If the usual pets fail to catch your interest, there is a wide range of unusual and exotic pets that you can own. What generally interests people about exotic pets is that, they are part of the untamed nature that contains millions of species that have evolved without the intervention of humans. The lack of knowledge about such creatures makes it all the more interesting to own them.

Nobody would fancy a cockroach for a pet. The very name sends chills down the spine for many. But there are people who are fascinated by a special species of cockroach called the Madagascar hissing cockroach. The habits of the cockroach and the spirit with which it defends it territories have impelled the people to keep it as a pet.

If you are fond of fishes, then you can consider having a Piranha at home. True to their depiction in cartoons like Tom & Jerry, they are violent creatures who can chew off the hand that feeds it. Mostly, only experienced aquarists take on the piranha.

A creature that is fast gaining popularity as a pet is the Tarantula. Tarantulas are large hairy spiders with a very fragile abdomen. They can get killed even if dropped from a small height. Tarantulas are not venomous and their bite is like a bee's sting. They are lovely creatures and make wonderful pets.

Nothing could be more unusual than having a hermit crab at home. They have a long, soft, coiled abdomen with a large shell. These creatures are active at night and don't usually bite, but can pinch. Hermit crabs are very sociable as pets.

A few other interesting animals that can make good pets are sugar gliders, potbellied pigs, wallabies, stick insects and hedgehogs. When you own such exotic pets, you must make sure that you don't break any federal rules. Learn more about the animal you are planning to keep as pet through books or by surfing the net and create the space it requires at home. Above all take good care of it and treat it with love and affection.