Shrimp comparison
Amano Shrimp vs Bee Shrimp (wild)
How the Amano Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (wild) compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which shrimp suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Amano Shrimp vs Bee Shrimp (wild)
The Amano Shrimp and the Bee Shrimp (wild) are close cousins, both in the Caridina group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 24 °C and pH 6.5 to 6.8, so a single tank can suit either one. The Amano Shrimp is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Bee Shrimp (wild) rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 warning
Temperature
- Amano Shrimp18–28 °C
- Bee Shrimp (wild)20–24 °C
pH
- Amano Shrimp6.5–7.5
- Bee Shrimp (wild)5.8–6.8
Hardness
- Amano Shrimp6–15 dGH
- Bee Shrimp (wild)3–6 dGH
What to plan for
- Narrow pH overlapTarget pH is 6.5–6.8. Test weekly; use buffered substrate or remineraliser to keep it stable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  ShrimpAmano ShrimpCaridina multidentata |  ShrimpBee Shrimp (wild)Caridina cantonensis |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Shrimp | Shrimp |
| Origin | Japan, Taiwan | Southern China, Hong Kong |
| Temperature | 18–28 °C | 20–24 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 5.8–6.8 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 6–15 | 3–6 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low |
| Min tank | 40 L | 30 L |
| Adult size | 2.5–3.5 cm | 2.5–3 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 2–3 yrs | 1.5 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore (heavy algae grazer) | Omnivore / detritivore |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Amano Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (wild) together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 24 °C and pH 6.5 to 6.8, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Amano Shrimp or the Bee Shrimp (wild)?
The Amano Shrimp is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Bee Shrimp (wild) leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Amano Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (wild) need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 24 °C and pH 6.5 to 6.8 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Amano Shrimp and the Bee Shrimp (wild)?
It comes down to look, size and pace rather than one being flatly better. The table above lays the numbers out row by row.