When people think of an aquarium they most often imagine a home for fish. This may be the most popular type of inhabitant but they are certainly not the only animal that can be kept.
Many other alternatives exist, all of which can make excellent pets. You should check your local laws for any relevant laws however. These are a few of the alternative pets that are housed in aquariums.
Turtles
Turtles are a popular amphibian that can be obtained from many pet stores. These are a long term pet that will often outlive their owners. Turtles require suitable lighting to allow them to regulate their temperature and maintain a healthy hard shell. They also need an above water platform where they can dry out and sun themselves.
Frogs
Frogs can be obtained as tadpoles and easily grown into adulthood. Feeding the tadpoles with blanched lettuce leaves is an inexpensive method. Adult frogs should be housed in a fairly large aquarium to ensure they have room to jump. Like turtles, frogs require a solid platform on which to rest while not in the water.
Axolotls
Axolotls are an unusual amphibian in a number of ways. They technically never develop into an adult form yet reproduce without attaining this mature form. Another interesting aspect is their ability to regenerate parts of their body if damaged. The tail, legs and even partial damage to the head can be grown back in a few weeks.
Triops
Perhaps the most alternative aquarium inhabitant of all. With three eyes and a flat armored body Triops look alien when compared to many other species. They are native to seasonal lakes in outback Australia which has influenced their lifecycle. The eggs can survive dried out for a number of years which is how they are purchased.
