Shrimp comparison
Amano Shrimp vs Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp
How the Amano Shrimp and Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which shrimp suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Amano Shrimp vs Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp
The Amano Shrimp and the Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp 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 26 to 28 °C and pH 7.5 to 7.5, 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 Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp 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
Good fit
Workable as-is, only minor advisories to plan around.
1 warning · 1 note
Temperature
- Amano Shrimp18–28 °C
- Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp26–30 °C
pH
- Amano Shrimp6.5–7.5
- Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp7.5–8.5
Hardness
- Amano Shrimp6–15 dGH
- Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp6–12 dGH
What to plan for
- Narrow pH overlapTarget pH is 7.5–7.5. Test weekly; use buffered substrate or remineraliser to keep it stable.
- Demanding species presentSulawesi Cardinal Shrimp are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  ShrimpAmano ShrimpCaridina multidentata |  ShrimpSulawesi Cardinal ShrimpCaridina dennerli |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Shrimp | Shrimp |
| Origin | Japan, Taiwan | Lake Matano, Sulawesi (Indonesia) |
| Temperature | 18–28 °C | 26–30 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 6–15 | 6–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low |
| Min tank | 40 L | 40 L |
| Adult size | 2.5–3.5 cm | 1.5–2 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 2–3 yrs | 1–1.5 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore (heavy algae grazer) | Omnivore / detritivore (biofilm-focused) |
| 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 Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 26 to 28 °C and pH 7.5 to 7.5, 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 Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp?
The Amano Shrimp is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp leans expert-level.
Do Amano Shrimp and Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 26 to 28 °C and pH 7.5 to 7.5 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 Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp?
It comes down to look, size and pace rather than one being flatly better. The table above lays the numbers out row by row.