About Vampire Shrimp
Vampire Shrimp are the GIANTS of freshwater filter-feeding shrimp, capable of reaching an impressive 6 inches in length. Native to West Africa, particularly around Gabon and the Congo basin, these impressive invertebrates share the filter-feeding lifestyle of Bamboo Shrimp but on a much larger scale. Despite their intimidating name, Vampires are completely peaceful - the name likely comes from their nocturnal habits, not any aggressive behavior. Like Bamboo Shrimp, Vampires use fan-like appendages to filter microscopic food particles from the water column. They position themselves in current and rhythmically wave their fans to capture suspended food. Their larger size means they can tolerate more flow and require more food than smaller filter feeders. Watching a 6-inch Vampire Shrimp contentedly filter feeding is an impressive sight. Vampire Shrimp are NOCTURNAL - they often hide during the day and become active at night. New keepers sometimes worry when their Vampire disappears, but this is normal behavior. Providing caves, driftwood, or other hiding spots is essential for their wellbeing. With patience, many Vampires become more day-active as they settle into their tanks, especially at feeding time.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Vampire Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Vampire Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-400 ppm | 150-300 ppm |
| GH | 6-15 dGH | 8-12 dGH |
| KH | 3-12 dKH | 4-8 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8 | 7-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) | 75-81°F |
Tank Setup for Vampire Shrimp
- 30+ gallon minimum due to large size
- WATER FLOW ESSENTIAL - create current areas for filter feeding
- HIDING SPOTS REQUIRED - they're nocturnal and need daytime refuge
- Caves, driftwood, or dense plants for cover
- Stable perches in current for feeding positions
- Secure tank - they can climb out of open tanks
Care Tips for Vampire Shrimp
- LARGE FILTER FEEDER - up to 6 inches, needs significant food in water column
- NOCTURNAL - hides during day, active at night (normal behavior)
- Requires water flow with suspended food particles
- Needs larger tank (30+ gallons) due to impressive size
- Completely peaceful despite intimidating name and size
- Provide hiding spots (caves, wood) for daytime retreat
- Long-lived (3-5+ years) if properly cared for
Feeding Vampire Shrimp
- FILTER FEEDER - fans catch particles from water column
- Requires suspended food - powdered foods, crushed flakes, baby shrimp food
- Larger size means larger appetite than Bamboo Shrimp
- Target feed upstream so particles flow past their position
- Will scavenge substrate if starving - this is a bad sign
- Phytoplankton, spirulina powder, and fine foods work well
Breeding Vampire Shrimp
- Breeding is extremely difficult - requires brackish water for larvae
- Nearly all Vampire Shrimp are wild-caught from Africa
- Home breeding success is extremely rare
- Larvae need specific salinity and microscopic food
- Don't expect to breed them - enjoy adults
Common Problems with Vampire Shrimp
- Hiding all day - NORMAL nocturnal behavior, not a problem
- Starvation from insufficient suspended food
- Substrate picking = starving (should be filter feeding)
- Insufficient flow - need current for food delivery
- Tank too small - 6-inch shrimp needs space
- Escaping - they can climb, secure your tank
Troubleshooting Vampire Shrimp
Pay attention to any behavioral changes that may indicate problems. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Vampire Shrimp FAQ
This is NORMAL - Vampire Shrimp are NOCTURNAL. They naturally hide during the day and become active at night or during dim lighting. Provide good hiding spots and don't worry if you only see them at night. Many become more day-active over time, especially at feeding.
Vampire Shrimp can reach up to 6 inches (15cm), making them one of the largest freshwater shrimp. This impressive size requires a minimum 30-gallon tank and makes them completely safe with community fish - nothing is going to eat a 6-inch shrimp!
The name likely comes from their nocturnal habits and somewhat imposing appearance at 6 inches. They have NO fangs and are completely peaceful filter feeders. Don't let the name worry you - they won't harm any tank mates.
Vampire Shrimp are FILTER FEEDERS - they catch microscopic food particles from the water with fan-like appendages. Feed fine powdered foods, crushed flakes, or phytoplankton directly into the current. They DON'T eat algae or graze like typical shrimp.
Home breeding is essentially impossible. Like Amano and Bamboo Shrimp, the larvae require brackish water and specific conditions. Nearly all Vampire Shrimp are wild-caught from West Africa. Enjoy adults without expecting reproduction.
YES - as filter feeders, they need current to deliver food particles to their fans. Their larger size means they can handle stronger flow than Bamboo Shrimp. Create current areas with filter output and provide stable perches in the flow.
Vampire Shrimp display various colors including blue (highly prized), gray, pink/salmon, brown, and beige. Color can shift with mood, molt cycle, and environment. The 'Blue Vampire' morph is especially sought after by hobbyists.
Track Your Vampire Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Vampire Shrimp colony.