Bumble Bee Shrimp
Gnathophyllum americanum
Saltwater Invertebrate
Species Group: Shrimp
Family: Gnathophyllidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Bumble Bee Shrimp
General information
The Bumble Bee Shrimp, also commonly known as the Striped Harlequin Shrimp, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are small shrimp only attaining a maximum size of 1 inch. Their body is yellow or white in coloration with black stripes giving them a similar appearance to a bumblebee. The legs and tail may also have orange markings. These shrimp are similar to Harlequin shrimp and feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms. The Bumble Bee Shrimp is best kept as pairs in a small nano aquarium with moderate light to accommodate easy viewing.
They cannot tolerate copper or high nitrates, and iodine levels must be correct and maintained to ensure proper molting. Due to the Bumble Bee Shrimps small size, care should be taken when introducing them into the aquarium as there is a potential that other organisms may consume them.
The Bumble Bee Shrimp is best kept as pairs in a small nano aquarium with moderate light to accommodate easy viewing. Bumble Bee Shrimp may also be suitable for smaller reef aquariums with other very peaceful inhabitants and no boisterous species being present. As with most marine invertebrate and fish species, the Bumble Bee Shrimp requires some live rock in order to provide it with proper habitat and a place to retreat to when it feels threatened. Minimum tank size should be at least 20-gallon to thrive. The temperature between 68°-77° F and 6.5- 7.2 pH should be maintained in a properly cycled aquarium.
Diet & nutrition
The Bumble Bee Shrimp will feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms, but do not require them for survival. Offer them pieces of frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp, cockle, or small pieces of fish. They should be offered these foods daily.
Origination
The Bumble Bee Shrimp is common throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Cautions
They cannot tolerate copper or high nitrates, and iodine levels must be correct and maintained to ensure proper molting. Due to the Bumble Bee Shrimps small size, care should be taken when introducing them into the aquarium as there is a potential that other organisms may consume them.
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