Vampire shrimp
Atya gabonensis · Atyidae
Also known as Fan shrimp, Cameroon fan shrimp
Advanced
A big filter-feeding shrimp that fans the current for food; needs flow, not a bare nano tank.
- Minimum tank
- 110 L
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Adult size
- 15 cm
- Group size
- 2+
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Sign in to check my tanksCare requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Hardness
- 6–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 4–6 years
- Diet
- Filter feeder — powdered food, crushed flake and biofilm suspended in the current.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- West African and northern South American rivers
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Fast rocky river channels
- Natural conditions
- Strong flow, hard water, no copper, plenty of perches.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Peaceful mid-water fishCorydoras
- Avoid
- Copper medicationAggressive fishStill water
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males have thicker front legs.
- Notes
- Larvae need brackish water; not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Starvation without suspended foodFailed moultsCopper poisoning