Considering a Bumblebee Shrimp

[Tennyson]

I saw these on liveaquaria and was interested in adding them to my shrimp collectiong

It says they eat echinoderms, and can be fed meaty foods as a substitute.

I have a harlequin shrimp now (and plan to get another) And I was just wondering if there would be too much competition between the two (in a 46 gal). Or would one/two bumblebee shrimp be ok sharing a tank with a harlequin?

Thanks

 

[mikchabe]

I had both Harlequin and Bumble Bee shrimp in the past with no aggression problems (in an 11 gallon tank). It was kind of fun to see them both eating the same starfish (they each grab a leg on opposite sides).

The Bumble Bee shrimp are pretty reclusive though - I didn't see mine very often.

I hope this helps.

 

[Tennyson]

Yes, that helps alot thanks.

you said they were reclusive and hid alot, but they came out when a star was put into the tank correct? Or when food was added to the tank?
And will they only feed on starfish or can they be fed meaty foods too like mysid etc. Liveaquaria says they will eat both.

And will bumblebee shrimp be ok in groups of 2-4?

thanks

 

[mikchabe]

My bumble bee came out when starfish were added to the tank. I never really saw him eat other foods.

I only had one bumble bee shrimp in my tank, so I don't know if they get along in groups.

 

[Tennyson]

Hmm, anyone else have experience with these?

I might just settle with one since on liveaquaria is says they will either fight or form pairs. And since it would be hard to feed a group if they don't stay in groups.

 

[jhildebrand]

LOL, just got one. as posted, it hides. nothing interesting or out of the ordinary yet, but i'll report if anything does. this was the first one i've seen at an LFS. he's 3/4" and really cool looking.

careful though on liveaquaria with the size of what you're ordering - i ordered sexy shrimp from there and they were seriously only an 1/8"! they were listed as tiny and they weren't kidding. never saw 'em again after introduction.

 

[philter4]

I have both, they ignore each other. A couple of tips though, they are very territorial, either get a single or a mated pr, they will kill each other if they are not compatible. Just from personal observation, I have never seen them on or near a star. They are native here and I see/collect them fairly regularly, and I've never observed them on or near a star, even though I have read they eat the feet. Mine eat any meaty frozen food they come across. They are also extreamly shy and nocternal, after I put my last pr in my tank, I have only seen them 2 times in the last 6 months, both times while moving live rock around. Other then that they are easy to keep, just not really good display animals.

Here is the last pr I collected while I was acclimating them