Vampire AKA Viper Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)
- In stock, ready to ship
- Backordered, shipping soon
* For the safety of our animals, we now ship this shrimp exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *
From its size, hardiness & longevity, to its color-changing ability, the Vampire Shrimp is the king of freshwater shrimp species!
The Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) is certainly among the most fascinating and unique aquarium shrimp available. Also known as the African Filter Shrimp, Viper Shrimp, Gabon Shrimp, and Cameroon Shrimp, this peaceful species is very rare, but ideal for the nano and planted aquarium. It has highly variable blue, gray, brown, white, or pink coloration that can change several times per year. While sometimes reclusive, this shrimp can often be seen waving its “fans” in the water current in an attempt to gather particulate food matter. Unlike many shorter-lived shrimp, the Vampire Shrimp can live for as long as 5 years with proper care!
The Vampire Shrimp is a filter feeding shrimp and will position itself in areas of highest water flow and use its filtering appendages to pull microorganisms, shed plant matter, and other fine food items from the water. In aquariums with multiple specimens, it is fun to see several of these shrimp gathered in one area feeding together. This species is completely safe for dwarf shrimp aquariums, but it does not tolerate temperatures as low as the temperatures that most dwarf shrimp enjoy. The Vampire Shrimp requires oxygen-rich water with a heavier current than many other shrimp species. Ample cover and hiding places are also necessary for the long-term well-being of the Vampire Shrimp. Like all invertebrates, it is extremely sensitive to copper and must never be exposed to this metal, even in very small amounts.
This shrimp is known as a low-form spawner, meaning that its fry go through several complex larval planktonic stages in a wide variety of water conditions, including brackish and marine salinity. As a result, large-scale spawning in captivity has not yet been reported.
What We Like About This Shrimp:
- A rare alternative or companion to Singapore Flower/Bamboo Shrimp
- Completely peaceful with non-aggressive tankmates, including dwarf shrimp
- Safe with all plants
- Variable and attractive coloration
Recommended Tank Parameters:
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Temperature: 75° - 84° F (24° - 28.8° C)
- pH: 6.8 - 7.5
- dGH: 6 - 20
- dKH: 2 - 15
- TDS: 150 - 300
Vampire Shrimp Care Guidelines:
- Diet: Omnivorous filter feeder and scavenger. Accepts most high quality flake foods and small filter foods
- Social Behavior: Peaceful. Can be kept singly but will also happily congregate in groups.
- Origin: Western Africa, South America
- Average Adult Size: 5 - 6 inches (12.7 - 15.2 cm)
- Average Purchase Size: Small: 1 - 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm), Medium: 2.25 - 3.25 inches (5.7 - 8.3 cm), Large: 3.5+ Inches (
Why are they called Vampire or Viper Shrimp?
The name comes from their dramatic appearance—large size, bold posture, and those fan-shaped claws held open in the current. Despite the intimidating name, they’re completely peaceful.
Are Vampire Shrimp aggressive?
Not at all. They’re gentle filter feeders and don’t chase, grab, or attack tank mates. They’re one of the most peaceful large freshwater shrimp you can keep.
How big do Vampire Shrimp get?
They get much larger than typical aquarium shrimp, often reaching 4–6 inches as adults. Their size makes them very noticeable, even though their behavior is calm and slow.
What do Vampire Shrimp eat?
They don’t pick at food like other shrimp. Instead, they use their fan-shaped claws to filter fine particles from the water. Powdered foods, crushed flakes, and naturally occurring micro-particles are essential.
Do Vampire Shrimp need strong water flow?
Yes. Moderate to strong flow is important. They position themselves in areas where water movement brings food past their fans. Without flow, they may struggle to feed properly.
Will Vampire Shrimp clean algae?
No. They don’t scrape algae or graze surfaces. Their role is filter feeding, not algae control.
Are Vampire Shrimp shrimp safe?
Yes. They’re completely shrimp safe and can be kept with Neocaridina, Caridina, and other peaceful invertebrates without issue.
Can Vampire Shrimp live with fish?
Yes, with peaceful fish. They do best with calm tank mates that won’t nip at their fans or outcompete them for food in high-flow areas.
Do Vampire Shrimp hide a lot?
They often hide when first introduced, which is normal. Once settled, they’ll claim favorite perches—usually near flow—and become more visible during feeding times.
Who are Vampire Shrimp best suited for?
They’re perfect for aquarists who enjoy unique behavior and slow, deliberate movement. If you like observing rather than constant activity, Vampire Shrimp are incredibly rewarding.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
