Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Despite its intimidating name, the Vampire Shrimp is a gentle giant. It is a strictly peaceful freshwater invertebrate that uses specialized fan-like appendages to filter microscopic food from the water column. They require heavily oxygenated water with strong currents, mature tanks (to ensure suspended particulate matter), and places to hide.
Vampire Shrimp At a Glance
Vampire Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Vampire Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Vampire Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Vampire Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Vampire Shrimp Water Parameters
Vampire Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Vampire Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Blue Vampire Shrimp, Giant Fan Shrimp
Vampire Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Vampire Shrimp, scientifically known as Atya gabonensis, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Vampire Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.8 and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Vampire Shrimp is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Vampire Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Vampire Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Vampire Shrimp, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement.
Vampire Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Vampire Shrimp is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Vampire Shrimp Is Actually For
Vampire Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially driftwood.
The most common mistake is treating Vampire Shrimp like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Vampire Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Vampire Shrimp.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Vampire Shrimp
How big does Vampire Shrimp get?
Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Vampire Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Vampire Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Vampire Shrimp need?
Vampire Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Vampire Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Vampire Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Vampire Shrimp live alone?
Yes, Vampire Shrimp can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Vampire Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Vampire Shrimp benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Vampire Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Vampire Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Oto
Otocinclus cocama
Ideal Tank MatesUpside Down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Ideal Tank MatesTwig Catfish
Farlowella vittata
Ideal Tank MatesRoyal Farlowella Catfish
Sturisoma panamense
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Vampire Shrimp
These plants pair well with Vampire Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Vampire Shrimp
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
A large, completely peaceful freshwater filter-feeding shrimp. They use specialized fan-like appendages to catch microorganisms and fine food particles from the water column. They require an established aquarium with moderate to high water flow and tall resting places (like driftwood) directly in the current.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
The Purple Zebra Shrimp is a fascinating, highly adaptable micro-shrimp. Although technically part of the Snapping/Pistol shrimp family (Alpheidae), they are incredibly tiny and entirely peaceful. Famous for their purple striping, they spend most of their time grazing on biofilm and hiding in crevices. While they thrive in freshwater or brackish setups (often kept with Opae Ula), their larvae require saltwater to develop, making captive breeding in freshwater impossible.
Whisker Shrimp
Macrobrachium sp.
Often accidentally sold as the peaceful Ghost Shrimp, the Whisker Shrimp is a larger, highly aggressive freshwater prawn. They can be easily identified by their unusually long antennae ('whiskers') and prominent, elongated front claws. They are opportunistic hunters that will actively prey on dwarf shrimp, fry, and even small sleeping community fish.