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Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
📍 West Africa & South America
Vampire shrimp (giant African filter shrimp) are large, impressive filter feeders that sieve fine particles from the water. Despite their intimidating name they are completely peaceful. They require strong flow and regular fine food additions to thrive.
Care Guide
Diet
Vampire shrimp are obligate filter feeders that require fine suspended particles in the water column. Feed powdered foods, liquid phytoplankton, or specialized filter feeder supplements 2-3 times weekly. Supplement with occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, though their primary nutrition comes from biofilm and suspended matter in established tanks.
Behavior
These peaceful giants are nocturnal and spend daylight hours hidden among plants and décor, emerging at dusk to feed. They require strong water flow (powerheads or returns) to suspend food particles and support their filter-feeding behavior. They are solitary or occur in loose groups and show no aggression toward tankmates, making them excellent community residents.
Breeding
Breeding vampire shrimp in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They likely require specific environmental triggers and larval development in brackish water, making home breeding impractical. Virtually all specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, and captive reproduction has not been reliably achieved.
Tank Mates
Similar peaceful temperament and preference for established tanks with biofilm; non-competitive for food
Peaceful filter/grazer shrimp with identical water parameter needs and non-aggressive behavior
Smaller shrimp species that occupy different ecological niches; may be preyed upon if very small
Small, peaceful fish that thrive in similar water conditions and do not compete for food
Peaceful schooling fish with identical water parameter requirements and non-aggressive behavior
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy appearance, loss of appetite, lethargy, visible sores or discoloration on body
Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes; use broad-spectrum antibiotic if severe; maintain optimal temperature and flow
Molting Issues
Difficulty shedding exoskeleton, stuck molt, lethargy after molting, death during molt
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals in water; maintain stable parameters; provide gentle flow to assist molting; avoid sudden temperature changes
Starvation/Malnutrition
Gradual weight loss, lethargy, reduced filter-feeding activity, pale coloration
Increase feeding frequency and variety of suspended foods; verify biofilm presence in tank; add liquid phytoplankton or specialized filter feeder foods
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible spots or worms, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes; quarantine if possible; use appropriate antiparasitic treatment; maintain excellent water quality
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Filter feeder – powdered food, phytoplankton, fine suspended particles
- lifespan
- 3–5 years
- max size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Very peaceful; gentle giant
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 3–10 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)