Lime Yellow Amano Shrimp (Caridina Japonica)

Lime Yellow Amano Shrimp is a visually striking variant of the classic Amano shrimp, best known for its exceptional algae-eating ability and peaceful temperament. While standard Amano shrimp are typically translucent gray with dotted markings, some individuals display a lime‑yellow to yellow‑green hue, which is where this trade name comes from.

 Species Overview

• Scientific name: Caridina japonica (also sold as Caridina multidentata)
• Common names: Amano Shrimp, Yamato Shrimp, Lime Yellow Amano
• Adult size: 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5")
• Lifespan: 2–3 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, community-safe
• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin: Japan & Taiwan (freshwater rivers)

About the Lime Yellow Coloration

The lime/yellow appearance usually comes from:

• Diet (algae, biofilm, spirulina, carotenoid-rich foods)
• Full digestive tract (you’re often seeing food through the translucent body)
• High overall health
• Light substrate and strong aquarium lighting

 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: 10+ gallons recommended
• Temperature: 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• GH: 4–8
• KH: 2–6
• TDS: ~150–250 ppm
• Flow: Moderate
• Substrate: Any (dark substrates increase visibility)

 Best kept in planted aquariums with driftwood and rocks for biofilm growth.

Diet

Amano shrimp are famous for algae control, especially:

• Hair algae
• Soft green algae
• Biofilm

Supplement with:

• Spirulina pellets
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
• Shrimp-specific foods
• Leaf litter (Indian almond, mulberry)

 A varied, high-quality diet helps maintain brighter coloration.

 Tank Mates

Safe with:

• Small peaceful fish (tetras, rasboras, otocinclus)
• Other dwarf shrimp
• Snails

Avoid:

• Large or aggressive fish
• Predatory species (cichlids, some barbs)

Breeding (Why They’re Rarely Tank-Bred)

Amano shrimp cannot complete their life cycle in freshwater.

• Eggs hatch into larvae
• Larvae require brackish → marine water
• Then slowly acclimated back to freshwater