surfaces tidy without disturbing plants or tank décor. This orange variety stands out beautifully against green planting and dark hardscape, adding a warm splash of colour to aquascapes.

With the right water conditions and a mature aquarium, Orange Amano Shrimp are straightforward to keep. They are best suited to peaceful setups with stable parameters, gentle filtration and plenty of hiding places. Order with confidence from Tropical Fish Co with fast UK delivery and our live arrival guarantee.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

The species commonly sold as Amano shrimp originates from East Asia, with the natural form associated with Japan and surrounding regions. In the wild, these shrimp inhabit slow-moving streams, rivers and freshwater margins with abundant plant growth, leaf litter and submerged surfaces covered in biofilm. They are adapted to environments where they can graze continuously on microscopic food sources rather than relying on large meals.

The orange aquarium form is a selectively bred colour variant, developed for the hobby. While the colour is ornamental, the shrimp’s behaviour and care requirements remain closely aligned with the natural species. That means they appreciate clean, oxygen-rich water, stable conditions and mature tanks with plenty of surface area to browse. Their natural grazing instinct is what makes them so effective in planted aquariums.

Because they are active foragers, they do best in aquariums that have been running for some time. A mature tank provides the biofilm and microfauna they naturally feed on, helping them settle quickly and remain in good condition.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Orange Amano Shrimp thrive in a well-established aquarium with stable water quality and gentle flow. A minimum of 60 litres is recommended, especially if they are being kept with fish, as a larger volume is more forgiving and gives them more grazing territory. Fine-leaved plants, mosses, driftwood and smooth rocks all provide excellent surfaces for biofilm growth and shelter.

Use a shrimp-safe filter intake or sponge pre-filter to prevent accidental losses, particularly with juveniles. A planted tank with moderate lighting is ideal, as it encourages algae and biofilm growth without causing excessive nuisance algae. Provide hiding spaces such as moss clumps, caves and dense planting so shrimp can retreat when moulting or resting.

Water should be clean and stable, with low ammonia and nitrite at zero and nitrate kept as low as possible through regular maintenance. Aim for a temperature of 20-26°C and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is generally suitable, but consistency matters more than chasing exact numbers. Sudden swings in temperature, pH or hardness can stress shrimp and lead to poor moults.

Good oxygenation is important. Gentle surface movement and adequate filtration help maintain dissolved oxygen, especially in warmer tanks. Avoid copper-based treatments and be cautious with fertilisers or medications that are not shrimp-safe. If you are adding shrimp to a community aquarium, make sure the tank is fully cycled and mature before introduction.

Feeding Guide

Orange Amano Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers with a strong preference for algae, biofilm and other natural grazing foods. In many aquariums they will spend much of the day picking at surfaces and cleaning up leftovers. However, they should still be offered a varied diet to ensure long-term health and successful moulting.

Feed small amounts of high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers and sinking granules a few times per week, adjusting based on the amount of natural food available in the tank. Supplement with blanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach or cucumber in moderation. They will also appreciate specialist shrimp foods containing minerals and plant matter.

Do not overfeed. Excess food can quickly foul the water and reduce the shrimp’s grazing activity. A good rule is to offer only what they can finish in a few hours, then remove leftovers. In planted tanks with plenty of algae and biofilm, their supplemental feeding needs may be quite low.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Orange Amano Shrimp are peaceful and best kept with non-aggressive fish and invertebrates that will not see them as food. They are excellent companions for small community fish, especially in planted aquariums. Their active nature and useful cleaning habits make them a great addition to carefully chosen mixed-species tanks.

Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, endlers, guppies, corydoras, otocinclus, peaceful dwarf gouramis and other calm community species. They also work well with snails and other non-predatory invertebrates, provided water parameters suit all inhabitants.

Avoid large, predatory or boisterous fish such as cichlids, large barbs, goldfish, loaches that hunt invertebrates, and any species known to nip or eat shrimp. Even peaceful fish may opportunistically eat very small shrimp, so provide dense planting and hiding places if keeping juveniles. As with all shrimp, newly moulted individuals are more vulnerable and appreciate plenty of cover.

For best results, keep them in groups. Amano shrimp are social enough to benefit from the presence of others, and a small colony will be more visible and active than a lone individual.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy livestock and pack with care so your shrimp arrive in excellent condition. We understand that live invertebrates need stable handling, careful temperature management and fast dispatch, which is why we offer fast UK delivery and a live arrival guarantee for peace of mind.

Our Orange Amano Shrimp are supplied at a practical 2-3 cm size, making them well suited to established aquariums and aquascapes. Whether you are building a planted display or adding a hardworking algae grazer to a community tank, these shrimp offer colour, movement and real utility. If you are looking for a striking, peaceful invertebrate that earns its keep, this is an excellent choice.

Choose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock, reliable service and expert support for your aquarium journey.