Atya gabonensis
A large filter-feeding shrimp with blue-grey to deep-purple colouration and fan-like appendages it waves into the current to catch food. Reaches 15 cm. Needs strong flow and a powdered food supply — adults will starve in stagnant tanks. Long-lived (up to 10 years).
Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) reaches 12–15 cm and needs a minimum tank of 100 L with a colony of 1+. Native to West and Central Africa. Aim for 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, 5–15 dGH, and 150–300 ppm TDS. Lifespan: 5–10 years. Breeding: very hard (larvae need brackish/marine phase). Diet: filter feeder, Powdered fry food, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp suspended in current. Filters fine particles from the water column with fan-like appendages. Plant-safe: Yes. Tank-mates: Peaceful community fish and rasboras, never with cichlids or large barbs.
Care at a glance
A large filter-feeding shrimp with blue-grey to deep-purple colouration and fan-like appendages it waves into the current to catch food. Reaches 15 cm. Needs strong flow and a powdered food supply — adults will starve in stagnant tanks. Long-lived (up to 10 years).
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The parameters that decide whether vampire shrimp fits in your tank.
1+
Filter feeder
Powdered fry food, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp suspended in current. Filters fine particles from the water column with fan-like appendages.
Very hard (larvae need brackish/marine phase)
5–10 yrs
West and Central Africa
West and Central Africa
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Minimum tank: 100 L with a colony of 1+. Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) reach 12–15 cm as adults.
Target 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, 5–15 dGH, and 150–300 ppm TDS. Mature, cycled, low-nitrate water is non-negotiable.
Tank-mate notes: Peaceful community fish and rasboras, never with cichlids or large barbs. Plant safety: Yes.
Breeding: Very hard (larvae need brackish/marine phase). In a stable colony of 1+ adults you will see berried females naturally once parameters and food are right.
Diet: filter feeder, Powdered fry food, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp suspended in current. Filters fine particles from the water column with fan-like appendages. Algae-eating rating: 1/5.
Typical lifespan: 5–10 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this shrimp with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
