View Full Version : Amano Shrimp
125gJoe
03-07-2004, 2:00 PM
Seems like the shrimp won't do well if the tank water is above 84 degrees. Here's a quote on them from floridadriftwood.com :
" Detailed Description
Popular in planted aquaria, these attractive shrimp can grow up to 2 in length. They are usually approx an inch in length when sold. They are well known for their love of soft, thread-like hair algae.
The Caridina japonica is not a tropical species and should not be kept for extended periods above 84 Degrees F. [Picture] They are very long-lived if their aquarium's water quality is maintained. We've kept a couple for 3 years now and they are still with us though YMMV. They should not be introduced to an aquarium if it is likely to experience Ammonia or Nitrite spikes, so introduce them only to an established aquarium. They will go to great lengths to snatch fish food if their tank mates will let them and they will eat less hair algae if they are well-fed.
If your aquarium is filled with water to the rim, be sure to cover it b/c unlike other shrimp, they will crawl out if given the chance."
cdawson
03-07-2004, 2:12 PM
Why would raise the temp over 78F?
The only reason would be to treat ick, and the salt method would be the only way, ick meds would kill amano shrimp. I would think that treating ick would be ok, I've done it in my planted tank before and didn't lose a single shrimp.
125gJoe
03-07-2004, 4:43 PM
My tank averages around 85 degrees for my Discus. They need the water that warm... I don't know if I should risk buying these shrimp.
cdawson
03-07-2004, 6:49 PM
come to think of it, I don't think I've seen any discus tanks with japonica shrimp them.
No captive live creature should be subjected to the "buy them, see if they live. /shrug" sort of attitude. That really offends me. This or any other pet board does not need that sort of attitude.
:shake:
I apologize for that, i definitly wasnt thinking when i wrote that, and i wouldnt do that myself...
Anyway i decided to search around and have about 10 sources that basically say anything over 80 is deadly to amano shrimp.
so definitly do not put them in and see what happens :\
:argh:
I've had Amano Shrimp in a tank that stays between 82 and 84 for months now and no problems. They are very healthy and molt regularly.
I feel awful, I had some disappear and I had no idea why- I had never read that they would crawl out of the tank.
PumaWard
03-08-2004, 5:46 AM
I have 2 amanos (one died from medications) in my discus tank and the temperature averages around 86-87F. They seem to be doing all right.
My brother has ghosts in with his discus at a temperature between 84-86 and they are doing very well.
*edit: typos
Kagh't
03-08-2004, 8:13 AM
amanos are naturally from japanese mountain streams which are in the region of 18-22c, but can survive higher temperatures.
HOWEVER, like any other cold blooded animal, the higher temps increase metabolitic rates, decreasing the life span, and putting undue stress on the shrimp.
yes, they may live in higher temps, but they certainly won't appreciate it.
jread
03-08-2004, 12:48 PM
Originally posted by Kagh't
amanos are naturally from japanese mountain streams
I've always read that they are from marsh/swamp areas.
To quote Joe Anderson*:
"The Yamato Numa Ebi, which can be translated as Japanese Marsh or Grass Shrimp, is taxonomically identified as Caridina japonica."
*http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Shrimp/
That would imply that they are not mountain natives, plus there seems to be improved breeding/rearing success with at least slightly brackish water- which is consistent with estuarine marshes.
I suspect that the issue is that these are temperate creatures, not tropical, so that higher tenperatures year-round are not natural to them and are likely to shorten their lifespan.
Must4ng s4lly
03-09-2004, 6:31 PM
Mine were fine with ich treatment, but I was really careful & did regular water changes. They do craw out of the tank if they get the chance. many other shrimp species will too! Found this out the hard way with a heavily planted tank. I guess they got up on a plant and then crawled out thru a small slit in the tank hood....