Each creature must be kept alive by feeding, whether through fish food bought by the player or other species of fish in the tank. Guppies and other fish drop money, which can be collected by the player and used to purchase fish food and upgrades, such as more aquatic creatures, more filling food, and powerful lasers to repel attackers. Players must manage a tank of guppies and other aquatic creatures, each stage begins with two guppies in the tank or one breeder which creates guppies. The following section was copied from Wikipedia.
Shells are collected as the game progresses, and they can be used to create a custom Insaniquarium screen saver, to buy bonus pets or to increase the number of pets allowed in each tank. Insaniquarium Deluxe features enhanced graphics, new pets, new modes of gameplay, and a new type of currency called 'shells'.