Captive-Bred Amano Shrimp, from an Aquascaping Icon to New Colors !!

Captive-bred wild-type (left) and white (right) Amano Shrimp.

The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is one of the best-known algae-eating shrimp in planted aquariums. Its excellent algae-grazing ability, relatively large size, and active foraging behavior — which makes it less easily disturbed by aquarium fish — have made it a trusted choice among planted aquarium enthusiasts for decades. The Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) is one of the best-known utility shrimp in planted aquariums. With its excellent algae-grazing ability, relatively large size, and active nature that makes it less easily disturbed by aquarium fish, it has long been highly valued by aquarists, becoming an indispensable “blue-collar worker” in the world of aquascaping.

Wild-Type Amano Shrimp under a macro lens.

For many years, Amano Shrimp in the aquarium trade have been supplied primarily through wild collection. At Larmax International, we have continued to invest in captive breeding, not only to establish a stable supply, but also to offer a more sustainable alternative for this classic aquarium species.

Today, Larmax provides four captive-bred color varieties of Amano Shrimp: Natural, White, Yellow, and Orange. While retaining the characteristic body shape and features of Caridina multidentata, these different colors bring greater visual diversity to a species already familiar to aquarists around the world.

Natural（Wild-Type）

The Natural variety retains the classic appearance of wild-type Amano Shrimp. Its semi-transparent body ranges from grayish brown to light brown, with fine reddish-brown spots and markings along the sides. Its subtle, natural appearance blends particularly well with aquascapes designed to recreate the beauty of nature.

White

The body ranges from semi-transparent to milky white, with greatly reduced dark pigmentation, giving it a clean and delicate appearance. Against driftwood, dark substrates, or lush green aquatic plants, the white coloration creates a striking visual contrast.

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Yellow

The Yellow variety displays shades ranging from pale yellow to golden yellow, combining warm coloration with the characteristic translucency of Amano Shrimp. Depending on the individual and lighting conditions, its appearance can range from a soft, subtle yellow to a richer golden tone.

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Orange

The semi-transparent body is marked with orange to dark red spots, while the characteristic lateral markings and dorsal stripe of the Amano Shrimp remain clearly visible. Its overall coloration is more vivid than the wild type, making it particularly striking against green aquatic plants.

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Through captive breeding, our goal is not only to provide Amano Shrimp with traceable origins, consistent quality, and reliable production, but also to develop distinctive color varieties such as White, Yellow, and Orange. These varieties represent more than a change in appearance — they also demonstrate how continued investment in breeding can create new possibilities for the ornamental aquatic industry.

For Larmax, captive breeding is not about rejecting wild collection, but about providing the aquarium trade with another, more sustainable choice.

We believe that the responsible use of wild aquatic resources, continued advancement in captive-breeding techniques, and the development of stable and responsible supply can coexist. Through the example of the Amano Shrimp, we hope more aquarists can see that the diversity of the ornamental aquatic industry can continue to grow through breeding — rather than relying solely on what we take from nature. — More Photos of Species from Taiwan’s Streams： https://www.larmax.com.tw/wild-caught