Invertebrates
Vampire Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis · also called viper shrimp, fan shrimp
Holding a pair of feathery, fan-shaped appendages open in a steady current, a vampire shrimp filters tiny food particles straight out of the passing water, a feeding style shared by few other shrimp species popular in home aquariums.
Overview
The vampire shrimp, Atyopsis moluccensis, is native to streams and rivers across Southeast Asia. Its unusual fan-based filter feeding, preference for flowing water, and relatively large size among ornamental shrimp make it one of the more behaviourally distinctive freshwater invertebrates kept in aquariums.
A shrimp that fishes with its own body
Rather than grazing the substrate like most shrimp, the vampire shrimp positions itself in the current and simply waits, holding out its fan-shaped appendages to sieve food particles from the water passing by, a passive but effective feeding strategy.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, widespread across suitable freshwater habitat throughout Southeast Asia.
Vampire Shrimp: common questions
How does the vampire shrimp catch food?
It holds out a pair of feathery, fan-shaped appendages into the water current, filtering tiny food particles and plankton directly from the passing water rather than scavenging the substrate.
Why is it called the vampire shrimp?
The common name comes from the way its fanned feeding appendages resemble claws reaching outward while it feeds, giving the gesture a vaguely predatory appearance despite the shrimp being a harmless filter feeder.
Does the vampire shrimp need flowing water?
Yes, it favours areas with a steady current, positioning itself to maximise the amount of food-bearing water passing within reach of its filtering appendages.
Where is the vampire shrimp found?
It is native to streams and rivers across parts of Southeast Asia.