General information – The African Filter Shrimp or by its other

common name fan shrimp is a rare shrimp in the hobby but it is also

one of the most sought after shrimps, it is desired shrimp probably

due to its unique appearance and its specialized feeding behavior.

These shrimps use their specialized "fans" to capture micro-organisms

and other floating food items from the water.  The African Filter Shrimp

can be found in multiple colors variants, Grey, black and white, they

became white after they have shed their skin.   

Common Name - African Filter Shrimp, fan shrimp, giant African filter

shrimp, vampire shrimp  

Scientific Name - Atya gabonensis 

Family - Shrimps

Photo by: Eyals

Size - Up to 6 inches (15 cm) 

First discovered - Unknown 

Nutrition – The fan shrimp or the vampire shrimp filters floating food items from the water. They also can be

feed with Microworms, infusoria, baby brine shrimp, cyclops and other tiny frozen/live foods. According to

some reports the fan shrimp observed feeding on dead fish. Shrimp wafers can complete their diet.  

Behavior - Non-aggressive 

Maintenance and care - The African Filter Shrimp should be kept in community fish tank with small,

peaceful fish or in a shrimp tank, throughout the day, they usually seek refuge under stones and among

plants so a well planted tanks is essential.Sufficient current is essential for this shrimp otherwise it will

have a hard time to filters floating food items from the water. It’s a very good idea to use a current pump

or small wave box to keep the water in constant circulation.  

Water Parameters - Temperature: 73F - 82F, PH: 6.5- 7.5 

Breeding – Breeding should be taken in a well planted tank. The larva has several planktonic stages before

metamorphosing into miniature shrimp. They should be breed only in species tank with no fish; larva

requires brackish water to full strength saltwater.