Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Bumblebee Shrimp - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Bumblebee Shrimp at a glance
Adult size: 0.75 inch · Minimum tank/pond: 10 gallons · Difficulty: expert · Diet: starfish-eater · Lifespan: 1-2 years.
Bumblebee Shrimp (Gnathophyllum americanum) is a marine invertebrate kept by aquarists for reef-tank cleanup, biological control of pests, or aesthetic display. Demanding requirements make this species best for keepers with established mature systems and proven track records.
Where Bumblebee Shrimp comes from
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.
Bumblebee Shrimp tank size and setup
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.
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. Newly-cycled tanks under 6 weeks crash the parameters that Bumblebee Shrimp depends on.
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. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Bumblebee Shrimp eats
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. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Bumblebee Shrimp tankmates and compatibility
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 adult size and lifespan
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.
Can you breed Bumblebee Shrimp?
Bumblebee Shrimp breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward (some shrimp, snails) to nearly impossible (most starfish, urchins) due to pelagic larval requirements. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities; check with vendors before assuming wild-caught origin.
Common Bumblebee Shrimp diseases and problems
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.
Where to buy Bumblebee Shrimp online
Bumblebee Shrimp is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Bumblebee Shrimp from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Bumblebee Shrimp FAQ
How big does Bumblebee Shrimp get?
0.75 inch at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Bumblebee Shrimp live?
1-2 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
10 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Bumblebee Shrimp hard to keep?
Bumblebee Shrimp is rated expert difficulty.
What does Bumblebee Shrimp eat?
Bumblebee Shrimp is a starfish-eater; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Bumblebee Shrimp taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.