Quick Answer

Looking for the perfect invertebrate? Our encyclopedia covers 3+ invertebrate breeds with detailed info on temperament, health, exercise needs, and grooming requirements. Browse below to find your ideal match.

🕷️3 Breeds

Pet Invertebrate Guide 2026

Invertebrates are some of the most low-maintenance and unique pets available. From tarantulas to hermit crabs to giant millipedes, these animals offer fascinating behaviors and minimal care requirements — but each species has specific environmental needs.

🌍

97%

Of animals are invertebrates

⏰

5-25 yrs

Pet lifespan range

✅

Low

Maintenance level

🚫

None

Handling for most species

How to Choose the Right Invertebrate

Handling

Tarantulas and scorpions are display-only. Millipedes and some crabs tolerate gentle handling.

Space

Most invertebrates need modest enclosures. Hermit crabs need larger tanks for groups.

Diet

Varies widely — crickets for tarantulas, fruits/leaves for millipedes, varied for hermit crabs.

Humidity

Most tropical invertebrates need high humidity (70-80%). Desert species need it dry.

🕷️ Types & Categories

Tarantulas

Mexican Red Knee, Pink Toe, Curly Hair

Long-lived, display pets, low maintenance

Hermit Crabs

Caribbean, Ecuadorian

Social, need shell options, 10+ year lifespan

Millipedes

Giant African Millipede, Bumblebee

Gentle, handleable, eat decaying matter

Beetles & Roaches

Blue Death Feigning, Madagascar Hissing

Hardy, fascinating behaviors, easy care

Browse All 3 Invertebrate Breeds

Click on any breed to learn about their personality, care needs, and health considerations.

Small

Hermit Crab

Hermit Crabs are social crustaceans that use empty shells for protection. They require tropical humidity, multiple shells to choose from, and companions.

SocialNocturnalCurious

Medium to Large

Tarantula

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders kept as pets. Chilean Rose Hair and Mexican Red Knee are popular beginner species. They're low-maintenance and fascinating to observe.

CalmSolitaryLow-maintenance

Large

Emperor Scorpion

Emperor Scorpions are large, impressive arachnids with relatively mild venom. They're calm, can be handled carefully, and glow under black light.

CalmNocturnalHardy

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tarantulas dangerous?▼

Pet tarantula species (like Mexican Red Knee) have venom comparable to a bee sting — painful but not medically significant for most people. The bigger risk is their urticating hairs (New World species) which cause skin irritation. Tarantulas are generally docile display animals.

How long do hermit crabs live?▼

With proper care, hermit crabs can live 10-15 years or more. Most die prematurely due to improper care (too small tanks, no humidity, painted shells, isolation). They need 10+ gallon tanks, 70-80% humidity, and companions.

What is the easiest invertebrate pet?▼

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and Giant African Millipedes are among the easiest. They eat fruit and vegetables, need simple enclosures, tolerate gentle handling, and are very hardy. Tarantulas are also low-maintenance but should not be handled.

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Trusted sources: AVMA Pet Selection