Bruno Pugh
Aquarium life isn’t just about flashy fish. Some of the most interesting creatures scuttle, sift, or stay hidden until feeding time. These inverts keep things lively in unexpected ways. Curious about what else belongs in your tank? Keep scrolling—you might spot your next favorite resident.
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are prolific breeders with striking red coloration that can be intensified through selective breeding. They spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and biofilm. This active behavior and, of course, their bright colors make them stand out in groups.
Mystery Snail
Mystery snails breathe air through a siphon connected to a lung-like organ. They lay eggs above water, preventing overpopulation. While they consume algae and detritus, their impact on algae control is limited, especially in larger tanks.
Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp, introduced by Takashi Amano, eat thread algae. Their transparent bodies also help them blend into planted tanks. Typically, they live 2-3 years, with some reaching up to 5 years under optimal care and water conditions.
Nerite Snails
Nerite snails help control algae-like diatoms. While adults can lay eggs in freshwater, their larvae need brackish water to survive, which reduces the risk of overpopulation. Their beautifully patterned shells make them popular for aquarium decoration as well.
African Dwarf Frog
African Dwarf Frogs use their lungs to breathe and must surface regularly. Their poor eyesight can make feeding challenging, but they rely on their sense of smell and a lateral line system to locate food. These frogs need slow-moving tankmates to avoid competition and injury.
Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo Shrimp primarily filter microscopic particles from the water using fan-like appendages. However, they may consume algae if other food sources are scarce. They also prefer moderate water flow and community tanks due to their unique feeding habits.
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Blue Velvet Shrimp are a color variant of Neocaridina davidi, not the entire genus. Their striking sapphire hues depend on diet, lighting, genetics, and even water quality. Behaviorally similar to cherry shrimp, their cool coloration adds a modern touch to aquariums.
Thai Micro Crab
Endemic to the waterways of central Thailand, specifically the Tha Chin River, this tiny crab inhabits floating water hyacinth roots. Measuring up to 1.5 cm, it’s very passive and best kept with nano fish or small shrimp in densely planted tanks.
Vampire Shrimp
Vampire shrimp can grow up to 6 inches long in low-light, rocky habitats. They primarily filter feed and are more active at night, but can also be observed during the day in dim conditions. Their pale, armored bodies give a prehistoric vibe to tanks.
Assassin Snail
Assassin snails prey on nuisance snails by ambushing them from the substrate. They don’t eat algae; they help control snail populations. And those gold with dark brown stripes on their shells make them distinctive and easy to spot in community tanks.