Snow White Amano Shrimp (Caridina japonica) 2–3 cm

Overview

The Snow White Amano Shrimp (Caridina japonica) is a striking freshwater shrimp prized by aquarists for its delicate pale white body, active grazing behaviour and excellent algae-eating habits. At 2–3 cm, these shrimp are ideal for established aquariums where they can spend the day picking at biofilm, soft algae and leftover food. They are a superb choice for planted tanks, aquascapes and community aquariums with calm tank mates.

Despite their elegant appearance, Snow White Amano Shrimp are hardy and practical livestock when kept in stable water conditions. They are best appreciated as part of a balanced clean-up crew rather than as a decorative novelty. Their constant foraging helps keep surfaces tidy, and their peaceful nature makes them a favourite among shrimp keepers and aquascapers alike.

We supply healthy live stock with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your shrimp arrive ready to settle into their new home.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Caridina japonica is native to East Asia, especially Japan and Taiwan, where it inhabits clear, well-oxygenated streams and rivers. In nature, these shrimp live among rocks, driftwood and aquatic plants, feeding on biofilm, detritus and fine algae. Their natural environment is typically stable, cool to warm, and rich in dissolved oxygen, which explains why they do best in mature aquariums with good filtration and gentle water movement.

The Snow White colour form is a selectively bred ornamental variant of the Amano shrimp. While the wild type is usually translucent with spotted markings, this pale form offers a clean, refined look that stands out beautifully against dark substrates and lush green planting. Because they are still Amano shrimp at heart, their husbandry is very similar to standard Caridina japonica.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Snow White Amano Shrimp in a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of hiding places. A planted tank with moss, fine-leaved plants, driftwood and smooth rockwork gives them surfaces to graze and shelter when moulting. They are active but not destructive, and they thrive when the tank has a natural, established feel.

Use a secure lid if possible, as shrimp can sometimes climb out of tanks with gaps. Filtration should be efficient but not overly turbulent; sponge filters, internal filters with pre-filters, or canister filters with gentle output are all suitable. Good oxygenation is important, especially in warmer tanks. Avoid copper-based treatments and be cautious with fertilisers or medications that may be harmful to invertebrates.

Recommended conditions are:

• Temperature: 20–26°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• General hardness: soft to moderately hard water
• Ammonia and nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: kept as low as possible, ideally below 20 ppm

As with all shrimp, stability matters more than chasing exact numbers. Sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness can cause stress and failed moults. Acclimate slowly using a drip method where possible, especially if your tap water differs from the shop water.

Feeding Guide

Snow White Amano Shrimp are primarily grazers and scavengers. In a mature aquarium they will spend much of their time feeding on algae films, microorganisms and organic debris. However, they should not be expected to live on algae alone, particularly in a very clean tank.

Offer a varied diet including high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, sinking granules and occasional blanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach or cucumber. Small amounts are best, as uneaten food can quickly affect water quality. Remove leftovers after a few hours if necessary. A balanced diet supports healthy moulting, colour and activity.

If you keep them in a planted tank with natural biofilm, they will often find plenty to nibble throughout the day. Supplementing with a mineral-rich shrimp food can also help support shell development and moulting.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Snow White Amano Shrimp are peaceful and best kept with non-aggressive fish that will not view them as food. They are generally safe with small community species, especially in well-planted tanks with plenty of cover. Because they are active and relatively large for a shrimp, they are more robust than many dwarf shrimp, but they are still vulnerable to predation from larger or boisterous fish.

Good companions include small tetras, rasboras, endlers, guppies, peaceful corydoras, otocinclus and other non-predatory community fish. They also do well with snails and other peaceful invertebrates. Avoid keeping them with cichlids, large barbs, loaches, puffers, goldfish, crayfish or any fish large enough to eat them. Very territorial or fast-feeding species may also outcompete them for food.

It is worth noting that Amano shrimp larvae require brackish conditions to develop, so breeding in a standard freshwater aquarium is not straightforward. This does not affect their value as excellent display and utility shrimp in the home aquarium.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we focus on supplying healthy, well-conditioned livestock that is ready to thrive in your aquarium. Our Snow White Amano Shrimp are carefully selected and packed with attention to welfare, helping ensure a smooth transition into your tank. We understand how important reliability is when ordering live aquatic animals online, which is why we offer a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.

Whether you are building a planted aquascape, adding a practical algae grazer or looking for a graceful invertebrate to complement your community tank, Snow White Amano Shrimp are an excellent choice. Their combination of beauty, usefulness and peaceful temperament makes them a standout addition to many freshwater setups.

Order with confidence and enjoy a shrimp that works hard, looks elegant and fits beautifully into a wide range of aquariums.