Fish get all the glory, but let’s be honest—there’s a whole world of underwater (and semi-aquatic) creatures that deserve the spotlight. From tiny, tank-cleaning snails to mesmerizing axolotls that look like something out of a fantasy novel, aquarium life goes way beyond goldfish and guppies.
These unique pets bring personality, intrigue, and a splash of the unexpected to your tank. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance addition or a fascinating conversation starter, there’s an aquatic companion out there for you.
Some crawl, some glide, and some even wave hello (we’re looking at you, crabs). Let’s dive into 26 amazing aquarium pets that prove fish aren’t the only stars of the tank!
African Dwarf Frog
Known for their gentle demeanor, these amphibians make for a delightful addition. They thrive in a peaceful environment, often seen gliding gracefully between aquatic plants.
While they spend much of their time submerged, they occasionally surface for air. Their small size makes them perfect for smaller tanks.
To keep them healthy, maintain clean water and ensure a balanced diet of bloodworms and brine shrimp. Accompanied by peaceful tank mates, these frogs can live harmoniously, providing endless fascination with their subtle behaviors and interactions.
Red Cherry Shrimp
With their vibrant red hue, these tiny crustaceans add a splash of color. They are excellent scavengers, keeping the aquarium clean by consuming algae and detritus.
Their active nature keeps the tank lively as they dart around. Best kept in groups, they create a dynamic environment.
Despite their small size, they play a significant role in the ecosystem, contributing to the overall health of the aquarium. Providing plenty of hiding spots and a stable environment ensures their well-being.
Their captivating presence never fails to mesmerize onlookers.
Mystery Snail
These intriguing creatures are known for their striking shell patterns and gentle nature. As efficient cleaners, they help maintain the tank by feasting on algae and leftover food.
Watching them glide slowly across surfaces offers a soothing, meditative experience. Their peaceful demeanor makes them compatible with many tank mates.
To ensure their health, provide calcium-rich food to support shell growth. Their natural ability to adapt to various water conditions makes them a versatile choice.
With their curious habits, they add a touch of mystery to any aquarium.
Axolotl
Often referred to as the “Mexican walking fish,” this endangered species captivates with its unique appearance. Unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain aquatic throughout their life.
Their striking feathery gills and perpetual smile-like expression make them a standout pet. A stable, cool water environment is essential for their well-being.
Special care is required, including a diet of worms and small fish. These captivating creatures thrive in solitude, with plenty of space to explore.
Their rarity and distinct characteristics offer endless fascination for enthusiasts.
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt
Sporting a vibrant orange belly, these newts are both beautiful and resilient. They are semi-aquatic, requiring both water and land areas in their tank.
Observing their terrestrial and aquatic behaviors can be quite rewarding. Providing a varied diet of insects and small crustaceans ensures their health.
With a calm demeanor, they coexist well with other peaceful inhabitants. Keeping their habitat clean and well-oxygenated is crucial.
Their striking coloration and gentle nature make them an engaging addition to any aquarium setup.
Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp are fascinating for their transparency, allowing a glimpse into their inner workings. They excel at cleaning, feeding on algae and decomposing matter.
Their ghostly appearance adds intrigue, as they appear to vanish against a lush backdrop. Best kept in groups, they contribute to the tank’s ecosystem.
Despite their delicate stature, they are surprisingly resilient. Providing ample hiding spots and a varied diet ensures they thrive.
Their unobtrusive nature and cleaning prowess make them a valuable addition to any freshwater setup.
Japanese Trapdoor Snail
Renowned for their algae-eating abilities, these snails are hard workers. They possess a unique operculum that acts as a door, providing protection.
Their slow, steady movement is mesmerizing to watch. Ideal for beginners, they require little maintenance beyond basic tank care.
Dietary needs are minimal, thriving on algae and plant detritus. Compatibility with other species makes them a versatile choice.
Their ability to adapt to varying conditions, combined with their natural cleaning skills, ensures they remain a popular choice among aquarists.
Nerite Snail
Unique for their beautifully patterned shells, these snails are prized for their efficient algae-eating capabilities. They inhabit freshwater and brackish environments, adapting well to various conditions.
Watching them traverse the tank is a calming experience. Minimal care is required, making them suitable for beginners.
They pose no threat to plants as they do not consume healthy foliage. Their peaceful nature and compatibility with other species enhance their appeal.
With their stunning appearance and useful cleaning abilities, they are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts.
Fiddler Crab
These small crabs are known for their distinctive oversized claw, seen only in males. Thriving in brackish water, they require both land and water areas in their habitat.
Their social interactions and behaviors are captivating, often engaging in claw waving and burrowing. Feeding them a varied diet, including plant matter and protein, ensures health.
Providing an enriched environment with hiding spots and climbing areas enhances their quality of life. Observing their antics can provide endless entertainment.
Their unique appearance and behavior make them wonderful additions.
Marimo Moss Ball
Though technically not an animal, Marimo Moss Balls offer unique aesthetic appeal. These velvety green spheres are easy to maintain and can thrive in various water conditions.
They contribute to the tank’s health, absorbing nitrates and providing oxygen. Rolling them occasionally encourages even growth.
Their tactile texture and gentle movement add a dynamic quality to aquariums. Ideal for beginners, they require minimal care, needing just occasional rinsing.
Their unique form and ability to enhance water quality make them a cherished addition to any aquatic setup.
Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo Shrimp are captivating with their fan-like appendages used for filtering food particles. These gentle giants require a well-established tank with moderate water flow.
Observing them extend their fans to capture food is mesmerizing. Providing hiding spots and a stable environment is essential for their well-being.
A diet supplemented with fine particulate foods ensures their health. Their peaceful nature and unique feeding behavior enhance the tank’s atmosphere.
While they require specific conditions, their intriguing presence makes them a rewarding choice for dedicated aquarists.
Tiger Salamander
These striking amphibians are known for their bold markings and robust build. Residing in a semi-aquatic environment, they require both land and water areas.
Observing their terrestrial and aquatic behaviors offers endless fascination. A varied diet of insects and worms supports their nutritional needs.
Keeping their habitat clean and well-hydrated is crucial. While they require moderate care, their captivating appearance compensates for the effort.
Their unique personality and vivid coloration make them an engaging addition to any setup, providing endless entertainment and interest.
Blue Velvet Shrimp
These shrimp stand out with their vivid blue coloration, adding a pop of color to any setup. As efficient algae eaters, they help maintain tank cleanliness.
Their active nature and social behavior provide constant entertainment. Best kept in groups, they thrive in well-maintained tanks.
Providing plenty of hiding spots and a balanced diet ensures their well-being. Their striking appearance and lively demeanor make them a popular choice among hobbyists.
With proper care, their vivid presence can transform the look of any aquarium into a vibrant aquatic scene.
Olive Nerite Snail
Olive Nerite Snails are celebrated for their algae-eating prowess and distinctive shell coloration. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal tank mates.
Minimal care is required, thriving on naturally occurring algae and detritus. Observing their slow, deliberate movements can be quite soothing.
They adapt well to different water conditions, making them a versatile choice. Ensuring a stable environment supports their vitality.
These snails contribute significantly to maintaining a clean tank, and their unique appearance adds a natural touch to any aquatic landscape.
African Clawed Frog
A larger cousin to the African Dwarf Frog, these frogs are known for their robust build and webbed feet. They spend most of their time in water but will occasionally surface.
Their diet consists of insects, worms, and small fish. A secure lid is essential, as they may attempt to escape.
Providing ample hiding spots and a clean environment supports their health. Their engaging behavior and unique appearance make them a fascinating pet for dedicated aquarists.
With proper care, they can provide years of enjoyment and intrigue.
Pom Pom Crab
These tiny crabs are known for their unique pom-pom-like appendages used for feeding. They thrive in marine environments, where they scavenge for food.
Their social behavior and interactions with tank mates are captivating. Providing a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots is essential.
A varied diet of algae and small invertebrates supports their nutritional needs. Observing their feeding process offers endless fascination.
Their small size and distinctive appearance make them a charming addition to any marine setup, contributing to the tank’s biodiversity.
Whisker Shrimp
These shrimp are appreciated for their long, sweeping antennae and agile movements. They play a crucial role in maintaining tank cleanliness.
Observing their intricate behavior, including scavenging and grooming, is captivating. Providing a well-planted tank with abundant hiding spots supports their well-being.
A balanced diet of plant material and small proteins ensures their health. Their peaceful nature and compatibility with other species make them a suitable choice for community tanks.
Their unique appearance and diligent behavior make them a cherished part of any freshwater aquarium.
Amano Shrimp
Renowned for their algae-eating efficiency, Amano Shrimp are invaluable for maintaining pristine tanks. Their busy nature ensures they are constantly at work, contributing to a clean environment.
They thrive in groups, displaying fascinating social interactions. A varied diet and stable water conditions support their health.
Their transparency allows for a unique viewing experience, revealing their internal processes. Providing ample plant cover and hiding spots ensures their comfort.
With their tireless work ethic and intriguing behavior, they make a valuable addition to any aquarium community.
Glass Catfish
These ethereal creatures are known for their transparent bodies, offering a unique glimpse into their anatomy. They are best kept in schools, where their synchronized movements create a mesmerizing display.
A peaceful community tank with gentle water flow suits them well. Their diet includes small invertebrates and specially formulated pellets.
Providing hiding spots and maintaining stable water conditions ensures their health. Observing their ghostly forms gliding through the water is both calming and fascinating.
Their presence adds an element of intrigue and harmony to any aquatic environment.
Peacock Gudgeon
Peacock Gudgeons are celebrated for their brilliant colors and peaceful nature. These small fish thrive in community tanks with ample plant cover.
Their diet consists of small invertebrates and high-quality flakes. Observing their courtship displays and territorial behaviors is fascinating.
Ensuring a clean and stable environment supports their vibrant coloration and health. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species, contributing to the tank’s aesthetic appeal.
Their striking appearance and engaging behavior make them a favored choice among aquarists seeking to enhance their tank’s vibrancy.
Cajun Dwarf Crayfish
These petite crustaceans are known for their vibrant coloration and feisty personality. They thrive in well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Their diet includes plant matter and protein-rich foods. Observing their playful behavior and interactions with tank mates is entertaining.
Regular tank maintenance and stable water conditions are essential for their health. Despite their small size, they exhibit bold behavior and unique characteristics.
Their dynamic presence and hardy nature make them a popular choice for aquarists seeking an engaging and colorful addition to their tanks.
Mudskipper
Mudskippers are fascinating for their amphibious nature, able to live both in water and on land. Their habitat should include sandy areas and shallow water, allowing them to exercise their unique abilities.
Feeding them a diet of insects and small crustaceans supports their health. Observing their terrestrial adventures and burrowing habits is truly captivating.
Ensuring a secure and varied environment enhances their well-being. Their unusual behavior and appearance make them a captivating addition to any paludarium setup, offering endless entertainment and intrigue.
Crayfish (non-dwarf)
Known for their impressive size and complex behavior, crayfish are engaging pets. They require a spacious tank with hiding spots and stable water conditions.
Their diet includes plant material and protein-rich foods. Observing their territorial and social behaviors offers endless fascination.
Despite their potential for aggression, they can coexist with certain tank mates under the right conditions. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential for their health.
Their bold personality and intriguing behavior make them a standout choice for those seeking a unique and interactive pet.
Tiger Snail
These striking snails are known for their bold stripe patterns and voracious appetite for algae. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal for community tanks.
Providing a variety of surfaces ensures they can graze effectively. They require minimal care, thriving on algae and detritus.
Their slow, deliberate movements are soothing to watch. Ensuring a stable environment supports their health and longevity.
With their striking appearance and beneficial cleaning habits, they are a valuable addition to any aquarium, enhancing both its beauty and ecological balance.
Electric Blue Crayfish
These vivid crustaceans stand out with their electric blue coloring. They require a spacious tank with hiding spots and stable conditions.
Their diet includes plant material and protein-rich foods. Observing their energetic movements and territorial behaviors is enthralling.
While they can be aggressive, providing ample space and careful tank mate selection mitigates this. Their dynamic presence and stunning appearance make them a popular choice for aquarists seeking a bold, eye-catching addition.
Regular care and monitoring ensure their health and happiness in the aquarium.
Vampire Crab
These small crabs capture attention with their vibrant colors and unique appearance. They thrive in semi-aquatic setups, requiring both water and land areas.
Feeding them a diet of insects and plant matter ensures their health. Their social nature and interactions are fascinating to observe.
Ensuring a clean and humid environment supports their well-being. Despite their ominous name, they are relatively peaceful, coexisting well with other species.
Their striking coloration and engaging behavior make them an appealing choice for aquarists looking to add diversity and intrigue.