Let's talk invertebrates! Snails, crabs, shrimp and more - these creatures can sometimes be overlooked as a centerpiece for a reef aquarium, but they are a lot of fun to watch and can be found in a variety of striking colors. Read more below to learn all about the best invertebrates for your reef tank.
Blue Leg Hermit Crabs
The blue leg hermit crab is a popular and beneficial addition to reef aquariums, known for its vibrant blue legs and hardy nature. Reaching up to 1 inch in size, these small crustaceans are excellent scavengers, helping maintain tank cleanliness by consuming algae, detritus, and uneaten food. They are particularly effective against hair algae and cyanobacteria, making them valuable members of a reef's cleanup crew. Their easy-care requirements and active behavior make them a favorite among aquarists seeking both beauty and utility in their aquarium.
Sexy Shrimp
The sexy shrimp (also known as the Anemone Shrimp) is a truly captivating and fascinating addition to any aquarium. This little shrimp is often celebrated for its striking appearance and lively personality. They measure about 0.8 inches (2 cm) and have a translucent body adorned with vivid orange and white spots, accented by electric blue markings.
Its most recognizable behavior is the rhythmic swaying of its abdomen, which gives it its playful name. This shrimp thrives in symbiotic relationships with anemones, finding protection among their stinging tentacles while cleaning them and occasionally feeding on leftover food. In a reef setting, they are peaceful, relatively hardy, and reef-safe, making them a perfect choice for aquarists seeking to add color and dynamic movement to desktop aquariums.
Pom Pom Crab
Here's another invertebrate with an unusual coloration: the pom pom crab. Measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, it gets its name from the symbiotic relationship it forms with tiny anemones, which it holds in its claws like "pom-poms" for defense and food gathering. These crabs are peaceful and reef-safe and enjoy an aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They are generally low-maintenance and are great choices for small, desktop aquariums where they won’t be outcompeted for food.
Bumblebee Shrimp
Just like their name suggests, this shrimp resembles a bumblebee with its bold, contrasting black-and-white or yellow-banded coloration. The bumblebee shrimp typically grows to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and thrives in peaceful, well-established reef tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding spots. Known for its scavenging behavior, this shrimp helps keep the tank clean by feeding on detritus, small worms, and leftover food. They thrive in small, desktop aquariums where they don't have to worry about being bothered by predators.
Lightning Dove Snails
Last but not least, the lightning dove snail is a fun addition to any reef aquarium, known for its spotted appearance and beneficial role. This snail has an elongated shell adorned with lightning-like white or yellowish markings against a dark brown or black background, adding visual contrast to the tank. Beyond its beauty, this snail is an efficient algae grazer. They help control nuisance algae and detritus on live rocks and substrate. Lightning dove snails are hardy and peaceful, making them ideal for a variety of reef setups. They enjoy having plenty of surfaces to explore.
Ready to build a stunning and inspiring reef? PNW Custom desktop tanks provide a perfect environment for keeping these interesting and colorful invertebrates. We offer multiple sizes and types of aquariums to best fit your space and needs.
