Atya Gabonensis

Appearance:

• Size: Atya gabonensis is one of the larger shrimp species, growing up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length when fully mature.
• Color: Their coloration can vary based on mood and environment. They may appear pale blue, light brown, reddish-brown, or even nearly white. Some individuals exhibit a blue or green tint, which becomes more vibrant in healthy and stress-free environments.
• Body Structure: They have a robust, elongated body with a large, fan-like pair of chelipeds (claw-like structures) at the front, used for filter feeding. These appendages open up like fans to catch floating particles in the water.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look very similar, though females are often slightly smaller and may carry eggs under their abdomen when breeding.

Habitat and Water Conditions:

• Natural Habitat: Atya gabonensis is native to fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and streams across Africa, particularly in Gabon, and parts of Central America. They thrive in environments with plenty of hiding spaces like rocks, wood, and dense vegetation.
• Water Temperature: Ideal temperature range is between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
• pH Range: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is recommended (4-15 dGH). They are quite adaptable to water conditions as long as changes are gradual.
• Tank Setup:
  • A minimum of 20 gallons is required for a single shrimp, but larger tanks (30-50 gallons) are ideal, especially if keeping multiple individuals.
  • They thrive in tanks with moderate to strong water flow, which helps to simulate their natural habitat. A filter with a strong current or powerheads can create the required flow.
  • Plenty of hiding spaces should be provided using rocks, driftwood, and plants. They enjoy hiding under rocks and in crevices, especially during molting.
  • Fine substrates like sand or smooth gravel are recommended to avoid injuring their delicate walking legs.

Behavior and Feeding:

• Filter Feeding: Atya gabonensis is a filter feeder, using its fan-like appendages to capture small particles, plankton, and organic detritus from the water. They extend these fans into the current and sweep them across their mouths to feed.
• Food Source: In a mature, well-established aquarium, they will find plenty of food in the water column. However, in newer or less densely stocked tanks, supplemental feeding is necessary. Offer finely crushed flakes, powdered shrimp food, and liquid fry foods rich in protein and plant matter. They also benefit from occasional feedings of finely ground algae wafers or spirulina.
• Scavenging: In the absence of flowing water or particulate food, they may resort to scavenging for food from the substrate but prefer filter feeding.
• Activity Level: They are mostly nocturnal but can become more active during the day in a calm environment. They are peaceful and will rarely be seen bothering other tank inhabitants.

Breeding:

• Difficulty: Breeding Atya gabonensis in captivity is quite rare and challenging. While females can carry eggs, the larvae require brackish water to develop, similar to Amano shrimp.
• Egg Development: Females will carry eggs under their abdomen for several weeks, but like many filter-feeding shrimp species, the larvae won’t survive in typical freshwater conditions, as they need to transition to brackish water for proper development.
• Molting: Like all shrimp, Atya gabonensis molt periodically to grow. After molting, they become more vulnerable and tend to hide for a few days while their new exoskeleton hardens.

Lifespan:

• Lifespan: These shrimp can live between 5 and 7 years in a well-maintained aquarium, making them one of the longest-lived freshwater shrimp species.

Tank Mates:

• Compatibility: African Filter Shrimp are very peaceful and make excellent community tank members. They are ideal for tanks with small, peaceful fish and other invertebrates.
• Compatible Tank Mates: They can be housed with small, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, livebearers (guppies, mollies), and other dwarf shrimp species.
• Avoid: Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish like cichlids or large barbs, as they may harass or attempt to eat the shrimp. Fast-swimming fish that might outcompete them for food should also be avoided.
• With Other Shrimp: Atya gabonensis is non-aggressive towards other shrimp species and can be kept with species like Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp, and Bamboo shrimp without issue.

Care Level:

• Beginner-Friendly: Though they have specific feeding and habitat requirements, Atya gabonensis is generally considered easy to care for, provided they have a proper tank setup with strong water flow and a source of fine particulate food.
• Water Quality: They are sensitive to poor water quality, particularly ammonia and nitrite spikes. Therefore, regular water changes and a mature, cycled tank are essential to their health.
• Supplementing Water Flow: Since they rely on water flow to feed, it’s important to maintain a strong current in the tank. A sponge filter with a moderate flow or a powerhead aimed across the tank can help simulate their natural environment.

Special Considerations:

• Copper Sensitivity: Like all invertebrates, Atya gabonensis is highly sensitive to copper. Avoid using any medications or treatments that contain copper in a shrimp tank, as even small amounts can be toxic to them.
• Acclimation: When introducing them to a new tank, use a slow drip acclimation process to avoid shocking them with sudden changes in water parameters.