Vampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A large, gentle filter feeder with an intimidating name and absolutely no bite. It catches floating food on fans on its arms, so it needs a mature tank with some flow. It is shy and hides often in the day, and it pairs best with small, peaceful fish.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 20 US gal
- Temperature
- 75–85 °F
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Hardness
- No figure published
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- Can live alone
- Lifespan
- Not well documented
Vampire Shrimp tank mates
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Boraras brigittae
Paracheirodon innesi
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Large shrimp like Vampire Shrimp are usually safe from Gold Barb, but may be nipped or harassed.
Xiphophorus hellerii
Large shrimp like Vampire Shrimp are usually safe from Swordtail, but may be nipped or harassed.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Pea puffers hunt snails and shrimp as natural food, so Vampire Shrimp is at risk.
Common tank-mate questions
Vampire Shrimp feeding and care
How to feed
- Provide fine floating food such as powdered shrimp food.
- Add quick-dissolving algae tablets near where it sits.
- Squeeze a filter sponge into the tank occasionally, to release the fine particles it eats.
Vampire Shrimp care mistakes to avoid
- Add it only to a mature tank with plenty of fine particles to filter.
- Provide a spot with gentle flow, where it can sit and catch food on its fans.
- Keep nippy fish away, as its delicate fans are easy targets.
- Keep copper out of the tank, because it is fatal to shrimp.
Vampire Shrimp tank setup
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
TankAt least 20 US gal (76 L)
The smallest tank our sources give for Vampire Shrimp. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts).
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 20 Long US
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 29 Gallon US
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 40 Breeder US
Eheim clearTank 73 Spain
Why we chose these (Best 20-Gallon Fish Tank: 20 Long or 29?). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Vampire Shrimp, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Vampire Shrimp's temperature range.
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 20 Gallon US
Check the heater's setting
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 29 Gallon US
Check the heater's setting
Tetra Starter Line LED Aquarium 80 L Spain
Heater preset to 25 °C
Why we chose these (Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
FilterHang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
Seachem Tidal 55 Power Filter US
Marineland Penguin PRO 175 Power Filter US
Eheim LiBERTY 130 Hang-on Filter Spain
Seachem Tidal 35 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 20 to 29-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 75–85 °F (24–29 °C)
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29. Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 100 W US
Aqueon Submersible Glass Heater 100 W US
Eheim Thermocontrol e 100 Heater Spain
Tetra HT 100 Electronic Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 20 to 29-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
SubstrateA sand substrate seems preferable because gravel can damage its delicate fans.
We are still choosing products for this.
Hiding places and decorLoves plenty of cover: a heavily decorated tank with lots of plants, caves and hides.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsSafe with live plants
Browse all aquarium plants.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Where to buy Vampire Shrimp
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. Links marked as affiliate links may earn us a commission. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link)
We have not found a store that sells Vampire Shrimp under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Vampire Shrimp FAQ
What size tank do Vampire Shrimp need?
Our sourced minimum is 20 US gallons (76 liters). A bigger, mature tank is always easier to keep stable.
What can live with Vampire Shrimp?
Good matches on our list include Cardinal Tetra, Ember Tetra and Black Neon Tetra. Avoid White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Pea Puffer.
How long do Vampire Shrimp live?
Lifespan is not well documented for this species. Stable water and a good diet help any animal live longer.
Are vampire shrimp dangerous?
Not at all. Despite the name they cannot bite, and they eat only tiny particles filtered from the water.
Vampire Shrimp facts and sources
- Type
- Shrimp
- Native to
- West Africa
- Adult size
- 6 in (15 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Breeds in freshwater
- No
Sources
- The Shrimp Farm: Care and water figures
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction.