11 Living Things You Can Add to Your Tank Besides Fish

Aquariums are fun, but occasionally you want something besides fish. We’ve compiled a list of additional aquatic species you may maintain if you’re at a loss for what else to include in your aquarium. While some can be maintained with your fish, some might require solitary confinement. No matter what kind of tank you keep, there is something on this list for you.

Living Things You Can Add to Your Tank Besides Fish

Snails

One of the most well-liked and simple to care for species you can add to your aquarium are snails. Whatever kind of tank you’re keeping, there are a number of snails accessible in the aquatics trade. Snails can benefit your tank in a wide range of ways and come in a number of sizes and forms.

Although most people assume that snails only consume algae, many snails cannot survive on an entirely algae-based diet. However, they frequently consume garbage and debris off your tank floor, keeping the area clean in the process.

Axolotls

Axolotls have gained popularity recently, but the aquatics world has been home to these intriguing animals for many years. Axolotls are a threatened species that are essentially extinct in the wild, yet they can be found in captivity, even if keeping them is not always permitted.

These unusual amphibians remain fully aquatic throughout their entire lives and spend their entire time as juveniles. They require specialized care and are not ideal for everyone, but with the right care, they may make wonderful pets and live a long time. However, it is typically not advised to maintain Axies with other animals.

Shrimps

If you’re looking for hard workers, shrimps are one of the best additions you can make to your aquarium. The surfaces in your aquarium will frequently be thoroughly cleaned by these creatures. Filter-feeding shrimps are an exception to this rule; they will work ceaselessly to clear the water column of any floating food debris and other microscopic organisms.

There are species of these animals that are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater tanks, and they are commonly available. Since some of them multiply quickly, you can always find a population of them.

Crabs

Did you know that you can purchase crabs for your aquarium in addition to seeing them on virtually any beach? Crabs are not widely available in the aquatics market, but they are a lot of fun to keep. No matter what type of tank you have, you can keep crabs because there are freshwater and saltwater varieties available.

Before bringing any crabs home, take cautious to research their care requirements because certain crabs are semi-terrestrial. Although larger crabs may catch and eat their tank mates even though they are mainly scavengers.

Corals

Corals are stunning creatures with a huge variety. They come in a wide array of vibrant colors, distinctive shapes, and sizes ranging from a few inches to six feet. Some corals can survive for hundreds of years, and they can last for many decades.

They require highly specific maintenance and might be challenging to maintain. Before attempting to bring any corals home, it is crucial to make sure your reef is set up correctly. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose corals that will work well in your aquarium.

Anemones

Similar to corals, anemones are fascinating creatures that come in a wide range of hues and forms. Before taking any anemones home, study is crucial because they have distinct care requirements and some species might be challenging to keep.

Anemone species vary greatly in size, and some are also highly aggressive. In fact, some species are so hostile that they should be maintained in tanks with just their kind. Clownfish, which are inherently resistant to the toxins produced by anemones, are frequently paired with anemones.

Starfish

Due to their distinctive star form, starfish are among the aquatic species that are easiest to identify. Although they are frequently kept in saltwater aquariums at home, many people are unaware of the trouble these odd critters may cause. Since starfish are real omnivores, slower tank mates may be eaten, hence tank mates should be carefully chosen.

Make sure the starfish you select fit the dimensions of your aquarium because they come in a wide range of sizes. While some species may be suitable for medium-sized tanks, others may require huge or extra-large tanks. Starfish are typically inappropriate for micro aquariums.

Frogs and Toads

Fun animals that we regularly encounter on land include frogs and toads. However, there are a few species that may be kept in aquariums and spend all or most of their time in the water. The charming but odd looks of African Clawed frogs can certainly win your heart. Although they do require access to land, Fire-Bellied toads are a highly common semi-aquatic species that many people also raise.

Since they might devour tank mates and some have even been reported to try to consume tank décor, these amphibians aren’t ideal for just any tank environment. Before introducing a frog or toad to your aquarium, be sure it is secure and appropriate.

Clams

Most likely, saltwater clams come to mind when you think about clams. However, freshwater clams can be housed in aquariums at home! Clams are filter feeders, making them a fantastic addition to any aquarium. When they filter feed, they eliminate impurities from the water column, enhancing water clarity and contributing to an improvement in water quality overall.

But before adding clams to their aquariums, many people aren’t ready to take care of their demands. It’s crucial to ensure your clams have plenty of food in the water column and that the water flows properly.

Crayfish

Interesting creatures called crayfish resemble big shrimps. But they frequently have terrible personalities, which can make them unsuitable for community tanks. Although many crayfish move slowly enough to avoid harming your fast-moving fish and other invertebrates, they will frequently consume whatever they can catch. But the angry crayfish doesn’t mind eating sick and sluggish animals!

Plants

In a technical sense, plants are alive! Due to their capacity to enhance water quality, aquatic plants may be a terrific addition to almost any aquarium. They can also provide food and safety for the animals living in your aquarium. There are numerous aquatic plants that you might keep in your aquarium, so you must first decide on the style you want, after which you must select plants that both fit your style and the specifications of your tank.

Conclusion

Other than fish, there are many wonderful possibilities when it comes to choosing living things for your aquarium. Many of these items are appropriate for community or reef tanks, however some of them shouldn’t be kept with other species. If you decide to add anything to your tank, be careful to do extensive study on the requirements and personality of the addition to make sure it will get along with the inhabitants of the tank.

Credit for the Featured Image: S-F, Shutterstock