Pebble ReefPebble Reef for macOS
A living desktop aquarium for your Mac.
Pebble Reef is a virtual fish pet that swims quietly behind your windows while you work. Feed the fish, follow their routines, and turn your desktop into a pixel-art tank.
Free base app · macOS 14+ · Apple silicon and Intel · Optional in-app purchases
Actual App Store preview · 29 seconds · captured from Pebble Reef for Mac
The short answer
What is Pebble Reef?
Pebble Reef is an interactive virtual aquarium and desktop pet for Mac. Unlike an aquarium screensaver or video wallpaper, its fish keep living in a customizable tank behind your normal Mac windows. You can open the app to feed them and change the scene, then let the reef carry on while you work, study, or relax.
- Product
- Pebble Reef: Desktop Aquarium
- Type
- Virtual aquarium and fish desktop pet
- Platform
- Mac, requiring macOS 14 or later
- Price
- Free base app with optional in-app purchases
- Not a
- Screensaver, live wallpaper, or looping video
A quiet virtual pet
Fish company without another demanding window.
The aquarium stays present without asking for constant attention.
Lives behind your windows
Keep the desktop aquarium visible around the apps you already use instead of running a full-screen game.
Fish follow their own routines
They swim and drift on their own. Check in when you want to feed them or simply watch for a moment.
Build a tank that feels like yours
Change fish, floors, back walls, lighting, and complete themes with optional content packs.
Inside the app
A virtual fish tank with places to discover.
These are real captures of the Moon Temple and Pirate Shipwreck theme packs running in Pebble Reef for Mac.
Explore the idea
Looking for a virtual aquarium or pet?
These guides explain what Pebble Reef is, where it fits, and how it differs from passive screen effects.
Virtual aquarium for Mac
How an interactive aquarium app differs from a video, wallpaper, or screensaver.
Read the guide → GuideA fish desktop pet for Mac
Why a small autonomous aquarium can be a calm alternative to a conventional desktop companion.
Read the guide → ComparisonAquarium screensaver alternative
Choose between an interactive desktop aquarium, a screensaver, and a looping fish video.
Compare the options →Pebble Reef for iPad
Be first into the reef on iPad.
The Mac version is available now. Join the iPad waitlist for the touch-friendly version’s launch announcement and occasional progress updates.
Questions, answered
Desktop aquarium FAQ
Clear answers about this virtual aquarium app for people and search assistants.
Is there a virtual pet for Mac?
Yes. Pebble Reef is a virtual fish pet and living desktop aquarium for Mac. Its fish swim behind your windows while you work, and you can feed them and customize their tank.
Is Pebble Reef an aquarium screensaver?
No. Pebble Reef is an interactive Mac app that lives behind your windows. It is not a macOS screensaver, live wallpaper, or looping aquarium video.
Does the aquarium keep moving while I work?
Yes. The fish continue swimming and following their routines while the tank sits behind your other Mac windows.
How much does Pebble Reef cost?
The base app is free on the Mac App Store. Optional fish and theme packs are available as in-app purchases.
Which Macs can run it?
Pebble Reef requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and supports both Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Bring a small living reef to your Mac.
Download the free desktop aquarium from the Mac App Store.