Candidate
Amano shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Open full care profile →Photo identification · reviewed 2026-07-31
Amano shrimp vs ghost shrimp
Amano side markings and ghost shrimp transparency provide clues, but the shrimp trade contains several near-identical species.
Candidate
Ghost shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Open full care profile →Interactive observation guide
Inspect one clue at a time
Use the photographs above, then select each clue. Do not make an identification from one feature alone.
Amano shrimp usually have rows of brown or reddish dashes and dots along a translucent grey body.
Care reality check
Compare the adult requirements
A visual identification changes which limits you should plan around.
| Requirement | Amano shrimp | Ghost shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4–6 cm | 3–5 cm |
| Minimum tank | 30 L · 45 cm | 25 L · 35 cm |
| Temperature | 20–27°C | 18–27°C |
| pH | 6–7.8 | 6.5–8 |
| GH | 4–15 dGH | 5–20 dGH |
| Social minimum | 4 | 6 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful |
Visible differences
Clues to inspect
- Amano shrimp usually have rows of brown or reddish dashes and dots along a translucent grey body.
- Ghost shrimp are typically glass-clear with fewer organised side markings.
- Amano females often show elongated dash-like markings; males more often show separate dots.
Shared traits
Why they are confused
- Both are translucent freshwater shrimp with long antennae.
- Both are vulnerable to predatory fish and need safe moulting conditions.
Why it matters
Do not stop at the name
They differ in adult size, feeding role and breeding biology; neither should be bought as disposable clean-up livestock.
Uncertainty
When a photo is not enough
'Ghost shrimp' can mean multiple Palaemonetes or Macrobrachium species. Long predatory arms are a warning that exact ID needs specialist review.