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Not every tank has to be about fish. This category covers the "something different" side of the hobby: aquatic frogs, spiny eels, freshwater crabs, snails, axolotls and other creatures that bring their own personality to an aquarium. Some are easy add-ons to a community tank, while others need a setup built entirely around them.
On FishyHub you can compare these animals from Malaysian aquarium shops, breeders and hobbyists, with prices in RM. Because their needs vary so much, read the notes below and check each listing carefully before you add anything to your tank.
African dwarf frogs are small, fully aquatic frogs that suit calm, peaceful tanks. They are slow feeders, so they struggle to compete with fast fish, and they need sinking foods such as bloodworm placed near them. African clawed frogs grow much larger and will eat small fish, so they are best kept on their own. A tight lid is a must for any katak (frog) kept in an aquarium.
Spiny eels, known locally as ikan tilan, are long, burrowing fish rather than true eels. Peacock and tire track eels stay manageable, while fire eels can grow very large. They love soft sand to dig into, hide during the day and are notorious escape artists, so cover every gap in the lid. Small tankmates such as neon tetras and shrimp may be eaten.
Small crabs such as red-claw crabs and various freshwater crabs need a land area as well as water, so a paludarium or half-filled tank works better than a normal aquarium. Most are climbers and escape easily. Ask the seller whether the species is fully aquatic, semi-terrestrial or needs brackish water.
Nerite, mystery and rabbit snails are useful algae grazers and clean-up crew. Freshwater clams are filter feeders and are hard to keep long term because they need very fine food in the water. Crayfish (including the Cambaridae family and Cherax destructor) are prohibited in Malaysia, so this category focuses on other animals.
The axolotl is an aquatic salamander, not a fish. It is popular for its smiling face and frilly gills, but it is a cool-water animal that does poorly in typical Malaysian room temperatures. More on this below.
| Animal | Temperature | Minimum tank | Temperament | Diet | Beginner? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African dwarf frog | 24–28°C; fine in most homes | 1 kaki (30 cm, 12–15 L) for a small group | Peaceful | Bloodworm, sinking pellets | Yes, with calm tankmates |
| Peacock / tire track spiny eel | 24–28°C | 3 kaki (90 cm, 155–180 L) | Peaceful but eats tiny fish | Worms, frozen foods | Intermediate |
| Freshwater crab | 24–28°C | 2 kaki (60 cm) with a land area | Can nip and fight each other | Pellets, vegetables, frozen foods | Intermediate |
| Nerite / mystery snail | 22–29°C | 1 kaki (30 cm) | Peaceful | Algae, wafers, vegetables | Yes |
| Axolotl | About 16–20°C; needs a chiller in Malaysia | 2 kaki (60 cm, 55–65 L) per adult | Will eat small fish | Worms, carnivore pellets | No, because of cooling |
Our homes sit around 26–31°C all year, which suits frogs, eels and most snails without a heater. The axolotl is the big exception. At 26°C and above it becomes stressed and prone to infection, so you will need a chiller and, ideally, an air-conditioned room. A kipas akuarium (cooling fan) alone usually cannot bring a tank low enough. Do not buy an axolotl until the cooling is sorted.
Malaysian tap water is chlorinated, and amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin, so always use anti klorin. Soft, low-KH water can also wear away snail shells over time. A test kit and a calcium source, such as crushed coral in the filter, help keep shells healthy.
Frogs, eels and crabs are all expert escapees. Close every gap around cables and filter pipes, and check the lid after feeding.
Never release frogs, eels, snails or other aquarium animals into ponds, drains or rivers. Many become invasive. Jangan lepaskan ke sungai. If you can no longer keep an animal, ask a local shop or hobby group to rehome it.
Prices in RM depend on species, size and rarity. Common snails and small frogs sit at the affordable end, while larger eels and colour-morph axolotls usually cost more.
Katak kerdil Afrika (African dwarf frog) boleh dicampur dengan ikan kecil yang tenang. Elakkan ikan yang laju berebut makanan atau suka gigit. Katak cakar Afrika yang lebih besar pula akan makan ikan kecil.
Sukar. Axolotl suka air sejuk sekitar 16–20°C, jauh lebih rendah daripada suhu rumah biasa di Malaysia. Kebanyakan pemelihara guna chiller supaya axolotl sihat untuk jangka panjang.
Medium-sized fish are usually fine, but spiny eels will eat very small fish and shrimp, especially at night.
Most freshwater crabs sold in the hobby do. Give them rocks, wood or a sloped area where they can climb fully out of the water.
Yes. Crayfish (including the Cambaridae family and Cherax destructor) are prohibited in Malaysia. Choose crabs, snails or shrimp instead, and check DOF Malaysia rules before buying any crustacean.
Browse frogs, spiny eels, crabs, snails and more from Malaysian sellers and compare prices in RM. For the right setup, check out aquarium sand, tight-fitting lids and the shrimp and snail categories.
