Best Amphibians & Shrimp for a Paludarium (If Going Live)

A paludarium is more than just a stunning blend of land and water—it can be a living, breathing habitat when you introduce the right animal species. Adding amphibians or shrimp not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem.
If you’re considering going “live,” here’s your guide to the best amphibians and shrimp for paludariums, plus tips for keeping them happy and healthy.

🌿 Why Choose Amphibians & Shrimp?
Natural Activity – Adds movement and life to your setup.
Ecosystem Benefits – Some species help control algae, detritus, and pests.
Educational Value – A great way to observe natural behaviours up close.
Beauty & Variety – Vibrant colours and patterns make your paludarium truly unique.

🐸 Best Amphibians for Paludariums
Note: Always research the specific care requirements for any animal you introduce, and ensure your setup matches their environmental needs.

1. Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae)
Why They’re Great: Small, colourful, and active during the day.
Habitat Needs: High humidity, abundant foliage, shallow water access.
Bonus: They don’t require large water bodies, so they work well in heavily planted builds.

2. Fire-Bellied Toads (Bombina orientalis)
Why They’re Great: Hardy and striking, with bright orange bellies.
Habitat Needs: Equal land-to-water ratio, gentle water flow.
Behaviour: Semi-aquatic—enjoys swimming and lounging on land.

3. Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Why They’re Great: Unique, “smiling” appearance and fascinating movement.
Habitat Needs: Large aquatic section, cool water (16–18°C), minimal flow.
Note: Better for aquatically dominant paludariums.

4. Tree Frogs (Litoria, Hyla, etc.)
Why They’re Great: Climbing behaviour adds vertical interest.
Habitat Needs: Tall builds with branches, high humidity, shallow water areas.
Species Spotlight: Australian Green Tree Frog is hardy and adaptable.

5. Newts (Cynops, Triturus)
Why They’re Great: Gentle swimmers and low-maintenance.
Habitat Needs: Cool, clean water, partial land area with moss or rocks.

🦐 Best Shrimp for Paludariums
Shrimp are excellent for the aquatic zone, helping to keep it clean while adding pops of colour.

1. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Why They’re Great: Hardy, beginner-friendly, and available in various colours (red, yellow, blue).
Role: Algae control, detritus cleanup.
Habitat Needs: Planted water sections with hiding spots.

2. Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
Why They’re Great: Champion algae eaters.
Role: Keep glass and plant leaves spotless.
Habitat Needs: Stable, well-filtered aquatic zones.

3. Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.)
Why They’re Great: Transparent, quirky, and active scavengers.
Role: Clean leftover food and debris.
Bonus: Inexpensive and easy to find.

⚠️ Important Considerations Before Adding Animals
Compatibility: Avoid mixing predator and prey species in the same setup.
Water Quality: Maintain clean, dechlorinated, and properly cycled water.
Feeding: Supplement their diet—don’t rely solely on “natural” food from the habitat.
Safety: Ensure no escape routes for amphibians (they’re great climbers and jumpers!).
Legal Requirements: Check local regulations, as some amphibians are restricted.

🌟 Final Thoughts
Amphibians and shrimp can transform your paludarium from a static display into a dynamic, thriving microhabitat. By choosing species that match your build’s climate and design, you’ll create a balanced ecosystem that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Whether it’s the bold colours of dart frogs or the delicate movement of cherry shrimp, the right additions will bring your paludarium to life—literally.

🛒 Want to go live?
Modernrium can help you design bioactive paludariums tailored to amphibians and shrimp, complete with safe, species-specific environments. Contact us for custom builds and starter kits.