Filled with live flora, substrates, and gleaming schools of fish, a well-kept aquarium is a work of art that inspires awe. But top-notch non-fish aquarium pets prove that our finned friends aren’t the only additions that can thrive in a tank.
From African dwarf frogs and red-clawed crabs to male painted turtles and heart-bellied toads, there is a wealth of animals available to see up close and personal behind a glass case.
Maybe you’ve invested in one of the best small fish tanks and are looking for some additional water-loving friends to add to your little tribe. Or maybe you’re looking for aquarium additions that you can keep in a single-species tank? Either way, we’ve done all the research and looked at numerous semi-aquatic and fully aquatic animals that you’ll want to add to your tank—and there’s not a fin in sight!
32 Adorable Aquarium Pets
Freshwater Snails
Freshwater snails are a wonderful addition to most aquatic ecosystems. This is because these algae-loving, waste-removing “janitors” move back and forth, cleaning up undesirable debris from your tank as they go.
They will eat more fish food, vacuum up useless organisms, and clean up decaying vegetation. The freshwater snail pets, which live up to 2 or 3 years, are compatible with most tropical fish and colourful invertebrates.
Red Claw Crabs
Small, colourful, and loving habitats with sandy substrates, Red Claw Crabs are one of the best non-fish aquarium pets.
Also known as Mangrove Crabs or Red Claw Crabs pet, these clawed cleaners will fertilize the soil with their droppings, consume flora, and sort through leaf litter. So not only are they fascinating to watch, they will earn their spot!
Just know that red claw crabs aren’t completely aquatic, so they need an area where they can get out of the water, along with plenty of sloping rocks.
Palaemon Paludosus
Also known as ghost shrimp pets, these translucent invertebrates thrive in freshwater aquariums and are a great addition to your underwater world for more reasons than one.
For starters, they can absorb food left behind by fish without requiring additional feeding. And if there’s no other alternative, they can also consume algae. Plus, ghost shrimp aren’t too picky about pH levels or alkalinity. Does that mean these little beauties are easy to keep alive?
Painted Turtles
How cute are these little shell-clad sensations? These charming creatures may be the perfect thing you have been looking for besides that good friend in your aquarium.
Turtles are a type of reptile that belong to the group known as chelonians (testudines) and they require several things to feel at home. In addition to a basking spot out of the water, to watch their passage through the aquatic world, they will need UVB lighting to help them survive and the water temperature should be kept between 75 and 80°F. Want to know more about what baby turtles eat? Be sure to check out an expert-approved baby turtle care manual.
African Dwarf Frogs
Known for being one of the best small pets for compact homes, African Dwarf Frogs are beautiful pets that aren’t cats, dogs, or fish.
These fully aquatic additions blend in just as well with similarly sized fish as they are with their species, can reach up to 2.5 inches in length and live five to seven years on average. These little jumpers are social creatures, so they do very well in one or more groups.
Freshwater Crayfish
Despite having the word “fish” in its name, the freshwater crayfish pet is a type of crustacean, associated with lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.
Particularly active at night, these nocturnal foragers will live in harmony with common goldfish, neon tetras, swordtails, and mollies. They are food-smart, can consume aquatic grasses, roots, and leaves, and can live up to four years.
Red-Eared Slider
Like painted turtles, red-eared sliders are another type of semi-aquatic reptile worth starting your home (and your heart) with.
These strong swimmers are the most famous baby turtles in the U.S., and like their hard-shelled counterparts, they will need a basking spot in your aquarium to dry off and enjoy life with all four of their paws firmly on the ground. Another notable fact about turtles? If properly cared for, they can be a great addition to your aquarium.
Fire-bellied Toad
These striking jumpers adapt well to a semi-aquatic environment. This means that half the tank should be filled with water, deep enough for these fantastically coloured amphibians to swim in. The other half should be shallow enough for them to climb out and dry off.
Sea Monkey
Other splendid pups, sea monkeys or brine shrimp pet, grow up to 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long and these adorable creations can thrive in aquariums for up to 5 years. Admittedly, these little swimmers are pets that require little protection. But as is the case with any aquatic animal, you’ll want to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.
Chinese Fire-bellied Newt
Originally from Japan and China, as its name suggests, the Chinese Fire-bellied Newt has a bright crimson or orange belly with a dark upper body and only requires a small enclosure to function as its natural semi-aquatic habitat. These little beauties can make suitable pets, especially for beginners because they are hardy, active, and relatively easy to care for.
Octopus
If you have enough space, time, and affection to offer, then an octopus petswill be the wonderful sea creature your aquarium has been missing. However, these marine animals, with their rounded bodies and large, beautiful eyes, are not the easiest to care for.
To care for these charming 8-legged marine molluscs, you will need to ensure they have plenty of swimming space, plenty of live rock, a sand cushion, adequate water quality, and live food.
Vampire Crabs
Fascinating to study, semi-terrestrial vampire crabs recognize access to both land and water. Whether you offer them rocks and gravel or sand and pebbles, these omnivores will spend their time sitting, hiding under rocks, or popping up to eat when the light fades.
Just be aware: To prevent fights from breaking out, experts say vampire crabs should be kept in species-appropriate tanks.
Cherry Shrimp
A popular preference among aquarium hobbyists, cherry shrimp are easy to breed, devour algae (which means less cleanup for you), and tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
These peaceful, sociable, plant-loving crustaceans are best kept with small fish pets, as large additions to the tank will provide them with food.
Assassin Snails
More formally known as Clea Helena, assassin snails live up to their reputation as “assassin snails” due to their ability to help control pest snails (such as pond snails) without using chemical compounds.
With relatively little protection, these underwater gastropod molluscs will work harder than you do, ingesting uneaten food and other particulate matter.
Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo shrimp are not the ideal shrimp to breed with, so if space in your tank is tight, these crustaceans are worth considering.
Bamboo shrimp need stable water conditions and do well in well-equipped aquariums pets, such as one of the best tropical aquariums, that have plenty of vegetation and places to hide.
Thriller Snails
More informally known as the apple snail or golden inca snail, this healthy dinner will feed on fish food and waste, making these algae eaters a popular want in many aquariums.
These peaceful tank friends can live up to 4 years and are respected (and loved) for their brightly coloured, gold-coated shells.
Hermit Crabs
Living to the grand age of 15 years, hermit crabs will help you control the levels of algae growth in your tank.
At the same time, their constant movement and crawling will help particles and dust get sucked into your filtration device. Despite their name, hermit crabs are social creatures and in the wild, they live in colonies of 100 or more.
Pompom Crab
With sandy substrates, plants, and a warm water temperature, these aquatic animals are fully grown individuals of the group that reproduce readily.
They love a clean, solid environment and will go to great lengths to keep your tank tidy. Whether it’s plant debris, algae, or frozen food, these little crawlers can be content.
Pistol Shrimp
Requiring a tank with at least 10 gallons of water, the pistol shrimp pet likes to live in groups for safety. These chatty crustaceans take the crown when it comes to being one of the loudest animals in the ocean.
Often called snapping shrimp, they are famous for their ability to stun their prey with loud
Water Snakes
Often overlooked and non-venomous, water snakes can make fascinating pets for home aquariums because of the charming behaviours they display. Frog-eating, salamander-seeking, and minnow-eating water snakes are most often found in the wild in Texas, Florida, Ontario, and Quebec in Canada.
Make sure this reptile has the proper temperature, humidity, and light, along with a large enough enclosure for exploration, cover, and exercise, and it can live there for 10 years or more.
Fiddler Crabs
Fiddler crabs are another semi-aquatic crustacean you can keep in your tank. To help mimic their natural habitat, you’ll need to make sure there’s some dry soil, preferably sand, and one of the best filters and heaters to keep the water clean and at a strong temperature between seventy-four and eighty degrees Fahrenheit.
Snake Starfish
Including hobbies for any saltwater aquarium, the snake starfish pet will need plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in during the day and come out to play at night. These hardy creatures are quick scavengers and love a diet of decay.
Harlequin Shrimp
Clean water and a good amount of hiding places are very important when it comes to hunting harlequin shrimp. These beautifully adorned molluscs, which live up to seven years, are calm in temperament and shy. Often seen in pairs, these nocturnal owls prefer to hide during the day and feed at night.
Ram’s Horn Snails
If you’re looking for another algae eater, look no further than a ram’s horn snail. These aquatic animals measure about an inch in diameter, so they’ll thrive in any size aquarium, large or small. However, here’s a warning: these underwater creatures can easily multiply, laying about a dozen eggs at a time.
Clams
Found in the seafood category, clams aren’t just eaten. They’re very beneficial to aquarium pets because some species can live for over 30 years and can help clean the tank through the natural filtration process.
Stinky Musk Turtles
Found in the seafood category, clams aren’t just eaten. They’re very beneficial to aquariums because some species can live for over 30 years and can help clean the tank through the natural filtration process.
Coral
Regardless of what you have in mind, coral is considered a living animal. Yes! Adding coral to your aquarium can help beautify your space, as well as provide shelter for fish and keep the water in good condition.
Amano Shrimp
Now you’re probably thinking that the Amano shrimp looks a lot like the ghost shrimp. On the surface, they have a lot of similarities, but when you dig a little deeper, there are a handful of differences as well.
For starters, the Amano shrimp isn’t completely obvious. Secondly, the Amano shrimp is large, reaching up to two inches in length. Plus, an Amano shrimp can change colouration depending on the food it eats.
Bladder Snail
Non-violent and commonly used as a scavenger, the run-of-the-mill bladder snail pet (nicknamed for its air-filled bubble that fills with air for extended underwater dives) will thrive if provided with adequate filtration and enough room to float at will.
Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Measuring less than 8 inches in size and well cared for, Malaysian Trumpet Snails can thrive in freshwater aquariums for up to 20 years. Keep them in aquariums with non-aggressive tank mates and these harmless creatures will move about the day in peace.
Nerite Snails
Commonly called the Zebra Nerite or Sawtooth Nerite, this freshwater snail pet makes it onto our list for its remarkable algae-feeding characteristics and love of decaying flesh.
Living for up to 2 years, these spiral-shaped snails, which sometimes have black spots, will feel right at home in murky water, with a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5 and a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Axolotl
At first glance, you’re probably thinking: what is an axolotl and are they suitable pets? And it’s an awesome question. Owning these amphibians is illegal in some U.S. states, including California, Maine, New Jersey, and Washington D.C., for one main reason: the risk they pose to local salamander species, which are already suffering. However, that being said, it is easy to care for these generally calm creatures. If you provide them with the right tank mates, temperature and water conditions.