Our Guide To Keeping Vampire Shrimp
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Atya gabonensis
- Common name: Vampire Shrimp
- Family: Atyidae
- Origin: West Africa and parts of South America
- Adult length: 8 to 12 cm
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
- Diet: Filter feeder (detritus, plankton, micro-particles)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
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Tank Setup:
- Vampire Shrimp require a peaceful community tank with strong water flow and oxygenation. A tank size of at least 60L is recommended.
- Include plenty of hiding places with driftwood, rocks, and caves. These are essential during their moulting phase.
- Provide elevated perches in areas of good flow where they can fan for food with their feather-like appendages.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F)
- pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- They rely on strong flow to feed, so use a filter or powerhead to generate current.
- Ensure excellent water quality. They are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so regular water changes are essential.
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Diet:
- Vampire Shrimp filter suspended food from the water. Offer powdered foods like spirulina, microcrustaceans, baby brine shrimp, and crushed flakes.
- Target feeding using a pipette or baster near their perch helps in tanks with low natural particulates.
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Tank mates:
- Peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, hatchetfish, and small catfish are suitable.
- Avoid aggressive tank mates and large predators that may harm or stress them.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Vampire Shrimp are shy and peaceful. They prefer low-stress environments and are mostly active at night or in shaded areas.
- They are non-aggressive and do well in groups or alone.
- Provide hiding spaces during moulting, when they are most vulnerable.
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