Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: invertebrate.
J
Invertebrate · Freshwater
Japonica shrimp
Caridina japonica
Caridina japonica, the Amano shrimp, is excellent at eating soft algae and leftovers, but it does not replace maintenance or solve major imbalances. It is larger than many dwarf shrimp and usually safer with peaceful fish.
It needs mature, oxygenated aquariums without copper. Its reproduction is not completed easily in freshwater.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
0/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
20 L
Temperature
20.0-28.0 ºC
Zone
Bottom
Lifespan
2 years
Quick profile scan
invertebrate
Territoriality
Low
Aggression
0/10
Activity
Slow
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
Low
Speed
Slow
Predation risk
None
Expert calculator
Check whether this species fits your aquarium
Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.
Expert read
Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Avoid
Mixes marked as high risk or not recommended in manual relationships.
Compatible with
Has positive or conditional references with species such as Siamese Fighting Fish.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
Bottom
primary
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Japonica shrimp
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 20 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.5 - 7.8
GH
5 - 15
KH
2 - 8
Temperature
20.0 - 28.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
Juveniles are small and discreet, so they depend heavily on fine cover and a calm community. They are especially vulnerable to curious fish or opportunistic predators.
Shift
As it grows it becomes physically more resilient, but juveniles remain the most vulnerable stage to predators and parameter swings.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a low bioload and usually adds cleaning value or discreet bottom activity. Cohabitation improves with cover and when it is not mixed with species that may injure or prey on it.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Small
Low
Moderate
None
Profile: invertebrate, with low bioload and primary use of the bottom. It does not rely on a strong school, but it still needs a balanced community without harassment. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
24%
Aggression
0%
Activity
24%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
24%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Relations
Compatible with
✓
Siamese Fighting Fish
Conditional
Main risk: Predation
Review conditions
Betta splendens + Caridina japonica: shrimp, fry or small invertebrates may be at risk from curiosity, harassment or opportunistic predation.
G
Goldfish
Conditional
Main risk: Predation
Review conditions
Carassius auratus + Caridina japonica: shrimp, fry or small invertebrates may be at risk from curiosity, harassment or opportunistic predation.
Relations
Avoid keeping with
!
Oscar
Not recommended
Main risk: Predation
Not recommended
Astronotus ocellatus + Caridina japonica: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.
D
Dwarf puffer
High risk
Main risk: Predation
High risk
Carinotetraodon travancoricus + Caridina japonica: shrimp, fry or small invertebrates may be at risk from curiosity, harassment or opportunistic predation.
Essential care
Keep a small or medium group, plants and cover. Avoid large cichlids, puffers and predators. They are good escape artists, so a secure lid helps.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
Larvae require a brackish or marine phase, so it usually does not reproduce in freshwater community tanks. Seeing berried females does not mean viable young will appear.
Oviparous
Easy
No presenta diferencias sexuales evidentes
Alerts and health
- Plantas flotantes
- Escondites
Common issues
Ich
Problemas de piel
Parásitos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Muy popular en nanoacuarios y acuarios plantados
02
Aporta movimiento y ayuda a consumir restos
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation