i got mine from a local lfs. i was just stopping by the store, not really looking for anything in particular until i saw this huge 3" shrimp. i saw that it was a light blue color with fans like a filter feeder, i immediately thought "omg its a vampire!" it didnt look too healthy, plus it was $10 (kind of expensive for a shrimp). i hesitated, but i bought it anywayz thinkin that i was the best hope of the shrimp for surviving. and now, as you can see by my profile picture, my shrimp has been doing well for 2+ years. so happy!