Keeping an aquarium can be a fun and relaxing hobby. While most people stock their freshwater tanks with common fish like guppies, tetras or goldfish, there are many more unusual and exotic options to consider as well. In this article we talk about Top 10 Unusual Freshwater Aquarium Pets In 2024. From tiny shrimp to strange-looking catfish, read on to discover some creatures you’ve probably never thought of keeping before!
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African Dwarf Frogs
The African dwarf frog is a fully aquatic frog native to the tropical forests of Africa. These tiny amphibians only grow to about 1-2 inches in size, which makes them perfect inhabitants for small desktop aquariums. They have cute round bodies and webbed feet for efficient swimming. Despite their name, African dwarf frogs aren’t very good jumpers – they prefer to walk along the bottom of the tank. These peaceful creatures get along well with fish and are entertaining to watch hunt down food at feeding time. Just make sure to have a securely fitted lid, as they can escape through surprisingly small gaps!
Freshwater Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp like cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp make excellent scavengers in planted aquarium setups. Native to Asia, these invertebrates grow under 2 inches long and come in a variety of colors like red, brown and green. They constantly pick at algae on plants, rocks and decorations to keep your tank spotless. Shrimp also serve as tasty treats for larger fish, but providing lots of hiding spots like moss or driftwood can allow enough of them to survive. These little workers are very low maintenance and even breed readily in aquariums.
Figure 8 Pufferfish
If you want an interactive aquarium pet, consider the figure 8 pufferfish. These little puffers grow to around 3 inches long and get their name from their round shape. They have cute dog-like faces and large eyes that make them very personable. Figure 8 puffers also use their pouty lips to “kiss” the glass when they see people approach! However, they do require some specialty care compared to typical community fish. You’ll need a species-only tank, places for them to hide, crunchy foods like snails to gnaw on, and careful monitoring of water conditions. In the right setup, a figure 8 puffer makes for a truly unique aquarium resident.
African Butterfly Fish
The African butterfly fish is a uniquely shaped freshwater species for advanced aquarists. Their thin, wing-like fins make them look like they are floating through the water as they swim. African butterfly fish grow to 6 inches long and require at least a 30 gallon tank with dense vegetation and subdued lighting to thrive. They spend most of their time leisurely cruising just below the water’s surface looking for insects, worms and smaller fish to ambush. Their hunting behaviors are interesting to watch, but keep in mind they may snack on tankmates that are small enough to fit in their large mouths!
Mystery Snails
If you want to add a clean-up crew that also has personality, try mystery snails. As their name suggests, these gastropods come in many different shell colors and patterns like gold, black and chocolate. Their swirling shells make them eye-catching additions as they traverse aquarium walls and surfaces. Mystery snails are totally aquatic and grow over 2 inches big, so they require at least a 10 gallon tank. Give them vegetables to munch on and be sure to provide calcium sources like cuttlebone so they can continually regenerate their shells. Be careful though, as mystery snails are prolific breeders given the right conditions!
Rice Fish
Rice fish, also called medaka, are a hardy species perfect for coldwater aquariums without heaters. There are many different colorful varieties to choose from from Japan and Korea that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. These little fish only reach 2 inches in length and do well in species only tanks or with small shrimp and snails. Rice fish are very active, so they do best in a heavily planted tank with lots of swimming room. Breeding them is also easy – just look for them scattering eggs all over aquatic plants. Rice fish make great starter pets, especially for kids’ rooms or office spaces where temperature control may be difficult.
Weather Loaches
Weather loaches have amusing personalities and unique physical adaptations that make them exceptional aquarium residents. These bottom-dwelling fish have eel-like bodies that grow over a foot long! But what’s really remarkable about weather loaches is their ability to sense atmospheric pressure changes. They become more active when it rains or storms, frantically darting about the tank in a seeming panic. Who needs a weather app when you have loaches to predict the next downpour? Just make sure to give them plenty of hiding spots and sandy substrate to burrow in to feel secure. Weather loaches do best in social groups of 4-6 fish.
African Dwarf Frog Tadpoles
If the idea of raising tadpoles intrigues you, look for African dwarf frog spawn in aquarium stores. These tiny black pods with developing embryos inside can be scooped up and hatched at home. In just a couple weeks they become active little polliwog larvae complete with flapping tails. You’ll get to witness firsthand the amazing metamorphosis process as the tadpoles grow limbs, absorb their tails and transform into juvenile frogs! However, successfully raising tadpoles does require research into their precise care needs. Once they pop their legs, moving the young frogs into their own tank is recommended. It’s an amazing journey to observe!
Freshwater Pipefish
Pipefish resemble straightened out seahorses and sway hypnotically with the current in home aquariums. There are a few varieties of these delicate fish available to advanced aquarists if you can find captive-bred specimens. Freshwater pipefish need pristine water, live foods like brine shrimp and plenty of strands of plants or driftwood to wrap their prehensile tails around. While more challenging to keep than typical community fish, pipefish are a true joy to watch glide gracefully through the tank. Their camouflage abilities and toothless tube-like mouths give them a decidedly dragon-esque appearance as well.
Vampire Shrimp
Lastly, for those looking for a truly unusual centerpiece specimen, consider vampire shrimp. These incredible crustaceans are actually a type of filter feeding fan shrimp native to Southeast Asia. They grow to an impressive 6 inches long or more and have intricate antennae and lace-like appendages for straining food particles from the water column. What makes vampire shrimp so striking are their deep red coloration and glowing blue eyes – a haunting yet beautiful sight. Providing them with fast-flowing, highly oxygenated water is critical, so they are only suitable for advanced aquarists. But if you’re up for a challenge, a vampire shrimp perched on a piece of wood or rock makes for a gorgeous display!
Conclusion
When stocking a freshwater aquarium, it’s easy to overlook unusual creatures that aren’t your run-of-the-mill guppies or goldfish. However, there is a vast diversity of small fish, invertebrates, amphibians and even tadpoles that can transform a standard community tank into something unexpected. With their intriguing behaviors, shapes and life cycles, the pets profiled here bring a sense of wonder and discovery to the aquarium hobby. So next time you visit your local fish store or online retailer, consider picking up one of these unique freshwater residents to liven up your living space. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 10 Unusual Freshwater Aquarium Pets In 2024” article helpful.
Elizabeth Canales has been passionate about marine life since childhood, ever since receiving her first aquarium as a gift on her 6th birthday. Caring for her beloved goldfish, Coralia, sparked a lifelong love for aquatic creatures. Elizabeth earned her B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of Washington and later pursued a DVM from Delaware State University. Today, she shares her expertise and enthusiasm for marine life through Central Pets & Aquariums. Connect with Elizabeth on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
