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InvertebrateMarineIntermediate

Bumblebee shrimp

Gnypthophyllum americanum

The Bumblebee Shrimp is a tiny, strikingly yellow-and-black banded marine crustacean, famed for its highly specialized, obligate diet of starfish tube feet.

Taxonomy

Class:Malacostraca

Order:Decapoda

Family:Gnathophyllidae

Subfamily:Gnathophyllinae

Genus:Gnathophyllum

Species:Gnypthophyllum americanum

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Water Temperature

22 - 26 °C

pH Value

8.1 - 8.4

Water type

Marine

Invertebrate type

Marine shrimp

Adult size

2.5 cm

Minimum group

>= 1

8 - 12 dKH

Ecological role

Scavenger

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Gnypthophyllum americanum (more commonly known as Gnathophyllum americanum) is a circumtropical marine crustacean. It is widely distributed across the tropical Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Indo-Pacific region. It inhabits coral reefs, seagrass beds, rocky reefs, and areas rich in sponges at depths of 1 to 50 meters, frequently associating with sea urchins or anemones.

Taxonomy: Belongs to the order Decapoda, family Gnathophyllidae, and genus Gnathophyllum (sometimes spelled Gnypthophyllum). This family is defined by its robust morphology and highly specialized mouthparts and chelipeds. The species has evolved an obligate parasitic or predatory feeding relationship with echinoderms.

Social Behavior: This is a shy, cryptic, and mostly nocturnal shrimp. It spends daylight hours hidden among the spines of sea urchins, near the base of sea anemones, or tucked deep inside live rock crevices. They are often found living in mated pairs or small, localized groups within a single host territory.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a striking pattern of alternating yellow (or white) and black (or dark brown) transverse bands across the entire body and legs, closely mimicking the coloration of a bumblebee. The claws are tipped with blue or orange highlights. Females are slightly larger than males and possess a wider abdominal cavity.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Tank Setup: Suitable for mature nano reefs starting from 50-60 liters (15 gallons). The tank must feature plenty of high-quality live rock arranged to create micro-caves, overhangs, and shadow zones where the shrimp can hide during the day. Keeping sea urchins or host anemones can help mimic their natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Highly specialized food requirements. This species feeds almost exclusively on the tube feet of live sea starfish. To keep them alive in captivity, you must provide a steady supply of live starfish (such as Asterina pests or larger species). They will graze on the tube feet, which regenerates over time, but multiple starfish may be needed.

Water Quality: Maintain pristine reef parameters: temperature 23-26°C (73-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. They require excellent water stability with virtually no copper, nitrates, or phosphates. Copper is highly lethal to this species and must never be dosed in the aquarium.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful towards other reef inhabitants. Due to their small size (about 2-3 cm), they should never be housed with predatory fish such as hawkfish, wrasses, triggerfish, or large crabs. They are ideal for peaceful nano reefs, and they do not harm corals or other non-echinoderm invertebrates.

Aquarium Breeding: Breeding in home aquariums is exceptionally difficult and rarely successful. The female carries fertilized eggs under her abdomen. Once hatched, the planktonic larvae require specific, microscopic live foods (like rotifers and microalgae) and a customized rearing tank without filtration systems that could damage them.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation is the leading cause of mortality in aquariums due to a lack of live starfish prey. They are highly sensitive to osmotic shock, so slow drip acclimation is mandatory. Ensure adequate iodine levels are maintained in the water to prevent complications during their periodic molting process.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Gnypthophyllum americanum (more commonly known as Gnathophyllum americanum) is a circumtropical marine crustacean. It is widely distributed across the tropical Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Indo-Pacific region. It inhabits coral reefs, seagrass beds, rocky reefs, and areas rich in sponges at depths of 1 to 50 meters, frequently associating with sea urchins or anemones.

Origin

Tropical oceans and reefsCentral America and Caribbean

Invertebrate profile

Diet: Carnivore
Ecological role: Scavenger
Shock sensitivity: High
Calcium and minerals: Medium
Molting: Regular
Reproduction: Oviparous
Compatibility & tankmates: Verify

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Related species

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Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Bumblebee Shrimp

Gnathophyllum americanum

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates