Aquatic insects?

[CladeArthropoda]

What are the best aquatic insects to keep as pets? And could they have tank mates. To the extent of my knowledge, aquatic insects do really bad with fish because one always eats the other. But what about crustaceans? Could you have a mixed community tank of aquatic insects and crustaceans?

 

[schmiggle]

I wouldn't mix aquatic insects and crustaceans unless they're a similar size (and come from a similar habitat). For example: I wouldn't mix freshwater crabs and dragonfly nymphs--the latter would quickly become lunch. However, you might be ok with, say, cherry shrimp and dragonfly nymphs. Which insects are you particularly interested in?

 

[Scooterscooby]

What are the best aquatic insects to keep as pets? And could they have tank mates. To the extent of my knowledge, aquatic insects do really bad with fish because one always eats the other. But what about crustaceans? Could you have a mixed community tank of aquatic insects and crustaceans?

I'm not sure about what would be the best set-up for you, but I can tell you my experience. I have two Rantra waterscorpions in a small tank with live java moss, a fake plant, a feeder guppy, ghost shrimp, and a snail. All have lived peacefully for months. I don't have any artificial light or heating. The Rantras are super cool to watch. The feeder guppy and the ghost shrimp were meant to be food, but my Rantras haven't eaten them. They may someday, which would be ok with me. But they only seem interested in bugs that fall into the water. I drop crickets, roaches, and bean beetles in a couple times a week, and they really like all of those. Bottom line is, I think it is possible to set up a naturalistic aquatic invertebrate tank with different inhabitants so long as everyone's needs are attended to.

 

[spotropaicsav]

What are the best aquatic insects to keep as pets? And could they have tank mates. To the extent of my knowledge, aquatic insects do really bad with fish because one always eats the other. But what about crustaceans? Could you have a mixed community tank of aquatic insects and crustaceans?

Depends on what you are looking for. You could, you would have to be careful and do your research to make sure compatible. Ive had the best luck with local, reputable aquarium shops for consulting on set ups.

 

[MatisIsLoveMantisIsLyf]

Toe bitters? Or maybe dragonfly larvae?

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

I wouldn't mix aquatic insects and crustaceans unless they're a similar size (and come from a similar habitat). For example: I wouldn't mix freshwater crabs and dragonfly nymphs--the latter would quickly become lunch. However, you might be ok with, say, cherry shrimp and dragonfly nymphs. Which insects are you particularly interested in?

In the latter case, the cherry shrimp would become lunch. Dragonfly nymphs are voracious predators.

One aquatic insect that isn't strongly predatory is adult Hydrophilus beetles. They're omnivorous scavengers that don't normally prey on healthy animals, and could probably be kept with fish, as well as other aquatic insects like dragonfly nymphs since their large size and armor protects them from attack. They're also some of the largest and most attractive aquatic insects.

Here's a fun anecdote: I once had a small hexagon tank where I kept a 3- inch crayfish and a 1.5 inch giant waterbug. The waterbug always stayed near the surface and the crayfish at the bottom, but I was always worried the crayfish would eat the waterbug. One morning I discovered the waterbug eating the crayfish.

 

[CladeArthropoda]

In the latter case, the cherry shrimp would become lunch. Dragonfly nymphs are voracious predators.

One aquatic insect that isn't strongly predatory is adult Hydrophilus beetles. They're omnivorous scavengers that don't normally prey on healthy animals, and could probably be kept with fish, as well as other aquatic insects like dragonfly nymphs since their large size and armor protects them from attack. They're also some of the largest and most attractive aquatic insects.

Here's a fun anecdote: I once had a small hexagon tank where I kept a 3- inch crayfish and a 1.5 inch giant waterbug. The waterbug always stayed near the surface and the crayfish at the bottom, but I was always worried the crayfish would eat the waterbug. One morning I discovered the waterbug eating the crayfish.

Now that you mention it, maybe a similar sized water beetle and crayfish might work.