In addition to being a place only for fish, aquariums can be home to many cool animals, such as frogs, crabs, shrimp, and even snails. These pets can add color and personality and help keep your tank clean.
Here are amazing non-fish pets that are perfect for your home aquarium. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pet owner, you’ll surely find something that piques your interest.
1. Freshwater Crayfish (Cambaridae family)
Freshwater crayfish are like small lobsters. They come in various colors and are active creatures, constantly exploring the tank.
They need hiding spots and are known for digging. They can sometimes eat small fish or plants in the tank.
Some U.S. states, like California, restrict owning certain species of crayfish for commercial purposes to prevent them from escaping into local waterways. (ref) Always check local laws before getting one.
2. Clams (Corbicula fluminea for freshwater clams)
Freshwater clams clean the aquarium by filtering tiny food particles out of the water. They stay mostly still and burrow slightly into the substrate (the bottom of the tank). They’re low-maintenance but need clean water to survive.
They are generally legal to own, but some states like Washington have restrictions on invasive clam species. Treaty tribes have the right to gather shellfish on most shorelines and beaches. (ref)
3. Coral (Scleractinia – hard corals, Alcyonacea – soft corals)
Though usually found in saltwater tanks, certain coral species can be kept in brackish or saltwater aquariums at home. Coral provides shelter for other creatures and adds beauty to the tank. It can be hard to maintain due to its water quality needs.
Many coral species are legal to own, but some states, such as Florida, restrict the collection of wild corals. (ref) Some endangered corals are illegal to possess.
4. Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)
Painted turtles are colorful, semi-aquatic reptilesthat love to swim. They also need a dry basking area under a heat lamp. Painted turtles can live for many years and grow large.
Owning painted turtles is mostly legal, but some states, like North Carolina, restrict sales or possession due to the risk of Salmonella that the turtles may carry. (ref) You might need a permit in certain areas.
5. Freshwater Snail (Pomacea bridgesii – mystery snails, Planorbella duryi – ramshorn snails)
Freshwater snails come in many shapes and sizes. They peacefully clean algae from the tank walls. Some species reproduce quickly, so you may end up with lots of baby snails.
Generally legal to own in most states, though some species like the invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) are restricted in places like Florida. (ref)
6. Fire-Bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)
These toads have a bright red belly and live in both land and water. They’re fun to watch as they swim and hop around. They do best in a semi-aquatic tank with areas to climb out of the water.
Fire-bellied toads are legal in most places, though some states or local jurisdictions might require permits to own them due to concerns about releasing non-native species.
7. Red-Clawed Crabs (Perisesarma bidens)
Red-clawed crabs are small and colorful, with striking red pincers. They need both water to swim in and land areas to climb out of the water. They can be aggressive toward other crabs, so tank mates should be chosen carefully.
Generally legal to own, but it’s always a good idea to check local regulations, especially in coastal states with concerns about invasive species.
8. Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus)
These tiny transparent shrimp are popular tank cleaners. They’re peaceful and help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and algae. They are easy to care for and breed quickly.
Legal to own in most U.S. states, though always double-check your state’s rules about non-native species in aquariums.
9. Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera elegans)
Harlequin shrimp are colorful and have a unique pattern of white with blue or purple spots. They feed mostly on starfish and need a saltwater tank. They are small, peaceful, and very eye-catching.
These shrimp are legal to own in most states, but always check local laws, especially if wild collection is restricted in certain areas.
10. African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
African Dwarf frogs are fully aquatic, meaning they live in the water all the time. They are small, friendly, and active, making them a fun addition to a freshwater tank. They enjoy hiding spots and can live with peaceful fish.
African Dwarf frogs are legal to own in most states, though some regions might have restrictions on amphibians to prevent them from being released into the wild.
11. Red-Eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Red-eared sliders are popular pet turtles. They need both water to swim in and a dry area for basking under a heat lamp. They can grow quite large and live for many years. They’re easy to care for but need space.
Some states, like Florida (ref) and Washington (ref), have restrictions or require permits due to their invasive nature. Also, selling small turtles (under 4 inches) is restricted to prevent the spread of Salmonella.
12. Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt (Cynops orientalis)
These newts have a black body with a bright orange or red belly. They are semi-aquatic and need a tank with both water and a dry land area. They are peaceful and can live in cool, fresh water.
Generally legal to own, but some states may have restrictions on non-native amphibians to protect local ecosystems.
13. Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.)
Water snakes are strong swimmers and can live in a fully aquatic or semi-aquatic environment. They are carnivorous and eat small fish or amphibians. While they’re not venomous, they can be defensive and should be handled with care.
Some states, like California, restrict ownership of certain water snakes to prevent harm to local wildlife. (ref) Always check your state’s specific regulations before getting one.
14. Hermit Crabs (Coenobita spp.)
Hermit crabs are small, land crabs that need both a dry area and a shallow water dish to stay hydrated. They live in empty shells and move into bigger ones as they grow. They’re also social and do best in groups.
Hermit crabs are legal to own in most states, though collecting them from the wild is regulated in certain areas. It’s best to buy from a reputable pet store.
15. Octopus (Octopus vulgaris, among other species)
Octopuses are incredibly intelligent and can change color and shape. They need a saltwater tank and a lot of space to move around. They also require secure tanks because they are escape artists!
Generally legal to own in most states, but keeping an octopus can be challenging, and some species may be protected or require permits depending on your state.
16. Vampire Crabs (Geosesarma spp.)
Vampire crabs are small, colorful crabs with purple bodies and bright orange or yellow eyes. They are semi-aquatic and need both water and land areas in the tank. They are social and do best in groups.
Usually legal to own in most states, but it’s a good idea to check local regulations, especially if the species is wild-caught.
17. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Cherry shrimp are tiny, bright red freshwater shrimp. They are peaceful and help keep the tank clean by eating algae. They are easy to care for and breed quickly.
They are legal to own in most states with no restrictions, making them a popular choice for beginners.
18. Assassin Snails (Clea helena)
Assassin snails are carnivorous snails that feed on other snails. They are useful in tanks where pest snails are a problem. They are slow-moving but effective hunters.
You can buy and own them legally in most states. They’re a helpful and natural way to control snail populations in freshwater tanks.
19. Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)
Bamboo shrimp are filter feeders, meaning they use their fan-like claws to catch tiny particles from the water. These peaceful creatures are a popular addition to many freshwater aquariums.
Bamboo shrimp are usually readily available in pet stores, and most states allow you to own them without any special permits or licenses. As a result, they are relatively easy to obtain and care for.
20. Pom-Pom Crab (Lybia tessellata)
Pom-pom crabs get their name because they hold little sea anemones in their claws that look like pom-poms. They are peaceful and fun to watch in a saltwater tank, but they need gentle care and good water quality.
While this is legal to own in most states, you should check local rules on marine species.
21. Pistol Shrimp (Alpheidae family)
Pistol shrimp are known for their snapping claws, which create a loud sound to stun prey. They live in saltwater tanks and often form a partnership with goby fish, sharing burrows.
Usually legal in most states, but as with all marine species, you should check local regulations.
22. Fiddler Crabs (Uca spp.)
Fiddler crabs are small, semi-aquatic crabs with one large claw. They need both water and land in their tank. They are social animals and fun to observe as they wave their big claw and dig burrows.
It’s important to make sure you aren’t getting a wild-caught species, which could be restricted in some areas.
23. Serpent Starfish (Ophiuroidea class)
Serpent starfish are slender starfish with long, snake-like arms. They’re great for saltwater tanks and are scavengers, eating leftover food and keeping the tank clean.
Some marine species, such as this serpent starfish, may require a permit or have collection restrictions, especially in coastal areas.
24. Stinkpot Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus)
These small freshwater turtles have a reputation for producing a musky odor when they feel threatened. They need both water and land areas and are relatively easy to care for, but they require a specific setup with a basking area.
Generally legal to own in many states, but some states have restrictions on owning turtles due to concerns about Salmonella. It’s best to check your local laws before getting one.
25. Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
Amano shrimp are popular freshwater shrimp known for their ability to clean algae from aquariums. They are peaceful and live well with small, non-aggressive fish. They are easy to care for and great for beginners.
Unlike many other shrimp species, the Amano shrimp is generally legal to own in most states, with no special restrictions. As omnivorous scavengers, they thrive in well-established aquariums where they can feed on algae and detritus, making them a valuable addition to any community tank.
26. Malaysian Trumpet Snails (Melanoides tuberculata)
These snails have cone-shaped shells and are great at digging through the substrate of the tank, which helps keep the gravel clean. They are peaceful and can live in a variety of water conditions.
These snails are often added to aquariums as scavengers and for their beneficial role in aerating the substrate. Like other snails, they are typically legal to own in most states, but certain areas may restrict their ownership if they are considered invasive.
27. Nerite Snails (Neritina natalensis)
With their stunningly patterned shells and voracious appetite for algae, they can be a great asset in maintaining a clean and healthy tank. These hardy snails are generally legal to own in most states, with no special restrictions.
However, you should keep in mind that nerite snails require both freshwater and marine environments to complete their life cycle, so it is important to research their specific care requirements to ensure a happy and healthy life for your snails.
28. Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
The axolotl, also known as the Mexican walking fish or the Mexican salamander, is a unique and fascinating species of aquatic salamander. With their wide smiles, feathery gills, and regenerative abilities, they are known for their external gills and “smiling” faces.
Due to their potential for becoming invasive and their vulnerable conservation status, some states like California, Maine, New Jersey, and D.C, restrict the ownership of axolotls. New Mexico requires a permit in owning one. (ref)
29. Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)
Pacman frogs are round, colorful frogs with big mouths, named after the “Pac-Man” game. They prefer moist environments and need a land-based tank with a shallow water dish. They’re easy to care for in a terrarium.
They are generally legal to own in most states, with no special restrictions. However, since they are considered exotic animals in many places, it’s important to check your state’s wildlife regulations before bringing one home.
30. American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
American toads are common amphibians found across the U.S. They are hardy and can live in a simple terrarium with both land and water areas. These toads eat insects and are easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners.
Generally legal to own in most states, but some states may have regulations about capturing or keeping native wildlife, so it’s important to check your local laws if you plan to collect one from the wild.
Each of these animals has their own needs, but with a little care and attention, they can thrive in a tank and become great pets.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.