Adding invertebrates to immature or unstable aquariums

One of the biggest mistakes is introducing shrimp, snails, crabs, starfish, or other invertebrates into tanks that are too new or unstable. Invertebrates are often far more sensitive than fish to: salinity swings sudden temperature changes unstable alkalinity or pH elevated ammonia or copper contamination Many reef invertebrates rely on mature rockwork and stable biological systems to thrive long term.

Not researching compatibility and behaviour

A common mistake is assuming all reef invertebrates are “cleanup crew safe” or peaceful. Some species may: attack snails for shells nip at corals prey on smaller invertebrates compete aggressively for food or territory Different reef systems also support different species better depending on: coral type aquascape layout fish stocking nutrient levels Researching compatibility before purchase helps prevent long-term issues in mixed reef aquariums.

Poor acclimation practices

Many invertebrates are highly sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry, especially salinity. Common mistakes include: floating bags only without drip acclimation adding livestock too quickly after transport exposing sensitive species to air or temperature swings for extended periods Improper acclimation can lead to: shock and stress failed moults in shrimp or crabs sudden losses shortly after introduction Slow, careful acclimation is one of the most important factors for long-term invertebrate success.

What are your shipping options?

🛫 Livestock Shipping (Corals, Fish, Inverts) Overnight Express (Australia-wide) Shipped via Team Global Express / air freight partners depending on route Airport-to-Airport option available (customers collect from local airport freight terminal) Door-to-door delivery available where supported Typically dispatched on set shipping days (usually Monday–Tuesday) to reduce transit risk Designed specifically for live arrival success 📦 Dry Goods Shipping Standard parcel post via Australia Post / courier services 2–4 business days delivery (approx.) Used for equipment, supplements, salt, and non-living products 🚚 Local Delivery (Victoria) Hand-delivery available in select Melbourne areas (including Doncaster region) Same-day or scheduled local drop-offs depending on run ⚠️ Important Shipping Rules Livestock is packed and shipped under your Arrive Alive Guarantee Orders are carefully scheduled to avoid weekend delays (no risky Friday holds for livestock) WA / TAS / NT may have quarantine or species restrictions Dry goods and livestock may be split into separate shipments depending on rules 💡 Key Point We offer a specialised live arrival logistics system , not standard retail shipping - everything is structured around coral and fish survival, not just delivery speed.

What is your return policy?

🐠 Return Policy At Aquamarine Aquaristic, all livestock is handled under strict care standards to ensure the best possible arrival and long-term success. 🪸 Livestock (Corals, Fish & Invertebrates) Covered under our Arrive Alive Guarantee If an item arrives unwell or deceased, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery Clear photos are required (in bag + out of bag, where applicable) Once assessed, approved claims are issued as: Store credit, or Replacement (when available) Shipping costs for replacement items are not covered unless the issue is significant or agreed upon case-by-case. 📦 Dry Goods Must be returned unopened and unused Returns must be requested within 7 days of delivery Eligible for refund, store credit, or exchange (excluding shipping costs) ⚠️ Important Notes We do not accept returns for change of mind on livestock All livestock is unique and individually handled, making returns outside DOA/health issues not applicable Proper acclimation and care conditions are required for all claims

Do you ship internationally?

We only offer: 🇦🇺 Australia-wide livestock shipping (overnight / airport or door-to-door depending on route) 📦 Domestic dry goods shipping within Australia 🚚 Limited local Melbourne/Victoria hand delivery Why not overseas? International livestock shipping (especially corals, fish, and invertebrates) requires: Export permits (CITES for some corals/species) Import biosecurity approval from destination countries Complex quarantine and airline live animal export handling High mortality risk and compliance costs

How can I track my order?

📦 How to Track Your Order Once your order has been fulfilled and dispatched , you will automatically receive a tracking notification via SMS and/or email containing your tracking details. All livestock orders are shipped with Team Global Express , and can be tracked in real time. 🛰 Live Tracking Track your shipment (Team Global Express) Team Global Express also provides a live map tracking system , allowing you to follow your delivery in real time from depot to door (or airport pickup depending on service).

Collection

All Invertebrates

Complete Reef Clean Up Crew for Saltwater Aquariums

Discover premium marine invertebrates for sale in Australia, including essential reef cleanup crew species such as shrimp, snails, crabs, starfish, and other reef-safe invertebrates. Perfect for maintaining a clean, balanced, and healthy reef aquarium.

🦐 Shrimp, Snails & Reef Maintenance Species

Explore a wide range of saltwater aquarium invertebrates in Australia, including cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, turbo snails, nassarius snails, and hermit crabs. These species work together to naturally control algae, detritus, and waste in reef systems.

🌿 Essential Clean Up Crew for Reef Tanks

Our reef invertebrates collection is carefully selected for compatibility, reef safety, and long-term survival. These animals are essential for both beginner and advanced aquariums, helping maintain stable water quality and tank health.

🚚 Why Buy Marine Invertebrates From Us

We specialise in Australia wide shipping of live marine invertebrates, ensuring all clean up crew arrive healthy, active, and ready for acclimation. Every species is selected for reef compatibility and long-term aquarium performance backed by our Arrive Alive Guarantee.

10 products

Trochus Snail (Trochus Niloticus)

$10.00
Strombus Snail (Strombus Luhuanus)

$20.00
Micro Janitor Hermit (Clibanarius tricolor)

$5.00
Short Spine Urchin (Echinometra spp)

$45.00
Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)

$100.00
Arabica Cowrie (Cypraea arabica)

$30.00
Blue Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata)

$50.00
Burnt Sausage Sea Cucumber (Holothuria edulis)

$25.00
Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)

$150.00
XL Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris)

$50.00

Avoid these pitfalls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

please follow the path for success!

One of the biggest mistakes is introducing shrimp, snails, crabs, starfish, or other invertebrates into tanks that are too new or unstable.
Invertebrates are often far more sensitive than fish to:
- salinity swings
- sudden temperature changes
- unstable alkalinity or pH
- elevated ammonia or copper contamination
Many reef invertebrates rely on mature rockwork and stable biological systems to thrive long term.
A common mistake is assuming all reef invertebrates are “cleanup crew safe” or peaceful.
Some species may:
- attack snails for shells
- nip at corals
- prey on smaller invertebrates
- compete aggressively for food or territory
Different reef systems also support different species better depending on:
- coral type
- aquascape layout
- fish stocking
- nutrient levels
Researching compatibility before purchase helps prevent long-term issues in mixed reef aquariums.
Many invertebrates are highly sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry, especially salinity.
Common mistakes include:
- floating bags only without drip acclimation
- adding livestock too quickly after transport
- exposing sensitive species to air or temperature swings for extended periods
Improper acclimation can lead to:
- shock and stress
- failed moults in shrimp or crabs
- sudden losses shortly after introduction
Slow, careful acclimation is one of the most important factors for long-term invertebrate success.

Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and services

🛫 Livestock Shipping (Corals, Fish, Inverts)
- Overnight Express (Australia-wide)
- Shipped via Team Global Express / air freight partners depending on route
- Airport-to-Airport option available (customers collect from local airport freight terminal)
- Door-to-door delivery available where supported
- Typically dispatched on set shipping days (usually Monday–Tuesday) to reduce transit risk
- Designed specifically for live arrival success
📦 Dry Goods Shipping
- Standard parcel post via Australia Post / courier services
- 2–4 business days delivery (approx.)
- Used for equipment, supplements, salt, and non-living products
🚚 Local Delivery (Victoria)
- Hand-delivery available in select Melbourne areas (including Doncaster region)
- Same-day or scheduled local drop-offs depending on run
⚠️ Important Shipping Rules
- Livestock is packed and shipped under your Arrive Alive Guarantee
- Orders are carefully scheduled to avoid weekend delays (no risky Friday holds for livestock)
- WA / TAS / NT may have quarantine or species restrictions
- Dry goods and livestock may be split into separate shipments depending on rules
💡 Key Point
We offer a specialised live arrival logistics system, not standard retail shipping - everything is structured around coral and fish survival, not just delivery speed.
🐠 Return Policy
At Aquamarine Aquaristic, all livestock is handled under strict care standards to ensure the best possible arrival and long-term success.
🪸 Livestock (Corals, Fish & Invertebrates)
- Covered under our Arrive Alive Guarantee
- If an item arrives unwell or deceased, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery
- Clear photos are required (in bag + out of bag, where applicable)
- Once assessed, approved claims are issued as:
  
  Store credit, or
  
  Replacement (when available)
Shipping costs for replacement items are not covered unless the issue is significant or agreed upon case-by-case.
📦 Dry Goods
- Must be returned unopened and unused
- Returns must be requested within 7 days of delivery
- Eligible for refund, store credit, or exchange (excluding shipping costs)
⚠️ Important Notes
- We do not accept returns for change of mind on livestock
- All livestock is unique and individually handled, making returns outside DOA/health issues not applicable
- Proper acclimation and care conditions are required for all claims
We only offer:
- 🇦🇺 Australia-wide livestock shipping (overnight / airport or door-to-door depending on route)
- 📦 Domestic dry goods shipping within Australia
- 🚚 Limited local Melbourne/Victoria hand delivery
Why not overseas?
International livestock shipping (especially corals, fish, and invertebrates) requires:
- Export permits (CITES for some corals/species)
- Import biosecurity approval from destination countries
- Complex quarantine and airline live animal export handling
- High mortality risk and compliance costs
📦 How to Track Your Order
Once your order has been fulfilled and dispatched, you will automatically receive a tracking notification via SMS and/or email containing your tracking details.
All livestock orders are shipped with Team Global Express, and can be tracked in real time.
🛰 Live Tracking
Track your shipment (Team Global Express)
Team Global Express also provides a live map tracking system, allowing you to follow your delivery in real time from depot to door (or airport pickup depending on service).