Bumblebee Shrimp

Bumblebee Shrimp requires a minimum of 10 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (0.75 inch), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Bumblebee Shrimp sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Bumblebee Shrimp needs a tank of at least 10 gallons, a temperature of 76-80°F (24-27°C) and pH 8.1-8.4. Adults reach about 0.75 inch and live 1-2 years. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.

Bumblebee Shrimp requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates) Bumblebee Shrimp is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Bumblebee Shrimp is present.

Bumblebee Shrimp is a starfish-eater. Diet matches species requirements; check the species type for specifics. Feed Bumblebee Shrimp appropriately for its size + activity level. For a Bumblebee Shrimp setup: mature reef tank with stable parameters, live rock for cover, sandbed substrate (1-2"), reef-grade lighting if photosynthetic, and a fully-cycled biological filter at least 6 weeks old.

Bumblebee Shrimp is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Bumblebee Shrimp can share a tank but compete for food. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Bumblebee Shrimp and similar species.

Bumblebee Shrimp reaches 0.75 inch at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 1-2 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (0.75 inch), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Bumblebee Shrimp is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Bumblebee Shrimp. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Bumblebee Shrimp deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.

Bumblebee Shrimp (Gnathophyllum americanum) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Bumblebee Shrimp sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.