Encyclopaedia
Bumblebee Shrimp
Gnypthophyllum americanum
Broadly distributed in tropical reefs worldwide (Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic). Lives associated with coral rocks and sponges.
- Family
- Gnathophyllidae
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic: circumtropical distribution in shallow reef environments.
- Origin
- Cosmopolitan or introducedExtra-Amazon South AmericaTropical oceans and reefs
- Tank use
- Used in 0 tanks
Share
22 °C - 26 °C
8.1 - 8.4
Marine
Parasite eater (starfish tube feet)
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Broadly distributed in tropical reefs worldwide (Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic). Lives associated with coral rocks and sponges.
Taxonomy: Also known as Gnathophyllum americanum. It has a stout, compact, and very small body reaching up to 2.5 cm. Pincers are small.
Social Behavior: Solitary and peaceful. It remains hidden in rock crevices or among sponge colonies during daylight hours.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features bold, alternating black, yellow, and white transverse bands resembling a bumblebee. Females grow slightly larger than males.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Tank Setup: Ideal for nano-reefs. Provide plenty of rock crevices, cavelets, and corals to offer secure hiding places.
Diet and Feeding: Specialized carnivore. In nature, it feeds on the tube feet of echinoderms (starfish). In aquaria, they can accept small bits of clam or shrimp meat.
Water Quality: Keep standard marine parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.023-1.025, and low nitrogenous waste levels.
Compatibility and Tankmates: Safe for corals. Not compatible with starfish tankmates, as they will graze on their tube feet. Avoid predatory fish.
Aquarium Breeding: Very difficult. Larvae are planktonic and demand specialized plankton cultures for feeding.
Risks and Diseases: Highly sensitive to copper treatments. Easily preyed upon by wrasses or hawkfish due to its small size.
Invertebrate profile
- Type
- Marine shrimp
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Ecological role
- Parasite eater (starfish tube feet)
- Minimum group
- 1
- Adult size
- 2.5 cm
- GH
- n/a
- KH
- 8 dKH - 12 dKH
- TDS
- n/a
- Copper
- High
- Shock sensitivity
- Alta
- Calcium and minerals
- Medio per lo sviluppo del guscio.
- Molting
- Effettua la muta regolarmente; vulnerabile durante il processo.
- Reproduction
- Raramente si riproduce in acquario domestico; fase larvale marina complessa.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Ottimo per piccoli acquari di barriera, ma si nutre dei pedicelli delle stelle marine.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Other recommended species with similar care requirements and water parameters.
