Saltwater invertebrates are an incredibly diverse group of creatures that inhabit the vast and fascinating world of the ocean. From the smallest of crustaceans to the spiniest of echinoderms, these creatures play an essential role in the marine ecosystem. Here is a list of the most popular saltwater invertebrates.(Not All listed species are reef safe! Remember to do your studying before purchasing these creatures.)
- Nudibranchs:
Nudibranchs are a group of soft-bodied, marine gastropod mollusks that are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their vibrant colors and unique shapes. They come in a wide variety of species, each with their own specific dietary needs and care requirements.
- Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber:
The Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber is a popular species of sea cucumber in the aquarium hobby due to its unique shape and coloration. They are known for their ability to filter large amounts of detritus and other waste materials from the aquarium substrate.
- Pink and Black Sea Cucumber:
This species of sea cucumber is known for its striking pink and black coloration. Like other sea cucumbers, they are excellent at filtering the aquarium substrate and are relatively easy to care for.
- Sea Apple:
The Sea Apple is a type of filter-feeding sea cucumber that is popular in the aquarium hobby due to its bright colors and unique appearance. They require a specialized diet and should only be kept by experienced aquarists.
- Harlequin Shrimp:
The Harlequin Shrimp is a small, brightly colored shrimp that is popular in the aquarium hobby for its unique feeding habits. They feed exclusively on starfish, which makes them a good choice for controlling populations of pest starfish in the aquarium.
- Sand Sifting Starfish:
The Sand Sifting Starfish is a type of starfish that is popular in the aquarium hobby for its ability to sift through and clean the aquarium substrate. They require a stable environment and a specialized diet.
- Serpent Starfish:
The Serpent Starfish is a common species of starfish that is popular in the aquarium hobby due to its hardiness and ease of care. They are active scavengers and help to keep the aquarium clean.
- Blue/Red Linkia Starfish:
Linkia Starfish are a group of starfish that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their unique shape and coloration. They are relatively easy to care for but require a stable environment and a specialized diet.
- Coral Banded Shrimp:
The Coral Banded Shrimp is a popular species of shrimp in the aquarium hobby due to its striking red and white coloration. They are active scavengers and can help to keep the aquarium clean.
- Red/Blue Leg Hermit Crabs:
Hermit crabs are a type of crustacean that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean. Red/Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are a popular species due to their striking coloration.
- Scarlet Hermit Crabs:
Scarlet Hermit Crabs are a species of hermit crab that are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their bright red coloration. They are active scavengers and can help to keep the aquarium clean.
- Emerald Crabs:
Emerald Crabs are a popular species of crab in the aquarium hobby due to their bright green coloration and ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean.
- Halloween Hermit Crabs:
Halloween Hermit Crabs are a popular species of hermit crab in the aquarium hobby due to their unique orange and black coloration. They are active scavengers and can help to keep the aquarium clean.
- Electric Blue Leg Hermit Crabs:
Electric Blue Leg Hermit Crabs are a popular species of hermit crab in the aquarium hobby due to their blue and black leg pattern. These are fantastic hermits to add color and pizazz to your tank.
- Pom-Pom Crabs:
Pom-Pom Crabs are a species of small, brightly colored crab that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their unique appearance. They are active scavengers and can help to keep the aquarium clean.
- Horseshoe Crabs:
Horseshoe Crabs are a unique species of invertebrate that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their prehistoric appearance. They are relatively hardy and can help to keep the aquarium clean.
- Tuxedo Sea Urchins:
Tuxedo Sea Urchins are a species of sea urchin that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their striking black and white coloration. They require a stable environment and a specialized diet.
- Pincushion Sea Urchin:
The Pincushion Sea Urchin is a common species of sea urchin that is popular in the aquarium hobby for its hardiness and ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean.
- Long-Spined Sea Urchin:
The Long-Spined Sea Urchin is a species of sea urchin that is popular in the aquarium hobby for its unique appearance and ability to help keep the aquarium clean.
- Pencil Sea Urchin:
Pencil Sea Urchins are a species of sea urchin that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their unique appearance and ability to help keep the aquarium clean.
- Trochus Snails:
Trochus Snails are a popular species of snail in the aquarium hobby due to their ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean. They are hardy and relatively easy to care for.
- Top Crown Snails:
Top Crown Snails are a species of snail that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their unique appearance and ability to help keep the aquarium clean. They require a stable environment and a specialized diet.
- Margarita Snails:
Margarita Snails are a common species of snail that are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their hardiness and ability to help keep the aquarium clean.
- Nassarius Snails:
Nassarius Snails are a species of snail that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean. They are relatively hardy and easy to care for. (Sea Zombies!)
- Turbo Snails:
Turbo Snails are a popular species of snail in the aquarium hobby due to their ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean. They are hardy and relatively easy to care for.
- Debelius Reef Lobster:
The Debelius Reef Lobster is a popular species of lobster in the aquarium hobby due to its unique appearance and ability to scavenge and help keep the aquarium clean.
- Red Hawaiian Reef Lobster:
Red Hawaiian Reef Lobsters are a species of lobster that are popular in the aquarium hobby for their striking red coloration and ability to help keep the aquarium clean.
- Peppermint shrimp:
Peppermint shrimp are members of the genus Lysmata and are known for their striking red and white coloration. They are commonly kept in saltwater aquariums for their ability to consume aiptasia, a type of pest anemone that can overrun a tank if left unchecked.
- Cleaner shrimp:
Cleaner Shrimp (skunk) are members of the Palaemonidae family, and are known for their ability to pick parasites and dead skin off the bodies of other live fish and predators.
Overall, there is a wide variety of saltwater invertebrates available in the aquarium hobby, each with their own unique appearance, dietary needs, and care requirements. Adding these fascinating creatures to your saltwater tank can not only add a pop of color and interest, but also help to keep your aquarium clean and balanced. Again, remember to do your research about each species comparability before adding to your tank to make sure you can continue to run a healthy and stable reef tank.
