Atya gabonensis

About This Species

Basic Description

The Vampire Shrimp, also known as the African Fan Shrimp, is a large but very peaceful crustacean ideal for community aquariums. It has a unique appearance with feather-like fans on its front claws, which it uses to filter tiny food particles from the water column. Despite its imposing name and size, it is completely harmless to even the smallest fish and is known for its calm demeanor. It prefers to find a spot in the direct current to catch its meals.

Detailed Description

This gentle giant from West Africa is a fascinating filter feeder. Its coloration can vary significantly, ranging from a creamy white to a deep, rich blue, often changing after it molts. The key to keeping this detritivore healthy is providing a mature aquarium with strong water flow that carries a steady supply of fine foods like crushed flakes, powdered supplements, and natural detritus. It is a slow-moving, reclusive creature that needs plenty of hiding spots like caves or driftwood to feel secure. While very hardy, successful breeding in an aquarium is nearly impossible as its larvae require specific brackish or saltwater conditions to develop.

Scientific Description

*Atya gabonensis* is a non-aggressive, decapod crustacean whose survival is intrinsically linked to lotic (fast-flowing) freshwater ecosystems. Its primary mode of nutrition is filter-feeding, using four specialized pereiopods equipped with setose fans to capture suspended organic matter. This feeding strategy minimizes competition and establishes its niche as a detritivore and biofilm consumer. Its life cycle is amphidromous; adults reside and spawn in freshwater, but the planktonic larvae must drift downstream to brackish or marine environments to undergo metamorphosis before migrating back upstream as juveniles. This complex reproductive requirement is the primary barrier to captive propagation.