Congo Tetra
Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
Family: Alestidae (African Characins)
Origin: Congo River Basin, Central Africa
Size: 3 to 3.5 inches (7.5 to 9 cm); males may grow larger than females
Lifespan: 4 to 5 years (can live longer with excellent care)
🌈 Appearance
Males display iridescent colors—blue, violet, green, and orange—especially under good lighting.
Flowing, long fins with white edges are a hallmark of mature males.
Females are usually smaller and less colorful but still attractive.
🧠 Behavior and Temperament
Peaceful, schooling fish.
Best kept in groups of 6 or more to prevent fin nipping and stress.
Great for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.
🏡 Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (for a school)
Water Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–18 dGH)
Decor: Heavily planted with open swimming areas, dim lighting to mimic natural habitat
🍽️ Diet
Omnivorous: Accepts flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods.
A varied diet enhances their coloration—offer brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
🐣 Breeding
Can be bred in captivity, but requires separate breeding tank.
Soft, acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops help encourage spawning.
Eggs are scattered and should be protected from adult fish, as they may eat them.
Red Rilli Shrimp
Overview
Add a splash of bright red and transparent color and lively movement to your aquarium with the Red Rilli Shrimp. Known for their vibrant red hues and hardy nature, these freshwater shrimp are perfect for planted tanks, nano tanks, and community aquariums. Red Rilli Shrimp are not only decorative but also help maintain a clean tank by grazing on algae and detritus.
Ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists, these shrimp are easy to care for and a charming addition to any aquascape.
Key Features
Vibrant coloration: Bright red and see trough shades make them a stunning focal point in any aquarium.
Algae grazers: Contribute to tank cleanliness by eating algae and organic debris.
Community-friendly: Peaceful and compatible with small, non-aggressive fish.
Hardy and resilient: Adapts well to a variety of freshwater conditions.
Compact size: Perfect for nano tanks, shrimp tanks, and larger aquascapes.
Specifications
Species: Red Rilli Shrimp
Type: Freshwater ornamental shrimp
Size: Approx. 2–3 cm adult size
Water parameters: pH 6.5–7.5, Temp 22–28°C
Diet: Algae, biofilm, sinking shrimp pellets, and vegetables
Benefits
Adds color and dynamic movement to aquariums.
Promotes a healthy and balanced ecosystem by grazing on algae.
Encourages natural behaviors and exploration in fish and shrimp.
Easy to care for and great for all levels of aquarists.
Care Tips
Maintain stable water parameters to ensure optimal health and coloration.
Provide plants, moss, and hiding places to reduce stress.
Feed a balanced diet of shrimp pellets, algae, and blanched vegetables.
Avoid aggressive tankmates that may prey on shrimp.
💡 Aquatic Pets SA Tip: Pair your Red Rilli Shrimp with Java Moss, Anubias nana petite, or small rocks to create a natural, vibrant aquascape full of life and color.
Balloon Molly
Scientific Name
Poecilia sphenops (Balloon Variety)
Common Name
Balloon Molly
Product Description
Add a unique and eye-catching fish to your aquarium with the Balloon Molly. Known for its distinctive rounded body shape, vibrant colors, and peaceful nature, the Balloon Molly is a popular choice among beginner and experienced aquarists alike. These active livebearers bring constant movement and personality to community aquariums while being easy to care for and adaptable to a wide range of water conditions.
Balloon Mollies are available in a variety of stunning colors, including black, gold, silver, dalmatian, orange, and mixed varieties. Their compact, balloon-shaped body gives them a charming appearance that stands out in any freshwater aquarium.
As livebearing fish, Balloon Mollies can reproduce readily in suitable aquarium conditions, making them an exciting species for hobbyists interested in breeding. They thrive in planted aquariums and appreciate open swimming areas combined with plenty of hiding places among plants and décor.
Key Features
Unique rounded "balloon" body shape
Peaceful and community-friendly fish
Available in various attractive colors and patterns
Hardy and suitable for beginner aquarists
Active swimmers that add movement to the aquarium
Livebearing species capable of breeding in home aquariums
Compatible with many other peaceful freshwater fish
Care Information
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size
60 Litres
Water Temperature
24°C – 28°C
pH Range
7.0 – 8.2
Adult Size
5 – 8 cm
Lifespan
2 – 5 Years
Feeding
Balloon Mollies are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Feed a high-quality flake or pellet food supplemented with algae-based foods, blanched vegetables, and occasional treats such as bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp. A balanced diet helps maintain vibrant colours and overall health.
Tank Mates
Suitable tank mates include:
Guppies
Platies
Swordtails
Corydoras
Tetras
Rasboras
Peaceful Gouramis
Bristlenose Plecos
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Important Notes
Mollies prefer stable water conditions and good filtration.
A planted aquarium helps them feel secure and display natural behaviour.
Regular water changes are recommended to maintain optimal health.
Colours and patterns may vary between individual fish.
Images are for illustration purposes only; actual fish may differ in colour, size, and pattern.
Why Choose Balloon Mollies?
Balloon Mollies are a fantastic addition to community aquariums thanks to their peaceful temperament, attractive appearance, and ease of care. Their unique body shape and lively personality make them a favourite among freshwater fish keepers looking to add something special to their aquarium.
Penguin Tetra
The penguin tetra (scientific name: Thayeria boehlkei) is a freshwater aquarium fish popular with fish keepers. It comes from the Amazon Basin in South America (Brazil, Peru, etc.).
Why is it called “penguin”?
It gets its name from its look:
It has a black stripe running along its body and tail
Its coloring kind of resembles a penguin’s black-and-white pattern
Size & appearance
Grows to about 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 inches)
Slim, silvery body
Distinct black line from eye to tail
Often swims at a slight angle (head up), which looks unusual
Behavior
Peaceful and social fish
Likes to live in groups (schools) of 6 or more
Active swimmers and fun to watch in aquariums
Diet
They’re omnivores, meaning they eat:
Small insects and larvae
Algae and plant matter
Fish flakes or pellets in aquariums
Why people keep them
Easy to care for (good for beginners)
Look attractive in tanks
Add movement and life to aquariums
The GMO Widow Tetra is a genetically engineered freshwater fish designed for aquariums. Its aesthetic and biological modifications make it both visually striking and resilient for home aquarists.
Appearance
Body Color: Deep black, inspired by the black widow spider.
Markings: Vibrant red spots or streaks on the tail and dorsal fins, reminiscent of a widow’s hourglass pattern.
Glow/Fluorescence: Certain areas (like fins or lateral stripes) may fluoresce under LED or blue aquarium lighting.
Size: Typically 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm), maintaining the small, schooling nature of traditional tetras.
Behavior and Temperament
Schooling Fish: Prefers to swim in groups of 6 or more.
Peaceful Yet Bold: Compatible with many community fish but stands out due to its unique color patterns.
Activity: Active swimmers, enjoy mid-to-upper levels of the tank.
Genetic Modifications
Color Enhancement: Red-black contrast with glowing fins for striking aquarium display.
Disease Resistance: Genetically engineered to withstand common bacterial and fungal infections.
Environmental Adaptability: Can tolerate a wider range of pH and temperature, making it more suitable for diverse home aquariums.
Controlled Growth: Maintains small size for standard tanks without overpopulating.
Care Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small school.
Water Conditions: Temperature 72–80°F (22–27°C), pH 6.5–7.5.
Diet: Omnivorous; accepts flakes, frozen, and live foods.
Lighting: Blue or LED lighting enhances fluorescent markings.
Golden Severum
Scientific Name: Heros severus (Gold/Golden morph)
Common Name: Golden Severum, Gold Severum
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)
Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), sometimes up to 10 inches
Lifespan: 5–10 years (with proper care)
🌟 Appearance
Vibrant golden-yellow body with subtle orange hues.
Rounded body shape, long fins.
Eyes may appear reddish.
Some may show faint vertical bars or iridescent spots.
🧠 Temperament and Behavior
Semi-aggressive, especially during breeding.
Generally more peaceful than many large cichlids.
Can be kept with other robust, similarly sized fish—but avoid small or overly aggressive tankmates.
Intelligent and personable; they often recognize and interact with their owners.
🏡 Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for one; 75+ gallons for a pair or community.
Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–15 dGH)
Tank Setup:
Sand or fine gravel substrate.
Hiding spots: driftwood, caves, rocks.
Hardy plants (they may uproot or nibble softer plants).
Moderate filtration and regular water changes are essential.
🍽️ Diet
Omnivorous: Accepts high-quality pellets, flakes, and fresh or frozen foods.
Supplement with:
Vegetables (blanched spinach, peas, zucchini)
Protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill)
A varied diet helps maintain vibrant color and health.
🐣 Breeding
Golden Severums form monogamous pairs.
They lay eggs on flat surfaces (rocks, broad leaves).
Both parents guard the eggs and fry.
Breeding can be aggressive—best done in a separate tank.
🤝 Tank Mates
Choose peaceful to semi-aggressive, similarly sized fish, such as:
Silver Dollars
Large Tetras (e.g., Congo Tetras)
Angelfish (with caution)
Plecos (bristlenose, rubberlip)
Other peaceful cichlids (e.g., Keyholes, Firemouths)
Black Widow Tetra – Bold Contrast & Graceful Movement
Introduce dramatic flair to your aquarium with the Black Widow Tetra. With its deep charcoal body, flowing fins, and active personality, this hardy schooling fish adds a bold yet elegant touch to any freshwater setup.
Key Features:
🐟 Striking Appearance: Dark body with semi-transparent fins and a subtle shimmer
🤝 Peaceful Nature: Great for community tanks
📏 Size: Reaches up to 5–6 cm in length
💧 Water Conditions: pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 22–28°C
👨👩👧👦 Schooling Fish: Thrives in groups of 6 or more
Highly adaptable and visually captivating, the Black Widow is a favorite among aquarists for its contrast, schooling behavior, and low-maintenance care.
Care Level: EasyDiet: Omnivorous – accepts flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods
Bring balance, movement, and mystery to your tank with this classic freshwater favorite.
Albino Widow Tetra – A Striking Beauty for Your Aquarium
Add a touch of ethereal elegance to your tank with the Albino Widow Tetra. Known for its translucent, pale body and distinctive red eyes, this peaceful schooling fish is both captivating and easy to care for — making it perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Key Features:
🌿 Peaceful & Community-Friendly: Ideal for mixed-species tanks
✨ Unique Appearance: Soft white coloring with stunning red eyes
📏 Size: Grows up to 5 cm in length
💧 Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 22–28°C
🐠 Best Kept In Groups: Keep in schools of 6+ for optimal comfort and behavior
Whether you're building a serene aquascape or adding variety to your collection, the Albino Widow brings grace and tranquility to any setup.
Care Level: EasyDiet: Omnivore (enjoys flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods)
Panda Corydora
The Panda Corydoras is one of the most popular freshwater bottom-dwelling fish in the aquarium hobby. Named after its distinctive black markings around the eyes, similar to a panda bear, this peaceful and active species makes an excellent addition to community aquariums.
Panda Cories are social fish that thrive in groups and spend their day exploring the substrate in search of food. Their friendly nature, unique appearance, and easy-going temperament make them a favourite among both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.
Features
Peaceful and community-friendly
Distinctive panda-like markings
Active bottom-dwelling scavenger
Helps clean up uneaten food
Suitable for planted aquariums
Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Species Information
Species: Corydoras panda
Commonly Known As: Panda Corydoras
Adult Size: 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 60 Litres
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding
Panda Corydoras are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Feed high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen foods, and live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Although they will consume leftover food, they should not be relied upon as the aquarium's cleaning crew and require dedicated feeding.
Tank Setup
A soft sandy substrate is recommended to protect their sensitive barbels. Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and live plants. Well-planted aquariums with gentle water flow closely mimic their natural habitat and help them feel secure.
Compatibility
Panda Cories are excellent community fish and can be kept with tetras, rasboras, gouramis, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful species. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or injure them.
Why Buy Panda Corydoras?
If you're looking for a peaceful, entertaining, and attractive bottom-dweller, the Panda Corydoras is an excellent choice. Their playful behaviour and charming appearance make them a standout addition to any freshwater community aquarium.
Available now at Aquatic Pets SA – healthy, quality livestock for your aquarium.
The Pygmy Gourami — also called the Sparkling Gourami is one of the smallest labyrinth fish kept in aquariums. It’s popular because of its shimmering colors, interesting behavior, and tiny size.
Overview
Scientific name: Trichopsis pumila
Adult size: ~1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
Lifespan: about 4–5 years with good care
Origin: Southeast Asia — especially Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Temperament: peaceful but shy
Difficulty: beginner to intermediate
Appearance
Despite being tiny, they’re surprisingly flashy:
iridescent blue-green scales that “sparkle” under light
red/orange striping
translucent fins with blue speckles
large eyes relative to body size
Males are usually more colorful and slightly slimmer than females.
Unique Trait: They “Croak”
Like other members of the genus Trichopsis, pygmy gouramis can produce audible clicking or croaking sounds, especially:
during territorial displays
courtship
mild arguments between males
In a quiet room, aquarists can sometimes hear them outside the tank.
Behavior
They’re:
calm and slow-moving
curious once comfortable
often found hovering among plants near the surface
At first they can be very timid. Dense plants help them feel secure.
Tank Setup
A heavily planted aquarium works best.
Ideal conditions
Tank size: 10 gallons (38 L)+
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Flow: low/gentle
Lighting: dim to moderate
Floating plants are especially appreciated because they mimic their natural habitat.
Tank Mates
Good companions include:
tiny rasboras
ember tetras
small peaceful shrimp
pygmy corydoras
Clown Loach (Each)
Please note picture is only a representation actual clown loaches are sold juvenile and will be smaller and may differ.
Add movement, personality and colour to your aquarium with the Clown Loach, one of the most loved freshwater community fish available. Known for their playful behaviour and striking orange and black striped pattern, clown loaches are a standout addition to any well-established tropical tank.
These active bottom dwellers are social fish that thrive in groups, making them both entertaining to watch and highly engaging in a community setup. They are excellent scavengers and help keep your aquarium lively as they explore every corner of the tank.
Clown loaches do best in stable, well-maintained tropical aquariums with plenty of hiding spaces, driftwood and soft substrates. As they grow, they become more confident and interactive, often displaying unique group behaviours.
Key features:
Sold individually (recommended to keep in groups)
Striking orange and black striped pattern
Active, playful and highly social fish
Great for community tropical aquariums
Helps control leftover food in the substrate
Long-lived species with proper care
Care requirements:
Tropical freshwater aquarium
Soft substrate with hiding spaces
Stable, well-filtered water conditions
Best kept in groups of 3 or more
Feeding guide:Omnivorous diet including sinking pellets, wafers, and occasional frozen or live foods. Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
A perfect choice for aquarists looking to add energy, personality and movement to their aquarium setup.
The Red Ryukin goldfish is a color variety of the fancy Ryukin goldfish, which itself is a selectively bred type of goldfish known for its dramatic body shape and ornamental appearance.
Key features
Color: Bright red to orange-red (sometimes deep crimson)
Body shape: Short, deep-bodied with a pronounced “hump” behind the head
Tail: Long, flowing double tail (often fan-shaped)
Size: Usually 15–20 cm (can grow larger in good conditions)
Care requirements
Tank size: At least 75–100 liters per fish (more space = healthier fish)
Water temperature: 18–22°C (cool-water species)
Filtration: Strong filter needed (they produce a lot of waste)
Water quality: Very important—ammonia/nitrite must be zero
Feeding
Sinking goldfish pellets (main diet)
Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp
Vegetables: peas, zucchini, spinach (helps digestion)
Behavior
Peaceful and social
Best kept with other fancy goldfish (not fast or aggressive fish)
Not ideal for outdoor predators or mixed tropical tanks
Lifespan
With proper care: 10–15 years, sometimes longer