Vampire Shrimp by Amanda
They are known under a variety of different common names such as Vampire Shrimp, Viper shrimp and African Filter Shrimp, they are native to West Africa found from Senegal to Democratic Republic of Congo, first discovered in Gabon, Africa in 1875. Certain species of freshwater shrimp found in South America may be mistaken for Atya gabonensis yet are incorrect when in fact they are actually Atya scabra which look identical, the main difference being is that Atya gabonensis get much larger while Atya scabra stay at 3.5 inches. They are on the threatened species list, being not commonly found and are caught in very small quantities mainly within Northern Nigeria for predominantly aquarium hobbyists. There are very little known cases of successful breeding within aquaria. In the 1960s they were a delicacy in Europe!
They come from very oxygenated, fast flowing and vegetative areas due to their feeding habitats. They are omnivore filter feeders, using feather-like claspers or “fan hands” to sift through the water column collecting and picking up small foods. In an aquarium feedings this can refer to broken down food from feedings (small pieces of flakes and pellets), vegetative matter or bacteria, which is why an established tank is so important for your Atya gabonensis. Spot feeding phytoplankton, rotifers or other small filter feeding foods similar are also recommended to ensure they are eating enough. Having more flow within the aquarium helps pick up and move around those pieces of food in the gravel to keep your shrimps sifting!
In length they are usually reported anywhere between 4-5 inches, some reaching up to 6 inches, needing at least 20 gallons. They have typically longer life spans than other freshwater shrimps, some reported living up to 5 years! They are best suited for established tanks with no tolerance to ammonia, nitrite, with a pH between 6.8-7.5~. There are reports of Atya Gabonenis living within higher pH ranges of 7 and they do fine yet their coloration changes to a darker blue. Water parameters may have an affect on their appearance. They are found in colorations of light pink to dark blue.
Atya Gabonenis are typically more shy than most shrimps so hiding spots are very important such as caves, driftwood, live plants etc. They are nocturnal and peaceful. Neocaridina, Bamboo Flower shrimp, Bloom shrimp and Amano shrimps are great tank mates as well as other peaceful community fish. If reading this, what is your favorite shrimp? They do not bully smaller shrimps and community fish do not target them due to their size although being more broad and “heavy duty” often mistaken for crayfish. Larger, more semi to aggressive fish would not be recommended as they’ll disturb the peace, make the shrimp go into hiding/ feel uncomfortable and possibly turn them into a tasty treat.
Vampire Shrimp by Amanda
They are known under a variety of different common names such as Vampire Shrimp, Viper shrimp and African Filter Shrimp, they are native to West Africa found from Senegal to Democratic Republic of Congo, first discovered in Gabon, Africa in 1875. Certain species of freshwater shrimp found in South America may be mistaken for Atya gabonensis yet are incorrect when in fact they are actually Atya scabra which look identical, the main difference being is that Atya gabonensis get much larger while Atya scabra stay at 3.5 inches. They are on the threatened species list, being not commonly found and are caught in very small quantities mainly within Northern Nigeria for predominantly aquarium hobbyists. There are very little known cases of successful breeding within aquaria. In the 1960s they were a delicacy in Europe!
They come from very oxygenated, fast flowing and vegetative areas due to their feeding habitats. They are omnivore filter feeders, using feather-like claspers or “fan hands” to sift through the water column collecting and picking up small foods. In an aquarium feedings this can refer to broken down food from feedings (small pieces of flakes and pellets), vegetative matter or bacteria, which is why an established tank is so important for your Atya gabonensis. Spot feeding phytoplankton, rotifers or other small filter feeding foods similar are also recommended to ensure they are eating enough. Having more flow within the aquarium helps pick up and move around those pieces of food in the gravel to keep your shrimps sifting!
In length they are usually reported anywhere between 4-5 inches, some reaching up to 6 inches, needing at least 20 gallons. They have typically longer life spans than other freshwater shrimps, some reported living up to 5 years! They are best suited for established tanks with no tolerance to ammonia, nitrite, with a pH between 6.8-7.5~. There are reports of Atya Gabonenis living within higher pH ranges of 7 and they do fine yet their coloration changes to a darker blue. Water parameters may have an affect on their appearance. They are found in colorations of light pink to dark blue.
Atya Gabonenis are typically more shy than most shrimps so hiding spots are very important such as caves, driftwood, live plants etc. They are nocturnal and peaceful. Neocaridina, Bamboo Flower shrimp, Bloom shrimp and Amano shrimps are great tank mates as well as other peaceful community fish. If reading this, what is your favorite shrimp? They do not bully smaller shrimps and community fish do not target them due to their size although being more broad and “heavy duty” often mistaken for crayfish. Larger, more semi to aggressive fish would not be recommended as they’ll disturb the peace, make the shrimp go into hiding/ feel uncomfortable and possibly turn them into a tasty treat.
These unique and fun shrimps are definitely a great addition to your peaceful shrimp tanks/ aquariums. Despite their name Vampire Shrimp, they must be the least boisterous, most peaceful species of freshwater shrimp. If you're ever seeking an interesting and peaceful companion within your shrimp or peaceful community tanks check out these lovely shrimp! We often have them in store available for sale and on absolutelyfishnaturals.com for shipouts. Please call the store at 973-365-0200 or email us at absolutelyfish@yahoo.com with any questions you have about kee