The Amano shrimp is a freshwater variety of the popular saltwater aquarium species. They are often used for their color and to help control algae in tanks as Amanos eat more than other types of shrimp do, so they can be helpful with controlling unwanted algae growth.
The difference between Amano and Ghost shrimp is that Amano shrimp are bottom feeders, which means they eat from the substrate of your aquarium. On the other hand, Ghost shrimp spend a lot of their day up in the water column looking for food.
Read on to discover the differences and similarities between Amano shrimp and Ghost shrimp. We will discuss the differences in their diet, lifespan, and breeding habits, as well as their appearances. Additionally, we’ll look at the similarities between these two types of shrimp.
Tank Requirements of Ghost Shrimp Vs. Amano Shrimp
The main difference between these two types is the habitat preference and where they prefer to stay in their habitats. Amano shrimp like to stay low and close by rocks and substrate, while ghost shrimp, on the other hand, spend a lot of their day up in the water column looking for food.
Tank Requirements of Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp will usually be larger than ghost shrimp and stay near rocks or plants where they feel safe while feeding off what is directly below them. Amano shrimp stay close to things like fake plants or under objects like rocks and logs.
The minimum requirement for an Amano shrimp is ten gallons per Amano shrimp and will need at least one gallon per inch depth of water in the aquarium. Amano shrimp live in highly oxygenated tanks with high-grade filtration to remove toxic ammonia from their environment as they are susceptible to it.
Tank Requirements of Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp do not require a large tank unless they are kept with other types of fish. Ghost Shrimp are not aggressive and have a timid nature so they can be kept in tanks with other fish or shrimp.
Ghost shrimp don’t get any bigger than an inch or two in length, so for keeping them alone, it doesn’t matter how big your tank is. They prefer substrate on the bottom of your tank and need at least a little bit of water movement.
Ghost Shrimp do not require any special lighting or temperature requirements either. They prefer temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 75°F (24°C). Ghost shrimp may be kept alone or alongside fish that don’t grow too large such as neon tetras and mollies.
Diet & Feeding of Ghost Shrimp Vs. Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp are omnivores and will eat most foods that fall into the general categories of plant life, animal life, or dead organisms. Ghost shrimp have a diet just like Amano shrimp, but they prefer to feed off things in the water column where there’s more diversity in food sources than on top of rocks or plants.
Diet & Feeding of Amano Shrimp
Amanos usually hang out near cover objects such as fake plants and logs while feeding below them so they won’t jump out when looking for new food sources. Amanos will eat just about anything they can get their claws on, while ghost shrimp have been known to be picky eaters.
Both of these species of shrimps need different forms of protein, such as:
- Worms
- Snails
- Plant matter
- Calcium supplements because it’s essential for proper shell growth.
- Aphids make good food sources, too, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the population levels.
You should be careful when feeding these creatures because if you feed them something too much or don’t give them enough, they’ll either die of starvation or get sick from an overdose of a particular nutrient.
Diet & Feeding of Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp need food all the time because, unlike Amanos, which can survive without any nutrients. Ghost shrimp cannot live for more than two days without being fed.
You will have to make sure their tank is clean at all times. Otherwise, bacteria growth starts to take over, which means your water quality goes down, and eventually, everything dies. The ghost shrimp diet is not just about what they eat either. It’s also essential to provide the right amount of calcium in your tank so that their shells grow strong.
Ghost shrimp feed by sifting through soil or sand with their claws looking for an organic matter like:
- Plant leaves
- Worms
- Decaying insects, etc.
Ghost Shrimp only want meaty things in their diet. They need more protein than Amanos because Amanos get theirs from plant matter that is typically less fatty than the food Ghost Shrimp looks for.
If you have a tank with Amano and Ghost shrimp, it’s best to feed them separately because Amanos will take food from the mouths of their smaller counterparts. Amanos also can’t be trusted not to try and steal the eggs from ghost shrimp if they’re nearby.
Amano Shrimp are larger than Ghost shrimp, and they come in stripes. Amanos will lose their colors over time, while ghost shrimp keep theirs for an extended period of time. Ghost shrimp can live in colder temperatures than Amano shrimp but can’t survive the coldest winter months.
Lifespan And Size Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp have a lifespan of about one year. Ghost shrimp grow to be about two inches long, making them an excellent size for feeder fish use.
Ghost shrimp typically have a black body with blue highlights, though Amanos can also have the same color variations as Ghost shrimp do. Ghost shrimp are popular aquarium shrimp for their peaceful demeanor and colorful appearance.
Ghost shrimp have elongated bodies, so they’re able to show off their colors before dying! Ghost shrimp are typically small in size. They have an average length of about one inch and can be found throughout the world. Ghost shrimp are a type of crustacean.
While all crustaceans have elongated bodies to protect them from predators while hiding in rocks or sand (which makes them blend into the environment), these little guys are mainly made of water and air that make it easy for light to shine through.
This has led many people to call this species glass shrimp due to its transparency, allowing you to observe their internal organs with ease!
Lifespan And Size Amano Shrimp
Amanos are larger than Ghost shrimp, and they also come with stripes. Their colors will eventually fade as the shrimp ages, though some color variations remain somewhat vibrant all their lives.
Amanos are white with red highlights on the body, making them an attractive addition to any tank without sacrificing hardiness or size. Amanos grow up to three inches in length and two inches wide. Amanos typically live around one year longer than Ghost shrimp because they reproduce less often.
Amano shrimp grow an average length from three inches up to four, depending on how much food they’re given. Amanos are usually sold as one-inch-long juveniles. They sometimes get confused with ghost shrimp because both types have similar coloration.
Amano shrimp have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years. Amano shrimp also grow faster than ghost shrimp, potentially reaching breeding size within three months compared to nine months for Ghost Shrimps if conditions permit and food sources are sufficient.
Ghost Shrimp Vs. Amano Shrimp Breeding
When it comes to breeding Amano shrimp, the Amanos have a higher success rate than Ghost shrimp. Amano shrimps can mate and reproduce within three months, while ghost shrimp take up to nine months before they are sexually mature enough for reproduction.
Amano Shrimp Breeding
Amano shrimp can reproduce at three months. Amano shrimp are less sensitive to water temperature changes, and Amano shrimp will breed any time of day.
Amano shrimp can be bred in a 20-gallon tank with live plants, rocks, driftwood, or anything else you want to add for decoration. This is where most reproduction takes place during the breeding season, so choosing decor that gives off shade is recommended outside the breeding season and plant life, such as java moss.
Ghost Shrimp Breeding
Ghost shrimp typically become sexually mature when aged nine months. Males typically mature more quickly than females but don’t normally breed before the females mature sexually.
Male Ghost shrimp should mate when they reach maturity, which is around four months old. Females need more time, though because they are so tiny, they can’t carry eggs.
Breeding Ghost shrimp is not difficult: all you have to do is provide them with a lower tank with some water to breed in. When the shrimp spawn, you’ll need to quickly take out all of the eggs and put them into another container.
(Find out about 12 great freshwater shrimp you can add to your aquarium.)
Similarities of Amano Shrimp and Ghost Shrimp
These shrimp are similar because they both have short life spans. The lifespan of a ghost shrimp is about one year, but Amano shrimp can live up to 3 years!
The Amano shrimp can usually grow a little over three inches in length, and they are found all over Asia. On the other hand, Ghost shrimps usually only get up to about half of that size, and their habitat is limited to Hawaiian waters like coral reefs or mangroves.
Amano shrimp seem to have more coloration than ghost shrimp do, but this may be because Amanos live longer, so they’re able to show off their colors before dying!
Both types of these small crustaceans are omnivores meaning that they eat both plant material and insects for food. They also must reproduce with males and females at roughly the same time.
Recap
If you’re looking for a shrimp that will stay near the bottom of your aquarium, an Amano shrimp is perfect. They eat from the substrate and won’t be seen as often. On the other hand, Ghost shrimp spend most of their time up in the water column looking for food.
These guys may not provide as many bio-filtering benefits, but they make excellent scavengers who can help keep algae under control. Amano Shrimp have similar color variations as Ghost shrimp, but Amanos grow even longer than their already larger counterparts, reaching about six inches in length.
The ghost shrimp has a slightly different look than the Amano shrimp. They are both popular in tanks, but each one is suited for different purposes. If you’re looking to keep your tank clean without worrying about too many fish, then the Amano shrimp may be right for you!