Bumble Bee Shrimp Care Guide [2023]

Bumble bee shrimp, a beautiful and fascinating species, has become increasingly popular in the marine aquarium trade due to its striking appearance and unique behavior. However, breeding these shrimp in captivity has proven to be a difficult task, and little is known about their early life stages. Despite their popularity, these shrimp require special care and attention, and keeping them in a tank with unsuitable tankmates can lead to their premature death. In this article, we will explore the biology and behavior of bumble bee shrimp and provide practical tips for their care and keeping in captivity.

Where are Bumble Bee Shrimp from?

Bumble Bee Shrimp, also known as Gnathophyllum elegans, are a fascinating species with an intriguing history. These small, colorful creatures belong to the family Gnathophyllidae, which is made up of around 40 known species of shrimp found in tropical waters worldwide. Bumble Bee Shrimp are native to the Western Pacific, where they inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas. They were first discovered in the early 1800s by French naturalist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, who described them as “elegant little shrimps” due to their distinctive black and yellow striped pattern. Since then, Bumble Bee Shrimp have become increasingly popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts, but their life cycle and reproductive habits are still largely a mystery. Despite being a challenge to care for, these fascinating creatures continue to captivate and inspire those who are lucky enough to observe them in their natural habitat.

Bumble Bee Shrimp Care

Proper care for bumble bee shrimp is essential to ensure they thrive in your aquarium. These shrimp require specific conditions and attention to detail, so it’s important to be well-informed about their care before deciding to keep them. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Bumble Bee Shrimp Tank Size

To provide the best care for Bumble Bee Shrimp, it is important to create an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. When it comes to tank size, a minimum of 10 gallons of water per shrimp is required, with additional space beneficial for larger groups. Bumble Bee Shrimp prefer an aquarium that has plenty of hiding places, including caves, crevices, and live rock. This allows them to establish their own territories and feel safe in their environment. Keeping a few inches of live sand substrate on the bottom of the tank can also be beneficial for these shrimp. It provides a natural environment that will encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that these shrimp need to survive.

Bumble Bee Water Quality

Bumble Bee Shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality, so it’s crucial to maintain stable water parameters. To keep the pH level within the appropriate range of 8.0 to 8.3, use a high-quality buffer to avoid any fluctuations in pH. It’s important to keep the temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and maintain salinity levels between 1.022 and 1.026. In addition, keep an eye on the ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels to ensure they remain at acceptable levels. Regular water changes of at least 10% per week can help keep the water quality stable. Finally, using a protein skimmer and high-quality filtration system will help keep the water clean and free of any harmful toxins.

Bumble Bee Feeding

To ensure the proper nutrition of Bumble bee shrimp, it is essential to provide them with the right food. Here are some feeding instructions for Bumble bee shrimp:

• Bumble bee shrimp are filter feeders, which means that they feed on small particles of food that float in the water. They require a steady supply of live phytoplankton to survive. You can buy phytoplankton from a pet store or online.
• It is recommended to feed the shrimp small amounts of live phytoplankton daily. This ensures that they are getting a constant supply of food.
• You can also supplement their diet with powdered spirulina or greenwater. These can be added to the tank water, and the shrimp will feed on the particles.
• Avoid overfeeding the shrimp, as this can lead to poor water quality and health issues. Only provide enough food that the shrimp can consume within 2-3 hours.
• Be sure to clean the tank regularly to remove any excess food or waste that may accumulate on the substrate or decorations. This will help maintain good water quality and prevent health problems.

Tankmates for Bumble Bee Shrimp

To ensure the safety and well-being of your bumble bee shrimp, it’s important to carefully consider their tank mates. Large, aggressive predators like triggerfish, wrasses, hawkfishes, and angelfish should be avoided, as they may view the shrimp as a snack. Instead, choose smaller, peaceful tank mates like boxer crabs, emerald crabs, and cleaner shrimp. These species are unlikely to bother the shrimp and may even form beneficial relationships with them. Remember to also avoid aggressive invertebrates like coral banded shrimp and arrow crabs, as well as any species that may compete with the shrimp for food or other resources. By carefully selecting compatible tank mates, you can help your bumble bee shrimp thrive in their aquatic environment.

Bumble Bee Breeding

Bumble bee shrimp are a challenging but rewarding addition to any aquarium. However, breeding them in captivity is difficult due to the poor documentation of their larval development, and there are no known reports of successful captive breeding. It is recommended to acquire these shrimp from a reputable dealer rather than attempting to breed them yourself. By following the guidelines on water quality, tank size, and feeding, you can keep your bumble bee shrimp happy and healthy. Remember to provide them with a stable environment and compatible tankmates, and you’ll be rewarded with these fascinating and beautiful creatures for years to come.

Bumble Bee Shrimp Lifespan

The lifespan of bumble bee shrimp in the wild is not well documented, but in captivity, they can live for up to 2 years with proper care. It’s important to note that their lifespan can be significantly shortened by poor water quality, stress, and aggression from tankmates.

Bumble Bee Shrimp Common Health Issues

Bumble bee shrimp are generally hardy and not prone to many diseases if kept in optimal conditions. However, there are a few health issues that can arise if their environment is not properly maintained. The most common health issues that bumble bee shrimp can face are related to poor water quality and stress.

Here are a few things to look out for and how to treat these common health issues:

1. Poor Water Quality: Bumble bee shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality and can be susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections if water parameters are not maintained. Symptoms of poor water quality include lethargy, loss of appetite, and discoloration. To treat poor water quality, perform frequent water changes, and monitor water parameters to ensure they remain stable.
2. Stress: Stress can be caused by poor water quality or by aggressive tankmates. Symptoms of stress include lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased hiding behavior. To treat stress, ensure that water parameters are optimal, and make sure that the bumble bee shrimp are not being harassed by other tankmates.
3. Parasites: While rare, bumble bee shrimp can become infected with parasites such as copepods or protozoans. Symptoms of parasitic infections include lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased hiding behavior. To treat parasites, consult with a veterinarian who can prescribe the appropriate medication.
4. Molting Issues: Bumble bee shrimp undergo molting as they grow, and issues can arise during the molting process. Symptoms of molting issues include abnormal shedding, and loss of limbs. To prevent molting issues, ensure that the bumble bee shrimp have access to calcium-rich foods, such as crushed coral or calcium supplements. If a molting issue occurs, provide a calcium supplement, and isolate the affected shrimp until it has fully recovered.

Overall, the best way to prevent health issues in bumble bee shrimp is to maintain a clean and stable environment, avoid aggressive tankmates, and provide them with a varied and nutritious diet. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, it is important to take action promptly to prevent further health issues from developing.

Bumble Bee Shrimp Behavior

One of the most interesting aspects of Bumble Bee Shrimp behavior is their social structure. These shrimp live in small groups, often consisting of a male and several females. The males are territorial and will defend their area from other males, but they will also mate with the females in their group. The females will lay their eggs on the underside of rocks or other surfaces in their environment, and the male will protect them until they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will go through several stages of development before settling on the ocean floor and developing into adult shrimp.

Another notable behavior of Bumble Bee Shrimp is their feeding habits. These shrimp are filter feeders, which means they feed on small particles of food that float in the water. They require a steady supply of live phytoplankton to survive. In captivity, they can be fed a combination of live phytoplankton and powdered spirulina or greenwater. Bumble Bee Shrimp will also feed on algae and other organic matter that grows on the rocks in their environment.

Bumble Bee Shrimp are also known for their unique swimming behavior. Unlike many other species of shrimp, which walk along the bottom of the ocean floor, Bumble Bee Shrimp are strong swimmers and can move quickly through the water. They use their powerful tails to propel themselves forward, and their long antennae help them navigate their environment and locate food.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bumble Bee Shrimp are a fascinating species that inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas in the Western Pacific. They were first discovered in the early 1800s by French naturalist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, and have since become increasingly popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. Proper care for Bumble Bee Shrimp is crucial, including providing a tank that closely resembles their natural habitat, maintaining stable water parameters, and providing the proper nutrition. Breeding these shrimp in captivity is difficult due to poor documentation of their larval development, but they can live for up to 2 years with proper care. Bumble Bee Shrimp are generally hardy and not prone to many diseases if kept in optimal conditions. Overall, these fascinating and beautiful creatures are a challenging but rewarding addition to any aquarium.