Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)

Vampire Shrimp are an impressive and unusual freshwater shrimp species, scientifically known as Atya gabonensis. Also commonly called Giant Fan Shrimp, African Fan Shrimp or Armoured Shrimp, these fascinating filter-feeding shrimp are known for their large size, heavily built appearance and distinctive fan-shaped feeding appendages.

Despite their intimidating name and heavily armoured appearance, Vampire Shrimp are peaceful and completely non-aggressive. Rather than using claws to catch food, they position themselves in areas of flowing water and extend specialised fans to collect tiny suspended food particles from the water column.

Their colouration can vary considerably between individuals and may include blue-grey, slate blue, brown, cream and reddish tones. Mature specimens can become particularly impressive centrepieces in peaceful planted and community aquariums.

Common Name:

• Vampire Shrimp
• Giant Fan Shrimp
• Armoured Shrimp
• African Fan Shrimp

Scientific Name:

• Atya gabonensis

Colour Variant:

Variable blue-grey, slate blue, brown, cream and reddish colouration

Colour can vary between individual shrimp and may change depending on age, environment, diet and aquarium conditions

Distinctive heavily armoured body with large fan-shaped feeding appendages

Size:

• Adult size: ~10–15cm
• Sold by us size: 4-7cm

Lifespan:

Around 5 years+ with proper care

Vampire Shrimp Water Parameters:

Shrimp are very sensitive to water quality and must only be added to fully cycled, mature aquariums to ensure survival.

• Temperature: 23–28°C / 73–82°F
• pH: 6.5–8
• GH: 6–15
• KH: 2–10
• TDS: 150–300 ppm

Tank Size:

Minimum 60 litres, although larger, mature aquariums are strongly recommended due to the adult size of Vampire Shrimp and their specialised filter-feeding requirements.

A good flow of water is particularly important, as Vampire Shrimp naturally position themselves in areas of current where they can filter suspended food particles from the water.

Behaviour and Temperament:

Peaceful and completely non-aggressive

Filter feeders that use specialised fans to collect microscopic food particles from the water column

Often position themselves on wood, rocks or other elevated surfaces facing into the aquarium's water flow

Generally more active and confident once established in a suitable aquarium

Suitable with peaceful community fish, shrimp and other non-aggressive aquarium inhabitants

Provide caves, wood and shaded hiding places where they can retreat, particularly during moulting

Diet:

Vampire Shrimp are specialised filter feeders and require fine food particles suspended within the water column.

We recommend Shrimp Pro Bambino Boost as an excellent food for Vampire Shrimp. Its fine powdered consistency allows particles to disperse throughout the aquarium and into the water flow, where they can be captured by the shrimp's feeding fans.

Small amounts can be mixed with aquarium water before being introduced upstream from the shrimp's preferred feeding position. This allows the food to travel naturally through the current towards the shrimp.

Vampire Shrimp may also consume naturally occurring microorganisms, fine organic particles, powdered shrimp foods and other suitable microscopic foods suspended within the aquarium.

Regular targeted feeding is particularly important in very clean aquariums where there may not be enough naturally suspended food available.

Avoid overfeeding, as excessive powdered food can negatively affect water quality.

We feed our shrimp in store using the Shrimp Pro Foods range.

Breeding:

Vampire Shrimp are extremely difficult to breed successfully in home aquariums

Although adults live in freshwater, their larvae require specialised conditions during development

They should not be expected to reproduce successfully in a standard freshwater aquarium

Delivery & Customer Responsibility

Please read before ordering.

1. Suitable Tank Conditions

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their aquarium is fully cycled and that water parameters are suitable for the species purchased before placing an order.

We cannot accept liability for losses resulting from unsuitable tank conditions, incorrect water parameters, or improper acclimation. Shrimp are sensitive invertebrates and require stable, appropriate environments to thrive.

2. Dispatch & Delivery Schedule

All shrimp and snails are dispatched on Mondays only for Tuesday delivery (pre-1pm service) to minimise time in transit.

Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery. Prompt acceptance of live animals significantly improves survival rates and reduces stress.

We cannot accept responsibility for delays, missed deliveries, or losses where no one is available to receive the parcel on the scheduled delivery day.

Orders placed after 11am on a Monday will be dispatched the following Monday.

3. Tracking Information

Tracking numbers are not issued automatically.

If required, tracking details can be requested by phone or email after 1pm on Monday, once shipments have been processed and collected.

4. Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy

In the rare event of a shrimp or snail arriving deceased, this must be reported within 24 hours of delivery.

Clear photographic evidence must be provided showing the deceased livestock inside the original, unopened bag. This is required for us to assess and process any claim.

Reports made after 24 hours, or without photographic proof in the unopened bag, cannot be considered.

We only deliver livestock on a Tuesday – order before 11am on Monday.

Please research before purchasing live livestock.