Most invertebrates—like tarantulas, scorpions and hermit crabs—prefer minimal to no handling, perfect for the pet parent who prefers to watch their pets rather than holding and interacting with it. Invertebrates may bite, pinch or sting if they feel threatened so handling should be minimal. They will also all molt one or more times a year—depending on age—and should not be handled during this process to avoid injury to your pet. Invertebrates also generally take up less room than other pets, and are quiet so they can be great for a shared or smaller house.
Invertebrates will have different life spans depending on the species. Hermit crabs can live 10 or more years with proper care, while scorpions generally live 2 to 6 years. Tarantula’s life spans largely vary, but females can live up to 30 years in some species while males up to 7 years.
Yes they can bite if they feel threatened, but tarantulas are generally docile and rarely bite people. You may handle your pet tarantula, but use caution as many can be quick moving, and you want to make sure all legs are supported. Many species of tarantulas may also flick urticating hairs in defense which can be irritating to some humans.
All scorpions have a venomous sting, however—depending on species—the sting can be mild to severe. Although most people are not affected by Emperor Scorpions, some may be allergic.
High-quality commercial hermit crab food is the ideal primary diet for your pet, since it is formulated specifically with that species in mind. Adding a variety of vegetables, non-citrus fruits, nuts, seaweed and brine shrimp as treats will add variety to their diet.
Invertebrates can make excellent pets for those wanting a more hands-off type companion. These species generally only tolerate handling as necessary and prefer to be left alone, but can be very entertaining to watch independently in their own habitat.
Miscellaneous Saltwater Invertebrates & Plants
Saltwater Invertebrates
Freshwater Invertebrates: Shrimp & Snails
Corals
Invertebrates
Aquatic Invertebrates
Anemones
Sea Stars
Saltwater Crabs
Saltwater Shrimp
Saltwater Snails
Amphibians
Insect Pets
Terrarium Animals
Live Hermit Crabs
Marine Hermit Crabs
Aquarium Soft Corals
Terrarium Bugs
Small Hermit Crabs
Aquarium Crabs
Petco Marine Inverts Aquatic Invertebrates
Petco Freshwater Inverts Aquatic Invertebrates
Petco Freshwater Fish Aquatic Invertebrates
Petco Marine Inverts
Petco Freshwater Inverts
Petco Marine Inverts Live Aquarium Plants
Petco Marine Inverts Aquatic Life for Sale
Petco Freshwater Inverts Aquatic Life for Sale
Petco Marine Inverts Aquarium Plants & Accessories
Reptilinks
Petco Amphibians
Petco Live Small Animals
Microbe-Lift
Josh's Frogs Live Reptile Food
Exo-Terra Spider Terrariums
Exo-Terra Spider Shop
Josh's Frogs
Fluker's
Zilla Spider Terrariums
Aquatic Fundamentals
Hi. I have an African Dwarf Frog that has dropsy. He is quarantined away from the rest of my fish. I happen to have minocycline, which I’ve heard is safe to use for invertebrates), but i’m not sure what dosage to use?
Hi, I have a marine fish tank with 4 fish, an anemone, and a couple of invertebrates. There's nothing wrong right now but I'm scared that I might have jeopardized the aquarium's safety during a maintenance routine. I was doing some aquascaping when I realized that I forgot to rinse my hand beforehand, which worries me because I had handled clorox wipes (benzyl ammonium chloride) roughly 30 minutes before touching the water. Are my fish going to be ok, and is there anything I can do right now?
Hi! I was wondering what reptile/amphibian/insect/arachnid I can keep in a medium eco terra faunarium? (Roughly 7.5 x 12 inches)
What kind of worms are these?
I recently bought a millipede and was wondering if I could put any other insect in there without harming either one. I also bought Australian walking stick eggs and was wondering if they can live together
can saltwater hermit crabs live with out water
Hello! I'm looking to add some additional fish to my 36 gallon reef tank. So far, I have an orange firefish, 2 ocellaris clowns, a fire shrimp, a peppermint shrimp, and 4 blue legged hermit crabs. Do you have any recommendations other than damsels?
Hi, I’m having a problem with a tiny white bug infestation in my amphibians tanks, they arrived in damp substrate that came with a frog and now I can’t get rid of them. They are the same size as a spring tail but slow moving and round, maybe a mite? Any advice on how to get rid of them greatly appreciated as they keep coming back especially around damp areas
Snake demonstrating signs of Inclusion Body Disease
Do lungworms or heartworms show up in vomit? Could these (photo) be some kind of worms? Thanks.
Can I give my Chilean rosey red-haired tarantula green Hornworms as an alternative food source, then the Dubia hissing cockroach it lrg crickets
My 8 week old puppy just threw up what appears to be over a dozen small grub worms. A couple were still alive. Are there any worms that resemble grubs that are an actual infection. None more than half and inch long or so visible head I mean looks like she found a whole bunch of grubs and "grubbed down". I wouldn't be concerned about her eating grubs except for the fact that they made her vomit if they are indeed grubs.