The Best Crustaceans for Beginner Pet Owners

For those looking to venture into the world of aquatic pets, crustaceans offer a fascinating and low-maintenance option. Unlike fish or reptiles, many crustaceans are hardy, adaptable, and require relatively simple care. Whether you’re drawn to their quirky behaviors, striking colors, or unique anatomy, these creatures can make excellent additions to a beginner’s aquarium. Below, we explore some of the best crustacean species for novice pet owners.

1. Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

One of the most popular choices for beginners, Red Cherry Shrimp are small, colorful, and easy to care for. These freshwater shrimp thrive in planted tanks and help keep algae under control. They are peaceful, breed readily, and come in vibrant shades of red, making them both functional and visually appealing.

Care Tips:

• Keep water parameters stable (pH 6.5–8.0, temperature 65–80°F).
• Provide hiding spots with plants or moss.
• Feed a varied diet of algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and shrimp pellets.

2. Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Amano Shrimp are larger than Cherry Shrimp and are renowned for their algae-eating prowess. They are ideal for community tanks and can coexist with small, non-aggressive fish. Though they don’t breed as easily in freshwater, their hardiness and usefulness make them a great choice for beginners.

Care Tips:

• Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water.
• Supplement their diet with sinking pellets if algae is scarce.
• Avoid housing them with predatory fish.

3. Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. “Blue”)

A striking variant of the Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp captivate with their deep blue hues. Like their red counterparts, they are undemanding and breed well in stable conditions. Their vivid coloration adds a unique aesthetic to any tank.

Care Tips:

• Similar to Red Cherry Shrimp but ensure stable water conditions to maintain color vibrancy.
• Avoid copper-based medications, which are toxic to shrimp.

4. Thai Micro Crab (Limnopilos naiyanetri)

For those seeking something truly unusual, the Thai Micro Crab is a tiny, fully aquatic crab that thrives in planted tanks. These shy creatures are peaceful and best kept in species-only setups or with very small tank mates.

Care Tips:

• Provide dense vegetation for hiding.
• Keep water clean and well-filtered.
• Feed fine particulate foods or powdered shrimp diets.

5. Hermit Crabs (Coenobita spp.)

While most hermit crabs are terrestrial, some dwarf species can be kept in paludariums (half-water, half-land setups). They are entertaining to watch and relatively low-maintenance, making them a fun option for beginners interested in semi-aquatic pets.

Care Tips:

• Offer both freshwater and saltwater pools (depending on species).
• Provide shells of various sizes for molting and growth.
• Maintain high humidity if keeping terrestrial species.

Final Thoughts

Crustaceans can be a rewarding introduction to pet ownership, especially for those who appreciate unique, low-maintenance aquatic life. By starting with hardy species like Red Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp, beginners can build confidence before exploring more specialized crustaceans. With proper care, these fascinating creatures will thrive and bring endless enjoyment to their keepers.

Would you like recommendations for tank setups or compatible tank mates? Let us know in the comments!