Amazing Amanos

After purchasing 3 of these little guys a few weeks ago, I am absolutely astounded by the value they have added to my tank. They may be a little drab in appearance, but what they lack aesthetics they certainly make up for in many other areas.

Firstly, I can't believe how sociable they are. I keep RCS in the same tank, and whilst they are supposed to enjoy each others company, they rarely seem to interact. However, Amanos are often chasing around after one another, and they all congregate on a stem of bogwood and feed together. Very endearing.

They are also brave little fellows. My Stiphodon is not a particularly tolerant chap, especially when food is involved. He fiercely defends any sinking food he finds. So I watched in amazement as one of the Amanos completely ignored his defensive display and made off with the entire pellet.

Finally, and probably most importantly, they are the most efficient and effective algae eaters I have ever seen. Within a week of being in the tank, there is no longer a shred of algae. They've even hoovered up the black beard algae.

Overall they are definitely a tenner well spent!

They are great, aren't they. 
I'm a big fine of my lot, and they have been known to take a mini wafer from under the nose of the larger female peppered cory and swim off with it to the top of the filter to eat it in peace, leaving the cory to rummage around the tank for another wafer.
Mine have also been known to scurry up my arm when I'm trimming the plants, which is an odd, ticklish feeling.
They are very sociable, and don't seem to be bothered by any of the fish.
They are great value for money. 

Mine have taken to hiding unfortunately... I tried them because they are bigger than the rcs which my rams keep eating    They seemed to do ok for the first couple of weeks not having much interaction with the rams, but I suspect they are now viewed of as food as they are only coming out at night.

Lots of love for the Amano shrimp.  Mine try and steal half a lump of frozen bloodworms when I add them as a treat.  It's funny watching one scuttling away with the prize while the fish chase it.

I keep them with my betta.  As long as they have a safe cave area to go into to moult and are of large enough size (1.5 cm should be fine).  They don't add much waste to the tank so even in a 24 l you could probably keep 10 plus a betta but you'll need to add food and make sure it's well oxygenated.  Though 5-6 will look less crowded.  The ThinkFish calculator gives the Amano a zero rating for stocking.  I think this is a fair rating given the amount of shrimp you would need to have to make any significant negative impact on the aquarium through waste.  For example, I think with careful planning you could keep 30 Amano shrimp in a 24 l aquarium if you kept them by themselves.  The problem would be with food, air, and calcium availability.  I also believe that in an aquarium with established bacteria on deco, rocks, etc.  and a few moss balls you could probably get away with no filter in a shrimp only tank and possibly even a few fish with a large enough tank, say 100 l.

The amano shrimp amazes me too!
I had red cherries they hid all the time Until one day they were gone 
So I was shocked to see the amano shrimp take food directly from under a cories nose!
And climb up my arm, love these guys although I have to make sure my albino Cories get some pellets!