BUMBLE BEE SHRIMP

The Bumble Bee Shrimp is a small species of saltwater shrimp that is commonly found in tropical lagoons and bays¹. They have a yellow and black or brown striped body, giving them a similar coloration to a bumblebee². Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for Bumble Bee Shrimp:

Appearance

• The Bumble Bee Shrimp has a stout body with three pairs of walking legs and two maxillipeds. Their rostrum is short and directed slightly downwards. The coloration of Bumble Bee Shrimp depends on the species. Gnathophyllum americanum color pattern composed of alternate transverse dark reddish brown and white stripes. Narrow transverse white bands are to be seen all over the carapace and the abdomen (Striped Bumble Bee Shrimp). Gnathophyllum elegans – the adults are characterized by small yellow-orange spots (composed by smaller spots grouped together) scattered all over the body, with no specific arrangement (Spotted Bumble bee shrimp)¹.

Tank Size

• A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of Bumble Bee Shrimp¹.

Water Parameters

• Keep the water temperature between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Maintain a pH level of 8.1 to 8.4².
• Keep water hardness values between 8 - 12 dKH¹.

What To Put In Their Tank

• Provide plenty of hiding places for the shrimp to feel secure.
• Use live aquarium plants and shrimp tubes so your Bumble Bee Shrimp can feel safe and have plenty of surfaces to pick biofilm off³.

Common Possible Diseases

• Bumble Bee Shrimp are generally hardy and disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to bacterial infections and parasites¹.

Food & Diet

• Bumble Bee Shrimp are carnivorous and will feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms. They should be offered pieces of frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp, cockle, or small pieces of fish. They should be offered these foods daily².

Behavior & Temperament

• Bumble Bee Shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive. They are social creatures and should be kept in pairs².

Tank Mates

• Bumble Bee Shrimp can coexist with other peaceful fish and invertebrates, but avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory species².

Breeding

• Breeding Bumble Bee Shrimp is difficult and almost impossible¹.