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).
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete freshwater shrimp guide.
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.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
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.
