Bumblebee Shrimp

Gnathophyllum americanum

Common names: Striped Bumblebee Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Striped Harlequin Shrimp
Type: Small marine shrimp
Adult size: Around 2–2.5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, but can be shy
Reef safe: Mostly yes, but with caution

Gnathophyllum americanum is a tiny, striking marine shrimp with bold dark-and-white banding and orange/yellow markings on the legs and tail. It is found in tropical marine habitats such as reefs, rocky areas, sandy bottoms, algae zones, seagrass beds, and coral-associated areas.

Aquarium Care

Best kept in a mature nano reef or peaceful reef tank with live rock, caves, and stable water. A tank around 40–50 L minimum is a good practical starting point, although larger tanks are always more stable.

Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory fish such as hawkfish, puffers, larger wrasses, dottybacks, triggers, or anything likely to eat small shrimp.

Suggested Parameters

• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• KH: 8–12 dKH
• Nitrate: Preferably under 20 ppm
• Copper: Not safe

Feeding

This is not an algae-cleaning shrimp. It is mainly carnivorous and should be target-fed small meaty foods such as:

• Frozen mysis
• Brine shrimp
• Finely chopped seafood
• Mussel or cockle
• Marine carnivore foods

They may pick at small invertebrates or echinoderms, so care should be taken if the tank contains sea stars, urchins, brittle stars, or clams.

Compatibility Notes

Generally peaceful with corals and small reef-safe livestock, but keep with caution around:

• Sea stars
• Urchins
• Brittle stars
• Sea cucumbers
• Clams
• Very small ornamental inverts