Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Also sold as African filter shrimp · Giant African filter shrimp · Blue vampire shrimp
Synonyms Viper shrimp · Gabon shrimp
Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 15 cm (5.9 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 80 L (21 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 80 L (21 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 5–15 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Vampire Shrimp needs at least 80 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- Its larvae need brackish water, so it will not breed in a freshwater tank: the number you buy is the number you keep.
What tank size does it need?
At least 80 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Will it breed in the tank?
No. Its larvae need brackish water, so nothing you do in a freshwater tank will raise young.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Vampire Shrimp | Bamboo Shrimp | Whisker Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm | 9 cm | 8 cm |
| Min tank | 80 L | 60 L | 60 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquaticarts.com
- What it eats, Mature tankshrimptank101.com
- Breedingaquariadise.com
- Breedingaquariumbreeder.com