Vampire Shrimp – Gentle Freshwater Filter Shrimp
The vampire shrimp looks like something that could eat your baby, but these are the gentlest creatures in the aquarium. These shrimp are wild-caught in Nigeria and live in rocks, where they filter out debris from the water for food. The vampire shrimp, or filter shrimp, is the world’s largest freshwater filter shrimp and will not harm any other species. The scientific name gabonensis is from Gabon, where the shrimp was discovered. There are plenty in the wild, so please don’t fret; we are keeping a fisherman in business and helping sustain a local natural economy.
Despite their pleasant disposition, these shrimp can handle even aggressive fish tanks if they have a place to hide.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Atya gabonensis |
|---|
FAQ
Where are the vampire shrimp caught from?
The vampire shrimp are wild-caught in Nigeria, where they live in rocky environments and filter debris from the water.
Are vampire shrimp safe to keep with other fish?
Yes, vampire shrimp are gentle and will not harm other species. They can coexist with aggressive fish as long as they have a place to hide.
What is the scientific name of the vampire shrimp?
The scientific name is Atya gabonensis, named after Gabon where the species was discovered.

Olivia Metcalfe –
I was worried about introducing a new species into my tank, but the vampire shrimp is peaceful and active. It helps keep the water clean by filtering out debris. I’ve had it for three months and it’s thriving with my cichlids.
Benjamin Skinner –
The shrimp arrived quickly and looks exactly as described. It’s not aggressive and seems to enjoy the rocks in the tank. I appreciate that it helps maintain water quality without causing stress to other fish.
Sophie Mills –
I added the vampire shrimp to a community tank with neon tetras and a large angelfish. It’s been calm and active, filtering the water effectively. No issues so far and it’s become a regular part of the tank.