Species profile

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

Common names: Vampire Shrimp, African Fan Shrimp, African Giant Filter Shrimp, Gabon Shrimp

Recognized speciesFan Shrimp

Adult size

Up to 15 cm

Typical adult length 8–15 cm.

Up to 15 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Advanced shrimp keepers

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A large, peaceful African fan shrimp that requires strong oxygenation, secure shelters, and regular suspended feeding.

Appearance and Identification

Large, robust fan shrimp ranging from blue-grey and slate to brown or pale tones, with powerful legs and broad filtering fans.

Recognized species Atya gabonensis. Colour varies considerably and should not be used alone for identification; confirm body structure and provenance.

Sexual differences are subtle and should not be identified from colour alone.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 400–500 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 100–150 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 100 litres
Minimum tank length: 80 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 2
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: High
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Provide strong oxygenation, stable current, elevated feeding perches, shelter, and unobstructed access to suspended food.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Peaceful filter feeder that positions itself in current and extends fan-like feeding appendages to capture suspended particles.

Can be kept singly or in a small peaceful group when adequate feeding stations and food are available.

Not normally territorial, although individuals may compete for the best feeding position.

Avoid aggressive or predatory tankmates and species that prevent the shrimp from feeding safely in open current.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 6–14
KH: 2–10
TDS: 140–300
Stability importance: Very important

Provide strong but accessible flow, high oxygen, and regular suspended fine foods. A mature aquarium is essential because this species filter-feeds.

Parameter caveat

A strong current is only useful when the shrimp can reach secure feeding perches and receive appropriately sized suspended food.

Feeding

Diet types: Filter Feeder, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Fine suspended invertebrate foodDeliver upstream of the shrimp's feeding perch in small amounts.
Microalgae and fine organic particlesNatural suspended particles supplement prepared foods.

Specialized filter feeder requiring fine suspended foods delivered into flowing water. A visually clean aquarium can still leave the shrimp underfed.

Do not rely on food settling on the substrate. Observe fan use and body condition to confirm successful feeding.

Breeding

Breeding type: Larval Development
Breeding difficulty: Very difficult
Breeding temperature: 25.5 °C
Breeding pH: 7.2
Brood or egg count: Numerous small eggs
Incubation: 28 days
Parental care: Maternal care
Baby foods: Microscopic suspended larval foodLarval feeding and salinity requirements need a dedicated rearing system.

Produces free-swimming larvae rather than miniature benthic juveniles. Captive rearing is difficult and may require salinity management.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Africa, Brazil, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Suriname, Venezuela, West Africa
Natural habitat: Fast-Flowing Stream, River
Aquarium contexts: Freshwater Community, High-Flow Aquarium, Shrimp Tank
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Atya
Family: Atyidae
Species group: Fan Shrimp

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