Why is my Vampire Shrimp scavenging on the bottom?

If a Vampire Shrimp is constantly picking through the substrate instead of holding its fans open in the water column, it usually indicates that the water flow is too weak or there is insufficient particulate food suspended in the water.

Why did my Vampire Shrimp change colour?

Colour changes are completely normal and can be triggered by a recent moult, changes in diet, shifting water parameters, or even the colour of the substrate. A shrimp turning pale is often a sign that it is preparing to moult.

Are Vampire Shrimp dangerous to small fish or fry?

Not at all. Despite their intimidating size, they have no claws. Their front limbs end in soft, feathery fans designed exclusively for catching microscopic food particles, making them harmless even to the smallest fry.

How often do they moult, and what should I do with the shell?

Adults typically moult every few months. It is vital to leave the empty, ghost-like shell in the aquarium; the shrimp will eat it over the following days to reabsorb essential calcium and minerals needed to harden its new exoskeleton.

Do I need to add salt to the tank for them?

No. While their larvae require brackish or salt water to survive and develop, adult Vampire Shrimp are strictly freshwater animals and should not be kept in salted aquariums.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

A large, peaceful filter-feeding shrimp with a heavily armoured appearance, ideal for mature community aquariums with strong water flow.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 7.8
Hardness: 3 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 12 – 15 cm
75L minimum: 75 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore / Filter feeder
Water flow: High
Preferred setup: Smooth rocks and driftwood positioned directly in the water flow for perching.

About the Vampire Shrimp

Despite its fearsome name and robust, armoured appearance, the Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) is an entirely harmless filter feeder. Native to fast-flowing rivers across West Africa and parts of South America, this fascinating invertebrate uses specialised fan-like appendages to sift micro-organisms from the water column. Its colours vary dramatically depending on its environment, diet, and moulting cycle, ranging from deep azure blue to rusty brown or creamy white. They are an exceptional addition to the hobby, offering unique behaviours without posing any threat to their tank mates.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Vampire Shrimp against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Vampire Shrimp comes from

Native range

West Africa, South America

Countries / regions

Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, Brazil

Habitat

Fast-flowing, rocky rivers and streams

Exhibits a rare trans-Atlantic distribution naturally found on both the African and South American continents.

Similar species

Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
Armoured Shrimp
Atya margaritacea
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Peaceful, small, and occupies the mid-to-top levels, completely ignoring the shrimp.
Great
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
Shares identical care requirements and filter-feeding habits without competing aggressively.
Great
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Placid bottom dwellers that will not harass the shrimp, even during its vulnerable moulting phase.
Great
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Known fin-nippers that may pick at the shrimp's delicate feeding fans.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large, predatory cichlids will easily crush and consume even large invertebrates, especially after a moult.
Not recommended
Crayfish
Procambarus spp.
Aggressive bottom dwellers equipped with claws that will attack and kill the defenceless Vampire Shrimp.
Not recommended

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