While fish are the most common pets for aquariums, there are plenty of other fascinating creatures that can thrive in a tank.
If you’re looking to diversify your underwater world, there are numerous non-fish pets that can add unique colours, behaviours, and benefits to your setup. This information is for general knowledge purposes only.
The information was gathered from online sources, and pet care requirements can vary. Always consult an expert for specific advice regarding your pet.
1. Freshwater Shrimp
Cherry shrimp bring vibrant splashes of red to any tank while working tirelessly as nature’s cleanup crew. These tiny crustaceans scavenge for leftover food and algae, keeping your aquarium sparkling clean without much effort on your part.
Most species remain small (about 2-4 cm) and are peaceful tank inhabitants that get along with non-aggressive fish. Their constant foraging and transparent bodies make them fascinating to watch as food moves through their digestive systems.
2. Aquatic Snails
Mystery snails showcase stunning shell patterns in blue, gold, or ivory as they gracefully glide across glass surfaces. Their muscular foot creates a mesmerizing rippling effect while they consume algae that would otherwise cloud your tank.
Unlike their garden cousins, these aquatic gastropods breathe underwater using specialized gills. They’re also surprisingly social, often gathering together during feeding time. Many aquarists appreciate their long antennae that seem to wave hello as they explore their watery domain.
3. Freshwater Crabs
Red claw crabs scuttle sideways across the sandy bottom, their bright orange claws contrasting dramatically against their olive-brown bodies. These semi-aquatic creatures need both water and land areas in their habitat, making them perfect for paludarium setups.
Watch them excavate elaborate burrows and defend their territory with raised claws. Their omnivorous appetite helps control detritus while their molting process, where they shed their entire exoskeleton, provides an amazing glimpse into invertebrate growth cycles.
4. Freshwater Clams
Freshwater clams remain partially buried in substrate, their shells slightly open as they filter gallons of water daily. These living water purifiers remove microscopic particles that mechanical filters miss, improving water clarity without making a sound.
Unlike flashier aquarium inhabitants, clams lead secretive lives. Their subtle movements when changing positions or burrowing deeper provide rare glimpses into their behavior. Healthy specimens can live for years, steadily growing larger while performing their essential filtration services.
5. Aquatic Turtles
Red-eared sliders display remarkable personalities, recognizing their owners and swimming excitedly during feeding time. These semi-aquatic reptiles need specialized setups with both swimming areas and basking platforms where they absorb essential UVB light.
Their antics—from synchronized swimming to comical basking poses—provide endless entertainment. Young turtles sport vibrant patterns that gradually change as they mature. Remember that these long-lived companions can thrive for decades with proper care, making them a significant commitment for any aquarist.
6. Axolotls
Axolotls sport perpetual smiles and feathery external gills that wave gently in the current. These unusual salamanders never undergo metamorphosis, remaining in their juvenile aquatic form throughout their lives.
Available in several colour morphs including wild, leucistic, and albino, each axolotl develops unique patterns and spots. Their remarkable regenerative abilities allow them to regrow entire limbs if injured. These cold-water creatures prefer temperatures around 16-18°C and spacious, low-flow environments where they can waddle along the bottom.
7. Aquatic Frogs
African dwarf frogs perform elegant underwater ballet moves, floating weightlessly before darting to the surface for air. These fully aquatic amphibians remain small (about 5 cm) and possess webbed feet perfect for their underwater lifestyle.
During feeding time, they display comical hunting behaviors, lunging with surprising speed at food particles. Their translucent skin reveals internal organs and bones, offering a fascinating glimpse into amphibian anatomy. Unlike terrestrial frogs, these aquatic dancers rarely vocalize but occasionally emit soft humming sounds during breeding season.
8. Seahorses
Seahorses anchor themselves to corals with prehensile tails while using independently moving eyes to spot tiny prey. These delicate creatures swim upright using nearly invisible dorsal fins that beat 30-70 times per second.
Mated pairs perform daily greeting dances, changing colors to express mood and attraction. Male seahorses experience pregnancy, carrying eggs in specialized pouches until fully developed fry emerge. Their specialized care requirements include gentle water flow, perfect water parameters, and multiple small feedings of enriched live foods daily.
9. Crayfish
Electric blue crayfish transform ordinary tanks into underwater art installations with their brilliant cobalt coloration. These freshwater lobster relatives constantly rearrange tank decorations, creating an ever-changing aquascape according to their preferences.
Watching them manipulate objects with specialized appendages reveals remarkable dexterity. During molting periods, they hide until their new exoskeleton hardens, emerging slightly larger each time. While territorial toward their own kind, many peaceful crayfish varieties can cohabitate with fast-swimming fish that stay away from their powerful pincers.
