Species profile
Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Peaceful
Moderate care
120 L minimum aquarium
10–14 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large but completely non-predatory filter-feeding shrimp.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
4–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.4
Peaceful and social; may jostle over the best current-facing perch without causing serious injury.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Filter feeder
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Atya gabonensis
Alternative names
Giant Fan Shrimp, African Filter Shrimp
Native range
West African river systems; historic South American reports are taxonomically uncertain.
Natural habitat
Fast, oxygen-rich freshwater with shaded refuges and perches in strong current. Use a mature aquarium and guarded pump intakes.
Diet & feeding
Fine suspended foods, planktonic feeds and powdered complete foods; target the current rather than dropping large pellets on the substrate.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males have more robust first walking legs; mature females are fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Larvae require a brackish phase; breeding through metamorphosis in captivity is very difficult.