Pet Wiki

Not furry either, still lovely.

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

Also called African fan shrimp, African filter shrimp, African giant shrimp, Blue rhino shrimp, Gabon shrimp

SpeciesShort profile

From West Africa, from Senegal down to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in rocky, stony stream beds. German Wikipedia also lists South America, while English Wikipedia says South American records are likely mix-ups with Atya scabra.12

At a glance the quick version

Length5 to 15 cm312
Lifespan5 years3
Sizemedium

Fishkeeping World gives a usual 5-7.6 cm with some reaching about 15 cm; Wikipedia gives up to 15 cm and German Wikipedia about 14 cm.

Fishkeeping World gives about 5 years, possibly longer in very good conditions.

Gentle giant that bothers no tankmates
Fascinating fan-feeding behaviour
Can change colour from one moult to the next
123

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton with filter fans

A large, heavy-bodied freshwater shrimp with a rough, wrinkled-looking shell. Instead of picking claws, its first two pairs of legs end in feathery fans that it holds open in the current, and its sturdy third pair of legs grips rocks so it can stay put in fast water. Males have a much thicker third leg pair than females.12

Colourscreamy whitelight bluedeep blueblue-greypinkgreenrusty or reddish brown123

Personality what they are like

A calm, shy shrimp that is no threat to other tank residents. It tends to stay hidden and becomes more active at night, settling on a favourite spot in the flow to feed.123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Not a roamer. It needs a steady, moderate to strong current where it can perch and fan, plus caves or wood to retreat to, especially around moulting time.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Suited to mature, well-filtered tanks. Keep water stable and clean with regular water changes, and keep copper-based treatments out of the tank. Leave the shed shell in place for a while, as shrimp often nibble on it.13

Home where they are happiest

Fishkeeping World suggests at least about 70 litres (15 US gallons). Water around 23-29 °C and pH 6.5-7.8 per Wikipedia; Fishkeeping World gives 24-28.8 °C, pH 6.5-7.5 and KH 3-10. Strong flow, rocks and driftwood perches, and plenty of hiding places.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A filter feeder that catches tiny particles drifting in the water. In aquariums, top up what the tank provides with very finely powdered foods such as spirulina, ground flakes, algae wafers or pellets released upstream of where it sits. A shrimp that spends its time picking at the bottom is usually not finding enough to filter.13

Company who they like around

Peaceful and fine alone or in a small group, alongside other gentle shrimp, snails and small peaceful fish. Keep it away from cichlids, crayfish, goldfish and other fish that may pick on it. Fishkeeping World suggests roughly 11-15 litres (3-4 US gallons) of space per shrimp.13

The story where it all began

Described by Giebel in 1875, this big fan shrimp lives in fast-flowing West African rivers. It reached the aquarium hobby as a striking oddity, and is still mostly wild-collected because its young need brackish or sea water to develop.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It does not have proper feeding claws; it eats by holding out fans of fine bristles to catch food drifting past in the current.2

  2. 2

    Its colour can shift several times a year, from cream to brown to a deep blue, often matching how dark its surroundings are.1

  3. 3

    Its larvae drift down to river mouths and develop in brackish or salty water before the young shrimp head back upstream.2

  4. 4

    Strong, bumpy third legs act like anchors so it can hang on even in very fast water.2

  5. 5

    It regularly cleans its bristle fans to keep them working well.2

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
Atya gabonensis Giebel, 1875, family Atyidae.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Vampire Shrimp. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Vampire Shrimp?

Feed your Vampire Shrimp daily with very small amounts of finely powdered food, like spirulina or ground flakes, released upstream of its perch. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts each day. Watch your shrimp: if it starts picking at the bottom, it may need more food.13 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Vampire Shrimp eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats tiny particles drifting in the water, so offer finely powdered spirulina, ground flakes, or algae wafers upstream. Never give copper-based treatments or large foods it cannot filter. A shrimp picking at the bottom is a sign it is not getting enough to eat.13

How much space does a Vampire Shrimp need?

A single Vampire Shrimp needs at least about 70 litres (15 US gallons) according to Fishkeeping World. For a small group, allow roughly 11-15 litres (3-4 US gallons) per shrimp. Provide strong flow, rocks, driftwood, and hiding places.13

What temperature, light or water does a Vampire Shrimp need?

Keep water between 23-29 °C and pH 6.5-7.8, with a strong current and plenty of hiding spots. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly water tests. Avoid copper-based treatments and always rinse filters in old tank water.13 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Vampire Shrimp's home?

Perform small, gentle water changes weekly and test the water each week as per Furry Diary's plan. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Leave shed shells in place for a while, as shrimp often nibble on them.13 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Vampire Shrimp live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful and fine alone or in a small group with gentle shrimp, snails, and small peaceful fish. Avoid cichlids, crayfish, goldfish, or any fish that may pick on it. Provide enough space and hiding spots.13

How long does a Vampire Shrimp live?

A Vampire Shrimp typically lives around 5 years with proper care. Keeping water stable, clean, and free of copper helps it reach this lifespan.3

Can I handle a Vampire Shrimp?

It is best not to handle your Vampire Shrimp, as it is a shy creature that prefers to stay hidden. Handling can stress it and damage its delicate filter fans. Enjoy watching it from outside the tank.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Bamboo ShrimpAmano ShrimpGhost Shrimp

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Atya gabonensis - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, taxonomy, size, colour, care parameters, diet
  2. Atya gabonensis - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for body, colour change, life cycle, behaviour
  3. Vampire Shrimp care guide - Fishkeeping World fishkeepingworld.comused for tank size, water parameters, lifespan, diet, tankmates

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.