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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Its larvae drift down to river mouths and develop in brackish or salty water before the young shrimp head back upstream.2
- 4
Strong, bumpy third legs act like anchors so it can hang on even in very fast water.2
- 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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Vampire Shrimp. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amountsevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Atya gabonensis - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, taxonomy, size, colour, care parameters, diet
- Atya gabonensis - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for body, colour change, life cycle, behaviour
- 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.