Cameroon Fan Shrimp
Atya gabonensis is a species of freshwater shrimp from West Africa. It is an omnivorous filter feeder with an armoured carapace that uses feather-like claspers to filter particles from the water. It can grow to 15 centimetres (6 inches). It has many common names, including (and variants of) African fan shrimp, African filter shrimp, African giant shrimp, African Armoured shrimp, vampire shrimp, and Cameroon fan shrimp. Due to their larger size when compared to cherry shrimp, for example, they make a more suitable addition to community tanks with bigger fish.

Fan shrimp are one of the most interesting shrimp in this hobby. Despite their impressive size, they are very peaceful. Cameroon Fan Shrimp, despite also being known as the vampire shrimp, can be easily kept with other dwarf shrimp, snails, or non-aggressive fish in the aquarium. Some species of African fan shrimp have a large stripe down their back which is particularly pronounced in young shrimp, and somewhat faded in older specimens. 

In flowing water, Cameroon Fan shrimp spread their chelae, or 'feather-like' front legs – fans, hence the name 'fan shrimp'. It is recommended that you have sufficient hiding spaces in the aquarium for moulting. Adding Indian almond catappa leaves to the aquarium will help Bamboo shrimp to moult and thrive. Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp prefer to sit on driftwood, stem plants or rocks from which they filter their food.

Colouring of this shrimp species can vary from an off-white to an almost rusty brown, and also a deep blue. It is believed that water conditions can affect colouring, with harder water causing the blue morph. Though rare in aquaria, these shrimp have been known to change colour several times in the same year.

As with all shrimp species - do not use copper treatments, copper is extremely harmful to crustaceans. We do not actively treat our in-house shrimp aquaria other than with a supplementary dose of shrimp salt where required. We do not treat shrimps for bacteria, fungus or worms due to the copper contained within these treatments - please be mindful of this before you purchase.