How to Breed Amano Shrimps
Amano shrimp are also known as caridina japonica, one of the most popular freshwater crustaceans. They eat algae and are used frequently in aquariums to help keep the tank clean; however, amano shrimps have a limited appetite and may not get rid of all algae. If you have a good number of shrimps, more algae can be removed from your aquarium. You may consider breeding the shrimp, but it can be challenging if you have them among freshwater fish. They breed best in brackish water and will require two tanks.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 tanks
- Hornworts
- Kosher or rock salt
- Chemical pH raiser
- Hydrometer
- Sponge filter
Instructions
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Prepare two tanks for the amano shrimp. One is for breeding and the other is for the larvae. Adult shrimp will mate during early spring and summer, allowing you to remove them from the aquarium and into the breeding tank during this time. Add one half oz. of salt (kosher or rock salt) per gallon of water. Place plenty of hornworts, rootless floating plants, in both tanks to give the shrimp privacy.
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2
Raise the pH level of the water to 6.5 unit of measure or higher by adding a chemical pH raiser such as "pH-Up" before adding the amano shrimp. Use a sponge filter, not a heavy duty one. Sponge filters help remove bacteria and debris in the tank without harming the shrimp and create little turbulence in the water unlike a heavy duty filter. Use a hydrometer to determine the level of salinity, keeping it at 35 ppt (parts per thousand). For example, the salinity level is 35 grams of salt to 35,000 grams of water. The ideal water temperature for the shrimp is between 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
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3
Place a female shrimp with two male shrimp into the breeding tank. Leave them together for about two weeks. Once fertilized, the eggs drop down toward the female's tail. Put her into the larval tank for one week for her to release the eggs. Place the female shrimp back into the freshwater aquarium.
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Feed the amano shrimp once a day. They can eat bloodworms, fish flakes, shrimp pellets and algae wafers. Do not to overfeed. Even though the amano shrimp will not overeat, the food will then linger in the tank, causing the food to decay and make the shrimp's environment unhealthy. If you notice the shrimp are not eating all of the food given, give them less the next day.
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Place the baby shrimp into the freshwater aquarium when they reach 6 weeks old. They will be old enough to be around other adult shrimps and fish as well as live in freshwater.
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