Shrimp comparison
Amano Shrimp vs Tiger Shrimp
How the Amano Shrimp and Tiger Shrimp compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which shrimp suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Amano Shrimp vs Tiger Shrimp
The Amano Shrimp and the Tiger 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 18 to 24 °C and pH 6.5 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 Tiger 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
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Amano Shrimp18–28 °C
- Tiger Shrimp18–24 °C
pH
- Amano Shrimp6.5–7.5
- Tiger Shrimp6–7.5
Hardness
- Amano Shrimp6–15 dGH
- Tiger Shrimp4–10 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  ShrimpAmano ShrimpCaridina multidentata |  ShrimpTiger ShrimpCaridina mariae |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Shrimp | Shrimp |
| Origin | Japan, Taiwan | Southern China and Hong Kong |
| Temperature | 18–28 °C | 18–24 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 6–15 | 4–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| 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 Tiger Shrimp together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 18 to 24 °C and pH 6.5 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 Tiger Shrimp?
The Amano Shrimp is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Tiger Shrimp leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Amano Shrimp and Tiger Shrimp need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 18 to 24 °C and pH 6.5 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 Tiger 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.