African Filter Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)

The African Filter Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) is a large and impressive filter-feeding freshwater shrimp native to West African river systems, where it uses specialized fan-like appendages to catch fine food particles from flowing water. Like the Bamboo Shrimp, it benefits greatly from placement in areas of strong water current in the aquarium where suspended fine foods pass through. Its mottled blue-gray to brownish coloration and robust adult size make it an eye-catching, unusual species for larger planted or biotope tanks with good water flow.

House in an aquarium (minimum 60 L) with areas of strong directional water flow where suspended food can be captured. Maintain pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–27°C, soft to moderately hard water. Supplement the water with powdered foods (spirulina powder, micro-pellets crushed to powder, BacterAE) to ensure the shrimp has adequate filter food suspended in the current. Do not keep with aggressive fish that may disturb or predate upon the shrimp. Very peaceful with other species.