Vampire Shrimp - (Atya gabonensis)

🦐 Vampire Shrimp – (Atya gabonensis) – Large West African Filter-Feeding Shrimp

The Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis), also known as the Gabon Filter Shrimp or Giant African Fan Shrimp, is a peaceful, filter-feeding freshwater shrimp native to fast-flowing rivers in West Africa. This fascinating species can grow much larger than most aquarium shrimp, reaching up to 6 inches in length. Instead of using pincers, it has specialized fan-like appendages to catch microscopic food particles from the water column, making it a unique and low-maintenance addition to peaceful community tanks.

🔎 Quick Facts – Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)

• 📛 Common Names: Vampire Shrimp, Gabon Shrimp, Giant African Fan Shrimp
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Atya gabonensis
• 🌍 Origin: West Africa – including rivers in Gabon, Nigeria, and Cameroon
• 🎨 Appearance: Ranges in color from white to blue, tan, or brown; large, robust body; fan-like feeding appendages
• 📏 Max Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Occasionally available; prized for unique feeding method and size

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful and community-safe
• 🌿 Best kept with non-aggressive tankmates
• 🪶 Uses fan-like claws to filter microscopic food from flowing water
• 🌙 Often more active in low-light conditions

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
• 🌊 Requires gentle to moderate water flow for feeding
• 🪵 Provide driftwood, rocks, and shaded areas for hiding
• 💡 Moderate lighting; prefers shaded zones

💧 Water Parameters – Vampire Shrimp Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Filter-Feeding Omnivore

• 🪶 Feeds on micro-particles suspended in the water
• 🐟 Supplement with powdered spirulina, crushed flakes, and baby brine shrimp
• 🌿 Benefits from a well-established aquarium with natural biofilm

📋 Vampire Shrimp Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Vampire Shrimp is a gentle giant among freshwater shrimp, using its unique fan-like claws to filter food from the water — a fascinating and peaceful addition to large, well-established aquariums.