Aquarium keeping is a fun and creative activity. I have been involved in this activity for a long time, which has given me the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of aquatic biodiversity. I keep different species of pets, like fish, turtles, snails, and crabs, in my aquarium. By keeping Best aquarium pets, I have gained deep knowledge about their behavior and various aspects of life. Pets are not just decorations but also provide educational experiences for the children in my home, as they learn a lot about aquatic biodiversity. On the one hand, I get pleasure from this hobby, and on the other hand, my love for aquatic life is growing.
Here, I will talk about my aquarium pet-keeping experience and some of my aquarium pets that can be easily kept in an aquarium.
Freshwater snail
1. Ramshorn Snail
Ramshorn-Snails(Freshwater)
The Ramshorn Snail is a popular freshwater species for aquarium keeping. Their scientific name is Planorbidae. They usually help keep the bottom of the aquarium clean. However, they breed easily, so their population can grow excessively in the aquarium.
Characteristics
- Size: Ramshorn snails are usually 1 to 3 cm long, although some species can grow larger.
- Color: The typical Ramshorn snail color is reddish-brown, but some may have black, blue, or pink shells.
- Diet: They are omnivorous, usually feeding on algae, dead plants, fish meal scraps, and other organic matter.
- Lifespan: Their average lifespan is 1 to 2 years, but they can live longer if properly cared for in the right environment.
- Environment: Water with a temperature of 22-28°C and a pH of 7-8 is most suitable for Ramshorn snails.
Behavior
Ramshorn snails are generally calm and coexist well with other tank inhabitants. They are beneficial for keeping the aquarium clean, but if they breed excessively, they can become a problem for algae or plants.
Breeding
Ramshorn snails are capable of rapid reproduction. They are hermaphrodites, meaning each snail can act as both male and female. After eggs are laid, they hatch into baby snails in about 2 to 3 weeks. Their population can increase quickly if food is abundant in the aquarium.
Benefits
- Maintaining cleanliness: They help keep the tank clean by consuming algae, food scraps, and dead plant matter.
- Availability: These snails are readily available and adapt quickly to aquariums.
warning
Overbreeding: They breed quickly, making it difficult to control their population. If food becomes scarce, they may start eating live plants.
2. Assassin Snails
Assassin-Snails(Freshwater)
Clea helena, the scientific name of the killer snail, is a small freshwater snail found mainly in the swamps and rivers of Southeast Asia. They are mainly known for eating other small water snails, which is why they are called “Assassin Snails.”
Characteristics
- Size: Assassin snails are about 2-3 cm long.
- Color: Their body color is usually a mixture of yellow and brown stripes, which looks beautiful.
- Food: They are carnivorous, mainly feeding on other small snails. They can also eat leftover fish food or dead fish.
- Lifespan: They can live up to 2-3 years if kept in the right environment.
- Aquarium: They do well in freshwater aquariums, with a water temperature of 22-28°C and a pH of 7-8.
Behavior
Assassin snails usually hide underground or under objects and attack other small snails when they get the chance. Once they catch their prey, they don’t let go.
Benefits of Assassin Snails
- Excess Snail Control: If the tank becomes overpopulated with snails, assassin snails help control the population naturally.
- Maintaining Cleanliness: They eat tank waste, helping to maintain good water quality.
Breeding
Assassin snails lay eggs, but their numbers do not increase as quickly as other snails. They usually lay their eggs under plants or rocks, and it takes several weeks for the eggs to hatch.
warning
- It is not advisable to keep very small fish with them, because being carnivorous, they may prey on small fish.
- Adequate feeding should be provided in the aquarium. If there are no snails, alternative food should be given.
- Due to a lack of nutrients or an unfavorable environment, they can become weak and may die.
- Although they are very useful in controlling snails, they can cause problems if they multiply excessively. It is important to monitor their population.
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Saltwater snails
3. Nassarius Snail
Nassarius-Snail (Saltwater)
The Nassarius snail is a carnivorous marine snail. Its scientific name is Nassarius. They are quite popular for cleaning in marine aquariums. They primarily live under the sea, hiding under soil or sand and quickly emerging when they smell food.
Characteristics
- Size: Nassarius snails are usually 1–3 cm long. Some species can be smaller or larger than this. Their shells are cone-shaped and slightly curved, suitable for collecting food.
- Color: Their shell color is usually gray, brown, or light, allowing them to blend easily with the sand.
- Diet: Nassarius snails are carnivores. They feed on dead fish, animal carcasses, or waste.
- Lifespan: Their average lifespan is 2 to 3 years, but they can live longer if kept in the right environment.
- Aquarium Environment: Nassarius snails are kept in marine aquariums. The ideal water temperature for them is between 24-28 degrees Celsius, with salinity around 1.023-1.025.
Behavior
Nassarius snails usually hide under the sand or soil, quickly emerging when they smell food. Their trunks are specialized for smelling, allowing them to sense the location of food in the surrounding environment.
Breeding
Nassarius snails do not breed easily in aquariums, as their larvae require specific marine conditions. Hence, their population in aquariums does not grow too fast and is easy to control.
Benefits
- Waste Removal: They help keep the aquarium clean by quickly removing excess food, fish waste, and fish carcasses.
- Sand Cleaning: By moving through the sand, they mix it, helping to increase oxygen flow to the bottom layers.
- Easy Care: They are easy to care for and get along well with other aquarium animals.
Challenges
- Dietary Problems: Without enough food in the aquarium, they may become weak and may not live long.
- Limited Breeding: Since they do not reproduce easily in aquariums, new ones may need to be purchased to maintain their numbers.
Freshwater aquarium shrimp
4. Crystal Shrimp
Crystal-Shrimp (Freshwater)
Crystal shrimp is a popular freshwater artisanal shrimp species whose scientific name is Caridina cantonensis. They belong to the Atyidae family and are native to various freshwater rivers and springs in Asia. They are very popular for aquarium keeping. Although caring for crystal shrimp is a bit challenging, with proper care, they can live a long time in an aquarium.
Characteristics
- Size: Crystal shrimp are usually 2.5-3 cm long.
- Color: Their bodies are bright red and white striped. Their color brightness and variety depend on genetics and care.
- Diet: They are omnivores, feeding mainly on algae, dead plant parts, and small microorganisms. However, special shrimp food is provided for them in aquariums.
- Lifespan: Generally, the lifespan of crystal shrimp is around 1.5 to 2 years.
Care in the Aquarium
- Reservoir environment: Crystal shrimp are sensitive, so water quality is very important. The ideal water temperature for them should be 20-25 degrees Celsius, with a pH of 5.8-6.8.
- Filtering: Water filtration is very important. The power of the filter should be low, so as not to harm the shrimp. The use of sponge filters is suitable for them.
- Diet: They like to eat algae, detritus, and biofilm. Special foods prepared for shrimp, such as vegetables (boiled spinach or cucumber) and protein-rich foods, can be given.
- Tank size: Tanks larger than 10 gallons are best for crystal shrimp. However, even if they are kept in smaller tanks, the water and temperature should be checked regularly.
Breeding
Crystal shrimp breed easily in aquariums. The female shrimp lays 20-30 eggs every two months, and the eggs take about 30 days to hatch. Babies are very sensitive in the first few weeks after birth, so water quality needs to be specially maintained for them.
Difficulty
- Sensitivity: Crystal shrimp are very sensitive, especially to water quality, temperature, and pH. They can develop health problems if conditions are not kept right at all times.
- Predatory fish: Predatory fish should not be kept with them, as they can easily become prey due to their small size.
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Saltwater Aquarium shrimp
5. Red Line Cleaner Shrimp
Red-Line-Cleaner-Shrimp (Saltwater)
Redline cleaner shrimp are a popular shrimp species in marine aquariums; their scientific name is Lysmata amboinensis. They play an important role in cleaning and maintaining a healthy environment for other marine animals in the aquarium. They have a long red stripe across their bodies, which looks a lot like a skunk.
Characteristics
- Size: Redline cleaner shrimp can grow up to about 5-6 cm.
- Color: Their bodies are a mixture of white and red, with a bright red stripe along the back.
- Behavior: They act as scavengers, eating parasites and dead cells from fish bodies. They mix very closely with the fish in the aquarium and help maintain their health.
- Lifespan: They usually live up to 2-3 years but can live longer with proper care.
Behavior
Fish take these shrimp to clean their bodies, and the shrimp remove parasites and dead cells from the fish. This cleaning behavior keeps the other animals in the marine aquarium healthy.
Genealogy
Redline cleaner shrimp are bisexual, meaning each shrimp can function as both male and female. Although they breed in aquariums, the breeding process is not very easy, as their larvae require a special environment to survive.
Care in the Aquarium
- Reservoir Environment: The water temperature should be 24-28°C, and the pH should be 8.1-8.4 for their health. Salinity should be between 1.023 and 1.025.
- Diet: Although they survive by eating parasites and dead cells from fish bodies, they should occasionally be fed special seafood such as mysis, brine shrimp, or pellet food.
- Tank Size: Redline cleaner shrimp can thrive in tanks of 30 gallons or larger. Other animals in the aquarium can easily adapt to them.
Benefit
Parasite Control: These shrimp remove parasites from the bodies of aquarium fish, which helps keep them healthy.
Adaptability: They can easily get along with other animals in the aquarium.
Maintaining Cleanliness: They help remove unwanted material such as dead cells and waste from the tank.
Difficulty
Propagation is Difficult: Although breeding is possible in aquariums, the survival of larvae is unlikely.
Risk of Keeping with Aggressive Fish: Red line cleaner shrimp should not be kept with aggressive or carnivorous fish, as these fish may prey on the shrimp.
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Freshwater aquarium crabs
6. Red Claw Crab
Red-Claw-Crab (Freshwater)
The Red Claw Crab is a freshwater crab whose scientific name is Perisesarma bidens. Their bright red claws make them very attractive and a popular aquarium species. They are usually found in warm climates.
Characteristics
- Coloration: The claws of male crabs are red, while the claws of female crabs are usually less bright.
- Size: They usually grow to 5–10 cm.
- Habitat: This crab can typically live in rivers, ponds, and mixed fresh and salt water.
- Lifespan: Red claw crabs usually live for 2–3 years, but with proper care, their lifespan can be extended.
Behavior
These crabs are generally social and like to be together. They make burrows or hiding places in the aquarium for their safety.
Breeding
Breeding of red claw crabs usually occurs during summer. The female crab can lay 20–25 eggs, which then hatch in fresh water.
Care and Nurture
- Housing: If you want to keep this crab in an aquarium, you need to make sure that there is enough space and hiding places.
- Water Temperature: The water temperature for red claw crabs should generally be between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F). This temperature is helpful in maintaining their normal functioning and health.
- Diet: The red claw crab is omnivorous, meaning it can eat all types of food. It feeds on plants, dead animals, and a variety of foods such as crab food, vegetables, and algae.
Saltwater aquarium crab
7. Coral Crabs
Coral-Crabs (Saltwater)
Red Claw Crab is a popular aquatic animal with its scientific name: Perisesarmabidens. It is specially kept in aquariums. Some important aspects of their features and care are discussed below:
Characteristics
- Color: The specialty of these crabs is their bright red claws, hence the name “red claw crab.”
- Size: Adult crabs usually grow to 3-4 inches.
- Lifespan: Red claw crabs typically live 2 to 3 years, but they can live a little longer if provided with proper care, food, and environment.
- Temperament: They are somewhat aggressive and tend to defend their territory.
Tank Condition
- Size: Each red claw crab requires at least a 20-gallon (75-liter) aquarium.
- Water: They do well in brackish water (a mix of fresh and saltwater), so sea salt may need to be added to the aquarium.
- Hiding Places: Crabs like to use trees, caves, and other decorations to hide, so they need hiding places.
Food and Service
- Diet: Red claw crabs are general omnivores. They eat a variety of foods, such as vegetables (carrots, pumpkins), fish food, and small snails. They also eat special crab food available in the market.
- Water Regime: The water temperature for red claw crabs should be maintained at 24-28°C, and the water pH should be maintained at 7.0-8.0. Ten to fifteen percent of the water should be changed every week to maintain aquarium water quality.
Breeding
- The reproductive process of red claw crabs is complex, but female crabs generally prefer freshwater to spawn.
- After spawning, it is best to keep male and female crabs separate
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Frogs for aquarium
8. African Dwarf Frog
African-Dwarf-Frog
The African Dwarf Frog is a small aquatic frog species found in various parts of Africa. Its scientific name is Hymenochirus. These frogs are quite popular for aquarium keeping due to their calm nature and attractive behavior.
Characteristics
- Size: African Dwarf Frogs are usually 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long.
- Color: Their bodies are usually green or brown, but some species have white or yellow spots.
- Legs: Their hind legs are large and strong, making them suitable for swimming.
- Lifespan: The lifespan of the African Dwarf Frog is about 5-10 years if properly cared for.
Behavior
African Dwarf Frogs are generally calm and social. They prefer to swim in aquatic environments and can usually hide on the aquarium floor or in vegetation. Their activity is mostly at night.
Food
The African Dwarf Frog is omnivorous. They feed on small aquatic animals, insects, detritus, and some plant matter. Small frozen foods (such as brine shrimp or Mysis) and special frog food should be provided for them in the aquarium.
Care in the Aquarium
- Reservoir Environment: The African Dwarf Frog can survive well at a temperature of 22-27 degrees Celsius. The pH of the water should be between 6.4 and 7.6.
- Filtering: The filter system should be adequate, but not too vigorous, and must be properly maintained.
- Tank Size: African Dwarf Frogs need at least a 10-20 gallon tank. A safe environment and hiding places should be created for them.
- Water Quality: Water should be tested regularly to maintain quality, and it should be changed once a month as necessary.
Breeding
African Dwarf Frogs generally breed in aquatic environments. Female frogs lay eggs several times a year, usually 20-50 eggs. The eggs remain floating in the water and develop into larvae in about 2-3 weeks.
Benefit
- Sights: The African Dwarf Frog adds beauty to the aquarium.
- Social Nature: They are generally calm and live in harmony with other peaceful aquatic animals.
- Easy Care: They are relatively easy to care for in the right environment.
Difficulty
- Reproduction Process: During reproduction, the female frog needs a safe place to lay her eggs.
- Problems with Predatory Fish: They should not be kept with predatory fish due to their small size.
Freshwater Turtle for Aquarium
9. Albino Yellow-Bellied Slider
Albino-Yellow-Bellied-Slide (Freshwater)
The albino yellow-bellied slider is a rare species of turtle, which is the albino form of the normal yellow-bellied slider. Its scientific name is Trachemys scripta scripta. These turtles have some special color and behavior characteristics that add beauty to the aquarium.
Characteristics
- Color: The body color of albino yellow-bellied slider turtles is yellow or pale gold, rather than green like the typical yellow-bellied slider.
- Eyes: Being albino, their eyes are usually red or pink in color.
- Size: Adult albino yellow-bellied sliders typically range in size from 8 to 12 inches.
- Diet: They are omnivores and commonly eat aquatic plants, fish, aquatic insects, and small aquatic animals. However, they need to be fed a balanced diet while in the aquarium.
Care
- These turtles usually live in rivers, lakes, and ponds, where there is both sufficient water and sediment. They require at least 110 gallons of water to keep in an aquarium.
- The water temperature should be between 75-80°F, and the steamer should be set to 85-90°F.
- Adequate light (UVB light) and proper temperature should be provided in their care while in captivity. Also, a large tank should have enough water and space for them to move around.
Behavior and Lifespan
Behavior: Albino yellow-bellied sliders are active during the day like other slider species and like to bask in the sun. They move easily between water and sediment and sometimes run quickly into the water when frightened.
Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to about 20 to 30 years.
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