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Invertebrates
There's more to a fish tank than just the fish. By having a variety of species living in all areas of the aquarium, we are able to create a more visually appealing and balanced ecosystem. Most of the lovely critters here provide contrast and interest along the rocks and the bottom of the tank, along with the additional services they provide.
Due to the very diverse nature of this section, it is difficult to give a general rule for compatibility. Please discuss your options with us before deciding on any new additions.
Shrimp and Crabs
Christophe Thibault, CC BY 3.0
Cleaner Shrimp
Minimum Tank Size:
Cleaner shrimps are essentially the car wash of the ocean. They will climb on fish and pick off parasites, dead skin, and other irritants. When not cleaning a fish, they'll pick at the rocks or wave their antennae. They can be kept in groups in large tanks, but we prefer pairs.
Camel Shrimp
Minimum Tank Size:
While not as directly helpful as cleaner shrimps, camels are just as entertaining to watch. They like to chase each other and dance on top of the rocks when not looking for leftovers. They can be kept alone or in groups, so long as everyone has enough space to get away from each other.
Coral Banded Shrimp
Minimum Tank Size:
CBSs are just as territorial as they are strange-looking. They must be the only shrimp in the tank, or kept in a mated pair. They aren't especially social and it's not unusual to only ever see their long antennae poking out from behind the rocks, but they are still a treat when they do show.
Fire Shrimp
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Fire shrimp are fiercely territorial and shouldn't be kept with other shrimp unless there's plenty of room. They prefer sheltered ledges where they can watch the world around them without leaving the shadows, but roam on occasion.
Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Pistol Shrimps are known for their symbiotic relationships with various prawn gobies. Pistol Shrimps will dig out and maintain a burrow for the pair, while the goby protects the shrimp.
Elisabeth Morcel, CC BY-SA 4.0
Halloween Hermit Crab
Minimum Tank Size:
While small and not very fast, Halloween hermits make an interesting critter for crawling around the rocks. Just like land hermits, these guys will change their shells as they grow.
Starfish
Fromia Star
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Comes in multiple colors, but the most common is blue-grey body with pink-orange spots.
Serpent Star
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Chocolate Chip Star
Minimum Tank Size:
African Red Tip Star
Minimum Tank Size:
Urchins
Pencil Urchin
Minimum Tank Size:
Pencil urchins are the smallest of the urchins we keep, with knobby, loosely packed spines. These are more appropriate for smaller tanks without a substantial amount of algae to feed on. They may hang upside down in caves or creep between rocks, but they will usually be back out within a day or two.
Shortspine Urchin
Minimum Tank Size:
Similar to the pencil urchin, shortspine urchins have slightly rounded spines. However, their spines are more numerous and tightly packed. This gives them the more familiar “fuzzy” appearance that most people expect of urchins. They enjoy algae and leftover food, and will usually be found in a new spot every day.
Longspine Urchin
Minimum Tank Size:
The granddaddy of them all. Longspine urchins have, well, long spines. These spines are very thin, very sharp, and very breakable. The most ravenous of our urchins, they’ll spend all day attached to rocks looking for algae. While they are mildly venomous, they pose no threat to other animals or humans.