Looking for a colourful, low-maintenance fish that thrives in community aquariums? Our Assorted Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus) are the perfect choice! These vibrant livebearers come in a wide range of striking colours and patterns, making them one of the most popular freshwater fish for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Each order includes a random mix of healthy, high-quality platies, carefully selected to add variety, beauty, and peaceful activity to your tank. 🌈 What’s Included: You’ll receive an assorted selection from a wide range of colour and pattern types, such as: Red Platies Sunset Platies Mickey Mouse Platies Tuxedo Platies Gold Wag / Black Wag Platies Hi-Fin or Shortfin Variants (based on availability) All fish are selected at random to provide a unique, colourful mix. 🐟 Species Information: Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus Common Name: Platy / Assorted Platy Adult Size: 5 – 7 cm Lifespan: 2 – 4 years Minimum Tank Size: 40L (60L+ recommended for small groups) 🌟 Why Choose Assorted Platies? Bright Colours: Each fish adds a unique splash of colour to your tank Peaceful Nature: Excellent for community tanks and safe around shrimp and snails Livebearers: Fun for hobbyists interested in breeding—platies give birth to live fry Hardy & Beginner-Friendly: Tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and very easy to care for 💧 Water Parameters: Temperature Range: 22°C – 26°C pH Range: 7.0 – 8.2 Hardness: Moderate to hard water preferred Tank Setup: Planted tanks with open swimming space are ideal; floating plants provide comfort for fry 🍴 Diet: Platies are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet, including: High-quality tropical flakes or pellets Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms) Spirulina-based foods for colour enhancement 🤝 Ideal Tank Mates: Assorted Platies are peaceful and thrive with other community fish such as: Guppies Mollies Swordtails Corydoras Danios Avoid aggressive species or large predatory fish. 🛍️ Why Buy from Aquatic Pets SA? ✔️ Healthy, vibrant platies – locally acclimated✔️ Beautiful mixed varieties in every order✔️ Fast, safe shipping across South Africa✔️ Expert support for tank setup, compatibility & breeding tips Brighten your aquarium with the playful energy and brilliant colours of Assorted Platies. Whether you're setting up your first tank or expanding your community, these fish are a reliable, beautiful, and interactive choice. 👉 Order now from Aquatic Pets SA and let your tank come alive with colour and life!

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Echinodorus Paniculatus – Tall, Elegant Sword Plant for Background Impact Echinodorus Paniculatus is a bold and fast-growing sword plant that brings structure and vertical interest to any freshwater aquascape. With its long, pointed green leaves and bushy base, this plant makes an excellent background anchor in medium to large aquariums. Known for its adaptability and ease of care, Echinodorus Paniculatus is a favorite among aquascapers looking for lush greenery with minimal maintenance. ✅ Quick Specs: Scientific Name: Echinodorus paniculatus Common Name: Panicle Sword Plant Height: 30–60+ cm Lighting: Medium to High CO₂: Optional but beneficial Temperature: 22–28°C Placement: Background Growth Rate: Fast Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate 🌿 Why You'll Love It: Tall, flowing leaves add height and structure Fills background space beautifully in large tanks Hardy and adaptable to most freshwater setups Can grow emersed in paludariums or open-top tanks Excellent for natural and biotope-style aquascapes 💡 Care Tips: Grows best in a nutrient-rich substrate Regular trimming helps manage height and shape Does not require CO₂ but responds well to it Remove older or yellowing leaves to promote new growth 📦 Sold Individually – Robust and Rooted, Ready to Plant!Ideal for larger tanks, Amazon-style aquascapes, or as a statement plant in community aquariums.

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Bacopa Caroliniana is a popular and easy-to-care-for stem plant with thick, rounded green leaves and a slow to moderate growth rate. Native to the southern United States, this hardy aquatic plant is perfect for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. Its light green color and compact structure make it a versatile choice for midground to background placement in freshwater aquariums. Key Features: 🌿 Scientific Name: Bacopa caroliniana 📏 Growth Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 inches) 💡 Lighting Requirements: Low to High (color intensifies under higher light) 💧 CO₂ Requirement: Not necessary, but enhances growth 🌡️ Temperature Range: 20–28°C (68–82°F) ⚙️ Placement: Midground to Background 🐟 Great For: Beginners, low-tech tanks, natural-style layouts Care Notes: This plant thrives in a wide range of conditions and can be grown submerged or emersed. Under strong lighting, the tips of the leaves may turn a bronze or reddish hue. Bacopa Caroliniana also gives off a pleasant lemony scent when handled or trimmed. It can be propagated easily by cutting and replanting healthy stems. Why Choose Bacopa Caroliniana? Incredibly hardy and beginner-friendly Adds gentle green tones and soft texture to aquascapes Fragrant when trimmed – a unique feature Great for filling in spaces or creating a natural look

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Eleocharis parvula (Dwarf Hairgrass) – Epic Aquatics Eleocharis parvula, commonly known as Dwarf Hairgrass, is a classic foreground plant in freshwater aquascaping. Its fine, grass-like leaves form a soft, flowing carpet that creates a natural, serene look in your aquarium. This plant is ideal for aquascapers looking to add texture, depth, and movement to the foreground of their planted tanks. Key Features Forms a dense, grass-like carpet in the foreground Soft, bright green leaves create natural movement in the aquarium Ideal for foreground planting or accenting hardscape elements Easy to propagate by dividing and replanting small clumps Care Information Eleocharis parvula thrives under medium to high lighting and prefers nutrient-rich substrate. CO₂ supplementation is optional but encourages faster growth and denser carpeting. Regular trimming helps maintain a uniform, low-profile carpet and promotes healthy lateral spread. Plant Details Growth habit: Creeping / carpeting Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate Lighting requirement: Medium to high CO₂: Optional, enhances growth and density Aquarium type: Freshwater planted tanks Eleocharis parvula (Dwarf Hairgrass) – Epic Aquatics is perfect for aquascapers aiming to create soft, natural foregrounds and elegant, low-maintenance greenery in their aquariums.

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Tired of nuisance snails taking over your aquarium? Meet the Assassin Snail (Clea helena) – a striking freshwater snail known not only for its unique appearance but also for its incredible ability to control pest snail populations naturally. With their bold yellow-and-brown striped shells, these snails add visual interest while helping maintain a balanced aquarium ecosystem. 🐌 Key Features: Scientific Name: Clea helena Size: Grows up to 2–3 cm Temperament: Peaceful toward fish, but predatory to pest snails Lifespan: 2–3 years under proper conditions Diet: Feeds primarily on other snails (pond, ramshorn, bladder snails) and will also consume leftover fish food Behavior: Slow-moving, fascinating to watch, and highly effective as a natural snail population controller 🌿 Tank Requirements: Tank Size: Minimum 20 litres Water Parameters: Temperature: 22–28°C pH: 7.0–8.0 (prefers neutral to slightly alkaline) Medium to hard water is ideal Substrate: Sand or fine gravel where they can burrow Environment: Provide hiding spots and a stable food source. Compatible with most community fish but avoid keeping them with other valuable snails you wish to keep. ✅ Why Choose Assassin Snails? Natural pest control – keeps nuisance snail populations in check Hardy and low maintenance – easy to care for, perfect for beginners Peaceful with fish and shrimp – only preys on snails, not other tank inhabitants Unique appearance – their striped shells make them a beautiful addition to any aquarium 💡 Care Tip: Assassin Snails reproduce slowly (unlike pest snails), so you don’t have to worry about overpopulation. They do best in tanks where pest snails are present or when supplemented with protein-rich sinking foods. ✨ Ideal for aquarists looking to control unwanted snails while adding an intriguing species to their tank!

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🌿 Echinodorus Palaefolius – Upright Elegance for Background Impact Echinodorus Palaefolius is a tall, upright-growing sword plant with long, narrow green leaves that arch gracefully toward the water surface. Native to South America, this plant brings structure and movement to the background of large aquariums or open-top tanks, and it can grow emersed in shallow setups, often producing beautiful flowers. Perfect for aquarists who want a natural, riverbank aesthetic or a bold vertical element in planted aquascapes. ✅ Quick Specs: Scientific Name: Echinodorus palaefolius Common Names: Narrow Leaf Sword, Wild Plantain Sword Height: 40–60+ cm Lighting: Medium to High CO₂: Optional but enhances growth Temperature: 20–28°C Placement: Background Growth Rate: Fast Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate 🌱 Why You'll Love It: Graceful, long leaves provide a vertical, natural feel Great for large aquariums or pond-style tanks Can transition between submerged and emersed growth Excellent shade and shelter for fish and shrimp Adds height and elegance without overwhelming the aquascape 💡 Care Tips: Use nutrient-rich substrate for strong root development May grow above the water line in open-top setups Prune older leaves to maintain shape and encourage new growth Suitable for biotope, river-style, and jungle-style layouts Allow space—this plant can grow tall and wide 📦 Sold Individually – Rooted and Aquascape-Ready!Ideal for planted displays, background coverage, and natural freshwater scapes.

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Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) The Pea Puffer, also known as the Dwarf Pufferfish, is one of the most fascinating and charismatic freshwater fish you can add to your aquarium. Despite their tiny size, these little puffers have big personalities and are a favourite for aquarists looking for something unique and engaging. ✅ Key Features Tiny but Bold – Grows up to just 2.5 cm, but full of personality. Freshwater Puffer – Unlike many puffers, the Pea Puffer thrives in freshwater. Unique Behaviour – Intelligent, curious, and always exploring their surroundings. Colourful Appearance – Golden-green body with striking spots. Snail Control – Excellent at keeping pest snail populations in check. 📦 Care Specifications Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus Adult Size: Up to 2.5 cm Tank Size: Minimum 40L (for a small group) Water Parameters: Temperature: 24–28°C pH: 6.5–7.5 Diet: Carnivorous – prefers live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small snails. Temperament: Semi-aggressive; best in species-only setups or carefully chosen tank mates. ❓ FAQs Can Pea Puffers live in community tanks?They can be nippy and territorial, so they’re best in species-only tanks or with very careful tank mate selection. Do they eat flakes or pellets?Pea Puffers often refuse dry foods. They thrive on frozen or live food, especially snails. How many can I keep together?A small group (3–5) can be kept in a well-planted 40L+ aquarium, with plenty of hiding spaces. 👉 Add some personality and charm to your aquarium with the Pea Puffer – a tiny fish with a big attitude! Available now at Aquatic Pets SA.

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Hemigraphis colorata – Add Vibrant Color to Your Aquascape Bring a splash of rich purples and metallic tones to your tank or terrarium with Hemigraphis colorata, also known as the Purple Waffle Plant. This striking plant offers more than just beauty – it plays a supportive role in water quality and tank aesthetics. 🌿 Why Hemigraphis colorata?With its deep purple undersides and textured green leaves, this ornamental plant adds eye-catching contrast and dimension to any aquascape or paludarium setup. ✨ Key Features: 💜 Striking Purple-Green Foliage – Ideal for creating bold color accents. 🐟 Aquarium & Terrarium Friendly – Suitable for emersed growth or short-term submerged use. 🌱 Low Maintenance – Thrives in moderate light and warm temperatures. 🌬 Improves Water Quality – Assists with oxygenation and nutrient absorption in suitable setups. 📏 Growth & Placement: Medium growth rate Best placed mid-ground or as a decorative corner piece Height: Up to 15cm Light: Moderate to high Temperature: 22–28°C ⚠️ Please Note:Hemigraphis colorata is best used in paludariums or emersed tanks. It may not thrive long-term fully submerged in traditional aquariums. 🌿 Perfect For: Paludariums and vivariums Decorative aquascapes Bioactive terrariums Semi-aquatic displays Add exotic flair and natural function to your setup with the unique beauty of Hemigraphis colorata. 👉 Limited stock available – order now!

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🌿 Echinodorus Radicans – Graceful Giant for Background Aquascaping Echinodorus Radicans, also known as the Radican Sword, is a robust, fast-growing background plant ideal for large aquariums. With its broad, slightly ruffled green leaves and towering height, it creates an impressive, natural centerpiece or dense green curtain in the rear of the tank. Native to South America, this plant thrives in nutrient-rich substrate and is perfect for hobbyists looking to create a lush Amazonian or jungle-style aquascape. ✅ Quick Specs: Scientific Name: Echinodorus radicans Common Name: Radican Sword Height: 40–60+ cm Lighting: Medium to High CO₂: Optional but improves growth and color Temperature: 22–28°C Placement: Background Growth Rate: Fast Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate 🌱 Why You'll Love It: Produces large, ruffled green leaves—great visual impact Excellent choice for large or open-top tanks Provides great cover for fish, shrimp, and fry Can grow submerged or emersed (flowers in emersed setups) Low-maintenance once established 💡 Care Tips: Best results in a nutrient-rich substrate or with root tabs Requires adequate space—grows tall and wide May produce emersed leaves and flowering stalks in open setups Trim outer leaves to encourage compact, lush new growth Avoid in nano tanks due to its size 📦 Sold Individually – Healthy, Rooted, and Ready to Plant!Perfect for Amazonian biotopes, large planted aquariums, or natural-style aquascapes.

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Bacopa Amplexicaulis – Fast-Growing Background Plant Bacopa Amplexicaulis is a fast-growing, upright stem plant known for its bright green leaves and ease of care. With a clean vertical growth pattern and high adaptability, this plant is perfect for filling in the background of your aquascape or creating a lush green wall effect in larger tanks. ✅ Quick Specs: Scientific Name: Bacopa amplexicaulis Height: 25–50 cm Lighting: Medium to High CO₂: Recommended for best growth Temperature: 20–28°C Placement: Background Growth Rate: Fast Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced 🌱 Why You'll Love It: Grows tall and fast—great for filling space Bright green stems with smooth, clasping leaves Thrives in most aquarium setups Easy to trim and propagate Adds structure and movement to your aquascape 💡 Care Tips: Provide moderate to strong lighting for upright growth CO₂ will speed up growth and improve leaf quality Trim regularly to prevent crowding and promote bushier tops Propagate by cutting healthy stems and replanting in substrate 📦 Sold Individually – Fresh, Healthy, and Ready to Plant!Perfect for planted aquariums, Dutch-style tanks, or nature-inspired layouts.

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Add a touch of vibrant green to your aquascape with Alternanthera Species 'Green', a beautiful and less common variety of the popular Alternanthera genus. With its rich green leaves and compact growth habit, this plant brings a refreshing contrast to red-toned species and is perfect for both beginner and experienced aquascapers. Key Features: 🌿 Scientific Name: Alternanthera sp. 'Green' 📏 Growth Height: 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) 💡 Lighting Requirements: Medium to High 💧 CO₂ Requirement: Recommended for optimal density and coloration 🌡️ Temperature Range: 22–28°C (72–82°F) ⚙️ Placement: Midground to Background 🐟 Great For: Natural-style aquascapes, nano tanks, planted displays Care Notes: Alternanthera 'Green' thrives in nutrient-rich substrate and consistent lighting. While CO₂ is not strictly necessary, it helps achieve fuller growth and brighter greens. This plant responds well to trimming and can form attractive clusters or hedges over time. Why Choose Alternanthera sp. 'Green'? Unique green coloration among the Alternanthera family Offers depth and layering without overwhelming the layout Excellent contrast to red or purple stem plants Hardy and adaptable with proper care

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