Vampire Shrimp, also known as African Fan Shrimp, are large and impressive filter-feeding shrimp species. They have a unique appearance with their large, fan-like appendages and long, slender bodies. Vampire Shrimp require stable and pristine water conditions, making them suitable for experienced shrimp keepers. They are peaceful but should be kept in a species-only tank or with non-aggressive tank mates.
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Vampire Shrimp, also known as African Fan Shrimp, are large and impressive filter-feeding shrimp species. They have a unique appearance with their large, fan-like appendages and long, slender bodies. Vampire Shrimp require stable and pristine water conditions, making them suitable for experienced shrimp keepers. They are peaceful but should be kept in a species-only tank or with non-aggressive tank mates.
Vampire Shrimp are known for their striking, large, dark claws, which are used for filter feeding. Their bodies are typically translucent with brown or greenish hues, and their claws resemble those of a vampire bat, giving them their name.
3-4 years
Filter-feeders. They use their fan-like appendages to catch tiny particles and plankton from the water. Supplement their diet with powdered food or liquid invertebrate foods.
Vampire Shrimp are unique and fascinating creatures for aquarists who have the experience to maintain their delicate water parameters. Their impressive size and striking appearance make them a standout in larger, peaceful aquariums with slow-moving water.
Advanced
20 gallons
6.5 to 7.5
4–15 dGH
72–82°F (22–28°C)
4 inches
Other peaceful shrimp, Snails, Small peaceful fish (e.g., Rasboras, Tetras, Corydoras)
Aggressive fish (e.g., Bettas, Cichlids, Goldfish)
Atya gabonensis
Atyidae
West Africa
Peaceful, solitary, scavenger, filter feeder
Feed a variety of fine algae pellets, blanched vegetables, and any available biofilm or detritus. These shrimp are filter feeders, so they thrive in tanks with slow-moving water to allow them to catch food particles.
Females carry eggs under their abdomen; larvae go through planktonic stage before developing into miniatures
Breeding Vampire Shrimp in captivity is quite rare. Their larvae require brackish water conditions to survive. In most home aquariums, they will not breed unless a highly specific setup is provided.
pH: 6.5–7.5, Temp: 72–82°F, GH: 4–15 dGH, KH: Moderate, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: < 20 ppm, Copper: 0 ppm
Vampire Shrimp can be sensitive to changes in water conditions, especially when it comes to temperature fluctuations and pH imbalances. Molt problems can occur if water quality is poor or if they are stressed.
Peaceful and non-aggressive. They may be territorial around their feeding area.
Vampire Shrimp are relatively solitary creatures. They prefer peaceful aquariums with plenty of hiding spots and slow-moving water. While they are not aggressive, they do not typically interact much with other tankmates.
The Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) is a filter-feeding species native to West Africa. Known for their distinctively large claws, they are peaceful yet solitary shrimp that prefer clean, stable water. Vampire Shrimp thrive in mature aquariums with minimal current and plenty of detritus and algae for feeding. These shrimp are best kept in peaceful tanks with other non-aggressive species and should not be housed with fast-moving or territorial fish. While they can be challenging to breed due to the brackish water requirements for their larvae, their beauty and unique feeding habits make them a prized addition to specialized aquarium setups.