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Invertebrate · Freshwater

Water louse

Asellus aquaticus

Water louse is a popular freshwater invertebrate in fishkeeping and suitable for well maintained aquariums.
D
Difficulty
Beginner
A
Aggression
0/10
G
Schooling
Yes
T
Size
1.00 cm
L
Minimum volume
10 L
º
Temperature
18.0-24.0 ºC
Z
Zone
Bottom
V
Lifespan
1 years

Quick profile scan

invertebrate
Territoriality Low
Aggression 0/10
Activity Slow
Thermal sensitivity Medium
Bioload Low
Speed Slow
Predation risk None

Expert calculator

Check whether this species fits your aquarium

Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.

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Expert read

Quick verdict

A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.

Best for

Aquariums where its role fits: invertebrate.

Typical risk

Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.

Aquarium zone

Where it lives best

Surface
Midwater
Bottom primary

Quick compatibility

Community signals

Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision

Before buying Water louse

Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.

L

Adult volume

Make sure your aquarium is above 10 L before buying it.

G

Minimum group

Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.

Parameters

Water conditions

pH
6.5 - 7.8
GH
5 - 15
KH
2 - 8
Temperature
18.0 - 24.0 ºC

Growth and behavior

Juvenile to adult

Juvenile
Juveniles are small and discreet, so they depend heavily on fine cover and a calm community. They are especially vulnerable to curious fish or opportunistic predators.
Shift
As it grows it becomes physically more resilient, but juveniles remain the most vulnerable stage to predators and parameter swings.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a low bioload and usually adds cleaning value or discreet bottom activity. Cohabitation improves with cover and when it is not mixed with species that may injure or prey on it.

Ecological profile

Role and biological pressure

Invertebrate Bottom Cleaner Small Low Moderate None
Profile: invertebrate, with low bioload and primary use of the bottom. It can adapt to calm communities, although it usually behaves better with compatible companions. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.

Ecological radar

profile
Territoriality 24%
Aggression 0%
Activity 24%
Thermal sensitivity 52%
Bioload 24%

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.

Keeping too few individuals for a social species.

Care

Essential care

Weekly 25% water changes. Keep shelters and stable water parameters.
Daily time
10 min
Life cycle

Breeding

Breeding depends on the species but improves in mature aquariums with stable parameters.
Oviparous Easy

No presenta diferencias sexuales evidentes

Monitoring

Alerts and health

  • Oxigenación fuerte
  • Acuario amplio
  • Escondites

Common issues

Podredumbre de aletas Ich
Expert notes

Interesting details

01

Se usa también en microecosistemas y alimento vivo

02

Aporta biodiversidad al sistema

Editorial confidence

Last review: June 2026

Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.

Profile data Ecological profile Manual relationships General aquarium observation