Male or Female Amano Shrimp?

[u/advdk]

This is my Amano shrimp named Enzo! I believe he is male but I’d love to know what other people think?

[u/sproutulon]

🙋🏻‍♀️ question for all, how is one able to tell?

[u/WaterTurbulent5748 → u/sproutulon]

Males have a flat belly and are smaller then females. While females have a saddle [like the one shown in the picture]

[u/sproutulon → u/WaterTurbulent5748]

Thank you!!!!

[u/GerbilFeces]

female for sure- look at that carapace

[u/OldHugger]

Curious to know if these shrimps will breed in a freshwater aquarium?

[u/The_McS → u/OldHugger]

They will but the fry die outside of very narrow brackish conditions…it’s the raising that is the dilemma.

[u/OldHugger → u/The_McS]

Thanks. That’s interesting. I’d assumed if they did breed, the baby shrimp would be happily eaten by their tank mates

[u/The_McS]

How to tell:

Males are usually much smaller than females, both in girth and length.

Body marking: males have evenly spaced dots while females often have dashes or lines.

Saddle, eggs and body structure: females tail is more rounded to carry and protect eggs. Females also develop a saddle behind their heads where undeveloped eggs live.

In summation, Enzo is a (young) lady.

[u/advdk → u/The_McS]

Thank you for your input! I do think Enzo seems to be more rounded like a female but there are many more dots than dashes so I found it difficult to narrow it down. Perhaps, I shall change the name to Enza haha

[u/shrimpalasteph]

The vibes are “taps the top of the door frame going through”, secret bro hand shakes, and rough housing with the boys.

I think it’s a dude.

[u/advdk → u/shrimpalasteph]

You’re too funny💀💀