How to Breed Bumblebee Shrimp

Bumblebee shrimp are passive, small shrimp that are one inch or less in size. They range in color from yellow to brown with black and white stripes, which gives them the appearance of bumblebees. Also known as striped harlequins, these freshwater shrimp are fascinating additions to an aquarium, and will breed under favorable conditions. However, aquarium hobbyists who want their bumblebee shrimp to reproduce must pay close attention to the needs of this delicate crustacean for breeding to occur.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Iodine and calcium for aquariums
  • Aquatic plants
  • Shrimp food
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a tank for breeding bumblebee shrimp. A small, separate tank is best, however, you can put bumblebee shrimp in a larger aquarium with passive tank mates.

    • 2

      Purchase several male and female bumblebee shrimp for your aquarium from a pet or aquarium store. This small shrimp species does best in groups, especially when breeding.

    • 3

      Check the chemical balance and temperature of the water in your tank. For reproduction, bumblebee shrimp do best in water with temperatures between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pH balance of 6.5 to 8.4. They need iodine and calcium in the water to thrive, and can not survive in environments with copper or high levels of nitrates.

    • 4

      Add aquatic plants to your tank. Bumblebee shrimp like to hide among plant life and also lay their eggs within the greenery. A thick layer of plants in the tank provides the ideal environment to encourage your bumblebee shrimp to breed.

    • 5

      Provide proper nutrition for your bumblebee shrimp. These small carnivorous crustaceans thrive on algae and shrimp food in the form of pellets or flakes. Supplement their diets with brine, pieces of fish or cockle. Feed them twice daily during the breeding process.