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So, you’ve been scrolling through pet videos and thinking —
“I want a pet too… but not a dog or cat. Maybe something small and peaceful.”
Welcome to the world of small aquatic pets — tiny underwater buddies that don’t take much space, don’t make noise, and are surprisingly fun to care for.
Whether you’re a student, live in a flat, or just want a calming little tank in your room — this guide will help you pick the right pet to start with.
Why Choose Aquatic Pets?
Before we jump into the list, let’s be honest — keeping an aquarium is one of the most relaxing hobbies ever.
It’s quiet, beautiful, and it teaches patience.
Here’s why small aquatic pets are perfect for beginners:
🏠 Need very little space
💧 Easy to care for with basic equipment
💰 Affordable to maintain
🌿 Great for stress relief
📚 You actually learn about biology & nature
Before You Start — What You’ll Need
No matter which aquatic pet you choose, these are the basics:
A small aquarium or bowl (10–20 litres minimum)
A good filter (keeps the water clean)
Water conditioner or dechlorinator
Aquarium light for plants and visibility
Fish food suited to your species
Gravel, plants, and decorations
💡 Tip: Don’t buy a fish before setting up your tank. Let the water run for at least 3–4 days before adding any pet.
1. Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
The king of small aquariums — colorful, bold, and full of personality.
Betta fish come in stunning shades of blue, red, gold, and purple.
They’re perfect for solo tanks, meaning no tankmates needed.
Why they’re great:
Easy to feed and care for
No air pump required
Recognizes its owner (seriously, they do!)
Tank size: 10L+
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Food: Betta pellets / frozen bloodworms
💡 Avoid keeping two males together — they’ll fight.
2. Mystery Snails
Yes, snails!
They clean your aquarium while looking cute and oddly satisfying.
They glide around slowly, eating leftover food and algae — a built-in cleaning crew.
Why they’re great:
Super low maintenance
Clean the glass naturally
Come in gold, blue, and black colors
Tank size: 10L+
Lifespan: 1–2 years
Food: Algae wafers, boiled vegetables
3. Guppies
Guppies are like the “friendly neighbors” of the aquarium world.
They’re colorful, active, and peaceful — plus, they breed easily (sometimes too easily 😅).
Why they’re great:
Hardy and forgiving for beginners
Come in dozens of bright patterns
Active swimmers — always fun to watch
Tank size: 15L+
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Food: Flakes, pellets, or micro worms
💡 Start with 1 male and 2 females to keep balance.
4. Neon Tetras
Tiny, shiny, and peaceful — tetras are great community fish for small tanks.
Their glowing blue and red stripes make your aquarium look lively.
Why they’re great:
Schooling fish — keep 5–6 together
Peaceful with most species
Great color contrast in planted tanks
Tank size: 20L+
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Food: Flake food, small pellets
💡 Tetras love soft, clean water — regular partial changes help.
5. Cherry Shrimp
The underdogs of the aquarium world — small, red, and adorable.
They’re great cleaners and add movement to planted aquariums.
Why they’re great:
Clean algae & leftover food
Breed easily in safe conditions
Peaceful and fun to watch
Tank size: 10L+
Lifespan: 1–2 years
Food: Shrimp pellets, boiled spinach
💡 No aggressive fish with shrimp — they might become snacks!
6. Small Turtles (Red-Eared Slider Hatchlings)
If you’re okay with a slightly bigger setup, turtles make unique aquatic pets.
They’re interactive, curious, and live long lives.
Why they’re great:
Easy to handle & fun to observe
Long lifespan (15+ years)
Can live alone happily
Tank size: 40L+ with dry basking area
Lifespan: 20+ years
Food: Turtle pellets, shrimp, vegetables
💡 They’re a long-term commitment — not just a short experiment.
Maintenance Tips for New Pet Owners
Change 25–30% of the water weekly
Don’t overfeed — uneaten food causes smell
Use a filter that matches your tank size
Keep the tank away from direct sunlight
Watch your pets — they’ll show if something’s wrong (floating, hiding, etc.)
Budget Breakdown (Approximate)
| Item | Price (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Aquarium (10–20L) | ₹800–₹1500 | Glass or acrylic |
| Filter | ₹500–₹1200 | Internal or sponge filter |
| Light | ₹400–₹1000 | LED or clip light |
| Food | ₹200–₹400 | Depending on species |
| Decorations & Gravel | ₹300–₹700 | Optional but looks great |
So for under ₹3,000–₹4,000, you can start your aquatic journey the right way.
Final Thoughts
Owning small aquatic pets is more than a hobby — it’s like having a tiny living world inside your room.
You’ll find yourself staring at the tank for minutes without realizing it.
Start simple. Learn the basics. Care for them like little family members — because even the smallest pet deserves respect and love.
“Small creatures, big peace.”
— Creepy.in