Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp -Atya gabonensis
The Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp, also known as the African Fan Shrimp, is a unique and fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium. Native to the rivers and streams of Cameroon in West Africa, these shrimp are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. They have a translucent body with a series of dark, armor-like segments running along their back, giving them a striking and almost prehistoric look. The fan-like appendages on their front, which they use to filter food from the water, add to their charm and make them a captivating sight in the tank.
These shrimp are relatively easy to care for and are well-suited for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are highly active and can often be seen using their fan-like appendages to sift through the water for food. Their diet primarily consists of biofilm, algae, and organic matter, but they will also benefit from small amounts of commercial shrimp food and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of small, non-aggressive fish and other invertebrates. They thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as it provides a comfortable environment for them to forage and burrow. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for their health, and regular water changes and a gentle filter are recommended to keep the tank clean and healthy.
Breeding Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp in captivity is more challenging compared to other shrimp species, but it can be done with the right conditions. The females carry the eggs under their tails until they hatch, and the baby shrimp are miniature versions of the adults, capable of fending for themselves from the start. A separate breeding tank with optimal conditions and minimal predators is ideal for raising the young, as it ensures a higher survival rate.
Overall, the Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any freshwater aquarium, bringing both unique aesthetics and activity to your aquatic environment. Their peaceful nature and helpful cleaning habits make them a valuable and enjoyable part of any tank.
The Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp, also known as the African Fan Shrimp, is a unique and fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium. Native to the rivers and streams of Cameroon in West Africa, these shrimp are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. They have a translucent body with a series of dark, armor-like segments running along their back, giving them a striking and almost prehistoric look. The fan-like appendages on their front, which they use to filter food from the water, add to their charm and make them a captivating sight in the tank.
These shrimp are relatively easy to care for and are well-suited for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are highly active and can often be seen using their fan-like appendages to sift through the water for food. Their diet primarily consists of biofilm, algae, and organic matter, but they will also benefit from small amounts of commercial shrimp food and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of small, non-aggressive fish and other invertebrates. They thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as it provides a comfortable environment for them to forage and burrow. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for their health, and regular water changes and a gentle filter are recommended to keep the tank clean and healthy.
Breeding Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp in captivity is more challenging compared to other shrimp species, but it can be done with the right conditions. The females carry the eggs under their tails until they hatch, and the baby shrimp are miniature versions of the adults, capable of fending for themselves from the start. A separate breeding tank with optimal conditions and minimal predators is ideal for raising the young, as it ensures a higher survival rate.
Overall, the Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any freshwater aquarium, bringing both unique aesthetics and activity to your aquatic environment. Their peaceful nature and helpful cleaning habits make them a valuable and enjoyable part of any tank.
The Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp, also known as the African Fan Shrimp, is a unique and fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium. Native to the rivers and streams of Cameroon in West Africa, these shrimp are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. They have a translucent body with a series of dark, armor-like segments running along their back, giving them a striking and almost prehistoric look. The fan-like appendages on their front, which they use to filter food from the water, add to their charm and make them a captivating sight in the tank.
These shrimp are relatively easy to care for and are well-suited for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are highly active and can often be seen using their fan-like appendages to sift through the water for food. Their diet primarily consists of biofilm, algae, and organic matter, but they will also benefit from small amounts of commercial shrimp food and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of small, non-aggressive fish and other invertebrates. They thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as it provides a comfortable environment for them to forage and burrow. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for their health, and regular water changes and a gentle filter are recommended to keep the tank clean and healthy.
Breeding Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp in captivity is more challenging compared to other shrimp species, but it can be done with the right conditions. The females carry the eggs under their tails until they hatch, and the baby shrimp are miniature versions of the adults, capable of fending for themselves from the start. A separate breeding tank with optimal conditions and minimal predators is ideal for raising the young, as it ensures a higher survival rate.
Overall, the Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any freshwater aquarium, bringing both unique aesthetics and activity to your aquatic environment. Their peaceful nature and helpful cleaning habits make them a valuable and enjoyable part of any tank.
Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)
Scientific Name: Atya gabonensis
Common Name: Cameroon Armoured Fan Shrimp, African Fan Shrimp
Family: Atyidae
Origin: Cameroon, West Africa
Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet: Primarily detritivorous; feeds on biofilm, algae, and organic matter
Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH: 6.5-7.5
Hardness: 3-10 dGH
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons, but larger tanks are better for providing ample space and hiding spots
Compatibility: Good with peaceful community fish and other small, non-aggressive invertebrates
