Aquariums don’t have to be all about fish. Many other fascinating creatures thrive in tanks, bringing colour, movement, and personality to the water. Exploring alternatives to fish can make your aquarium more unique while giving you a chance to learn about species that are often overlooked. This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Exotic or unusual pets may require special care, permits, or may not be legal in all regions. Always research carefully before adding new species to your aquarium.
1. African Dwarf Frog
These charming amphibians bring personality to any tank with their entertaining swimming style that looks like they’re doing tiny underwater push-ups. Fully aquatic and only growing to about 2.5 inches, they’re perfect for smaller setups.
African Dwarf Frogs are relatively low-maintenance companions that can live 5-7 years with proper care. They’re peaceful community dwellers that get along well with small, non-aggressive fish species.
2. Red Cherry Shrimp
Bursting with vibrant crimson color, Red Cherry Shrimp transform any aquarium into a living painting. Their intensity varies from pale pink to deep ruby red, with females typically displaying the most striking hues.
Natural algae controllers, these tiny crustaceans spend their days meticulously cleaning plant leaves and decorations. They reproduce readily in captivity, turning a small group into a thriving colony that creates constant movement and visual interest throughout your tank.
3. Nerite Snail
Masters of algae control, Nerite Snails sport striking shell patterns ranging from tiger stripes to zebra markings. Unlike many aquarium snails, they won’t reproduce in freshwater, preventing unwanted population explosions in your tank.
Nerites are escape artists that occasionally venture above the waterline, so secure lids are essential. Their ravenous appetite for algae makes them natural tank cleaners, efficiently removing unsightly green films from glass, plants and decorations without damaging live plants.
4. Amano Shrimp
Named after aquascaping legend Takashi Amano, these industrious shrimp are the undisputed champions of algae control. Larger than Cherry Shrimp at 2-3 inches, Amano Shrimp feature translucent bodies adorned with distinctive dots and dashes that resemble Morse code.
Fearless by nature, they’ll often snatch food particles directly from fish many times their size. Their voracious appetite for all types of algae, even the stubborn black brush variety that other cleaners ignore, makes them invaluable additions to planted aquariums.
5. Crayfish
Miniature freshwater lobsters with big personalities, crayfish bring drama and excitement to aquarium keeping. Available in stunning colors from electric blue to bright orange, these bold crustaceans constantly reshape their environment by digging, moving objects, and exploring every inch of their territory.
Crayfish require species-specific tanks as they may view smaller tank mates as potential snacks. Their molting process offers a fascinating glimpse into invertebrate growth as they periodically shed their entire exoskeleton to expand in size.
