A female guppy is a freshwater fish from the species Guppy. Female guppies are important in aquariums because they breed with male guppies and produce baby fish (fry).
Appearance
Larger than males – usually about 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 inches) long.
Less colorful – most females are silver, gray, or lightly colored.
Shorter tail and fins compared to male guppies.
Gravid spot – a dark spot near the back of the belly that becomes darker when pregnant.
Behavior
Peaceful fish that live well with other community fish.
Calmer than males, which often chase females during breeding.
Usually swim in groups and explore the tank.
Breeding
Female guppies can store sperm and give birth multiple times after mating once.
They give birth to live baby fish (not eggs).
A female can produce 20–60 fry at a time.
Care Requirements
Water temperature: 22–28 °C
Tank: Plants or hiding places for baby fish
Diet: Flake food, pellets, and occasional live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia.
Why People Keep Female Guppies
For breeding fancy guppies
To create balanced guppy groups in aquariums
They help keep the aquarium calm and natural
What a Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Really Is
A hardy, fast-growing freshwater fish from Southeast Asia.
Often sold small (2–3 inches) but can grow to 10–12 inches.
Not actually the best algae eater once mature.
Behavior
When young: Eats algae regularly and is peaceful.
When older:
Eats less algae and prefers prepared foods.
Can become territorial and aggressive, especially toward slow or flat-sided fish (like angelfish, goldfish, gouramis).
Known to sometimes suck slime coats off tankmates.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size: 40+ gallons (larger if adults).
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Strong filtration + good water flow.
Provide caves or driftwood for hiding.
Diet
Algae (when young)
Algae wafers
Sinking pellets
Blanched veggies (zucchini, cucumber)
Occasional protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
Good Tankmates
Fast, robust fish that can handle some territorial behavior:
Barbs
Danios
Loaches
Larger tetras
Rainbowfish
Ember Tetra
Small, Vibrant Freshwater Community Fish
The Ember Tetra is a small, peaceful freshwater fish prized for its bright orange coloration and active schooling behavior. Ideal for planted and community aquariums, this species adds movement, color, and charm to any freshwater tank.
Key features
Peaceful schooling fish: Perfect for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species
Vibrant coloration: Striking orange-red body enhances aquarium aesthetics
Small size: Grows up to 2 cm, making it suitable for nano and medium tanks
Active and social: Thrives in groups of 6 or more
Hardy and adaptable: Can tolerate a range of freshwater conditions
Care requirements
Tank type: Freshwater community tank
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH range: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivorous – flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live foods
Size: Up to 2 cm
Behavior: Active schooling fish; prefers groups of 6+
Why choose Ember Tetras?
Ember Tetras are ideal for adding bright color, activity, and harmony to your aquarium. Their peaceful nature and small size make them perfect for community tanks and planted setups, providing a lively and visually appealing environment.
Mixed Swordtails – Vibrant, Lively, and Easy to Care For
Add striking colours and graceful movement to your freshwater aquarium with our Mixed Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii), one of the most popular and hardy livebearers available. Known for the males’ iconic “sword-like” tail extension and their active swimming behavior, Swordtails are a stunning and low-maintenance addition to any tropical community tank.
Each order includes a random mix of healthy, colourful Swordtails in a variety of patterns and fin types—making every delivery a surprise burst of aquatic beauty.
🎨 What You’ll Receive:
Each selection includes a mix of vibrant types such as:
Red Swordtails
Pineapple Swordtails
Marigold Swordtails
Tuxedo Swordtails
Green or Neon Swordtails
Hi-Fin and Standard-Fin Variants (based on availability)
Colours and patterns are chosen at random, ensuring a diverse and beautiful mix.
🐟 Species Information:
Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
Common Name: Swordtail / Mixed Swordtail
Adult Size: 7 – 10 cm
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 60L (larger for community groups)
🌟 Why Choose Mixed Swordtails?
Unique Appearance: Males display an elegant tail “sword,” while females are full-bodied and colourful
Peaceful & Active: Excellent swimmers and community-safe
Livebearers: Breed easily—great for those wanting to raise fry
Very Hardy: Adapt well to a variety of tank conditions, perfect for beginners
💧 Water Conditions:
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
pH: 7.0 – 8.3
Hardness: Moderate to hard water preferred
Tank Setup: Provide open swimming areas, live plants, and hiding spaces for fry and comfort
🍽 Feeding:
Swordtails are omnivorous and thrive on a balanced diet:
Quality flakes or floating pellets
Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia)
Vegetable-based foods (spirulina, blanched greens)
🤝 Compatible Tank Mates:
Swordtails are peaceful and do well with:
Guppies
Mollies
Platies
Tetras
Corydoras
Danios
Avoid fin-nipping or aggressive fish. Male Swordtails can be territorial, so keep a 1 male to 2-3 females ratio when possible.
🛍️ Why Buy Mixed Swordtails from Aquatic Pets SA?
✔️ Healthy, vibrant, and locally acclimated fish✔️ Carefully selected mixed varieties in every order✔️ Safe live delivery, fast shipping across South Africa✔️ Friendly support for setup, compatibility, and breeding advice
Bring colour, elegance, and energy to your aquarium with our Mixed Swordtails. Whether you're starting a livebearer tank or adding variety to your tropical setup, these fish are a bold and reliable choice.
👉 Order now from Aquatic Pets SA and watch your tank come to life with colour and motion!
Golden Yellowback Shrimp - Each
Add a pop of color to your aquarium with the Golden Yellowback Shrimp, a peaceful and eye-catching freshwater shrimp featuring a striking yellow stripe along its back. Perfect for planted tanks, these shrimp are active grazers that enhance both the beauty and ecology of your aquarium.
Key Features:
Color: Transparent body with a vivid yellow stripe
Size: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm)
Behavior: Peaceful, social, ideal for community tanks
Water Conditions: 68–78°F (20–26°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water
Diet: Omnivorous – algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables
Breeding: Easy in a stable, planted aquarium; females carry eggs under their tails for 3–4 weeks
Why Choose Yellow Shrimp?These shrimp stand out with their bold yellow stripe and active behavior, making them a charming addition to any community tank. They thrive in planted aquariums, helping control algae while adding natural movement and color.
Care Tips:
Maintain stable water parameters for vibrant coloration
Provide plants and hiding spots for comfort and grazing
Feed a varied diet to ensure health and longevity
Bring home the Golden Yellowback Shrimp and enjoy a lively, colorful addition to your aquarium
Koi Mix 5-11 cm
A Koi Mix refers to a group of koi fish that includes a variety of colors, patterns, and types, usually ungraded or not selected for specific show standards.
It’s a mix of different koi varieties, such as:
Kohaku – white body with red markings
Sanke (Taisho Sanke) – white with red and black
Showa – black with red and white
Bekko, Ogon, Utsuri, and others
Plus, some may be crosses or unique patterns that don't fall into strict categories
🐠 What Size is “Koi Mix 8–11 cm”?
These are young koi, also called juveniles
Around 3–4 inches in length
At this stage, colors and patterns may still develop and change slightly
They are usually sold at this size because they’re hardy enough to transport and cheaper than adult koi
✅ Pros of Buying a Koi Mix
Benefit
Why it’s Good
Affordable
Much cheaper than specific show-quality koi
Variety
You get different colors and patterns
Fun to Grow
Watching them grow and develop is rewarding
Hardy
Most mixes are bred for strong health and adaptability
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
Risk
What to Check
Health
Clear eyes, no white spots, active swimming
Overcrowding
Avoid sellers with too many koi in one tank
Unknown Genetics
Mixed koi may grow into unexpected shapes or colors
Size Planning
Koi can grow 30–60 cm or more — they need a pond eventually
💧 Ideal Conditions for Young Koi (8–11 cm)
Parameter
Ideal Range
Water Temp
18–25 °C (they can tolerate cooler, but slower growth)
pH
7.0–8.0
Tank/Pond Size
500+ liters for a small group (but more as they grow)
Filtration
Strong, koi produce a lot of waste
Feeding
1–2x daily, quality koi pellets or baby koi food
Bring peaceful beauty and elegant movement to your freshwater aquarium with the stunning Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus), also known as the Three Spot Gourami. Named for its shimmering blue-silver body and the two visible spots along its sides (with the eye acting as the third), this fish is both a visual standout and a hardy, adaptable addition to community tanks.
Known for their peaceful yet curious personalities, Blue Gouramis make excellent centrepiece fish for medium to large aquariums.
💎 Key Features:
Gorgeous Iridescent Colour: Soft blue to silvery tones with subtle patterning that catches the light beautifully.
Peaceful Temperament: Calm and slow-moving, Blue Gouramis are perfect for peaceful community tanks.
Labyrinth Fish: Can breathe atmospheric air thanks to a special labyrinth organ—meaning they can tolerate lower oxygen levels.
Intelligent & Interactive: Known to recognize their owners and explore their surroundings curiously.
🐟 Species Info:
Scientific Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
Common Name: Blue Gourami / Three Spot Gourami
Adult Size: Up to 12–15 cm
Lifespan: 4 to 6 years
Minimum Tank Size: 80L for a single, larger for community setups
💧 Water & Tank Requirements:
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
pH Range: 6.0 – 8.0
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Tank Setup: Include live plants, open swimming areas, and floating cover for natural behaviour. Gentle flow preferred.
🍽 Diet:
Blue Gouramis are omnivorous and not picky eaters. Offer a balanced diet of:
High-quality flakes or floating pellets
Live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
Occasional veggie-based foods like spirulina or blanched spinach
🤝 Ideal Tank Mates:
Blue Gouramis are generally peaceful, especially when kept singly or in a peaceful group. Good companions include:
Tetras
Mollies
Swordtails
Corydoras
Loaches
Larger peaceful barbs
❗ Avoid: Fin-nipping or aggressive species. Also avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks, as they can become territorial.
🛍️ Why Choose Aquatic Pets SA?
✔️ Healthy, acclimated Blue Gouramis ready for South African aquariums✔️ Carefully packed for live arrival✔️ Fast delivery across SA✔️ Friendly support for tank setup and fish compatibility
Add graceful movement, subtle beauty, and a touch of personality to your aquarium with the Blue Gourami. Whether you’re starting a peaceful community setup or upgrading your existing tank, this fish offers both elegance and ease of care.
👉 Order yours today from Aquatic Pets SA – where quality meets care!
Enhance your aquarium with the delicate beauty of Crystal Red Shrimp, a highly sought-after freshwater invertebrate prized for its striking red and white coloration. These shrimp not only add vibrant contrast to planted aquariums but also play an essential role as natural tank cleaners.
🦐 Key Features:
Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis (Crystal Red variety)
Size: Typically 2–3 cm when fully grown
Temperament: Peaceful, perfect for community tanks with non-aggressive fish
Lifespan: 1.5–2 years with proper care
Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys algae, biofilm, sinking shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables
Behavior: Active scavengers that constantly graze, keeping the tank clean
🌿 Tank Requirements:
Tank Size: Minimum 20 litres for a small colony
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 6.2–6.8 (slightly acidic water preferred)
Soft water with low KH and GH
Substrate: Shrimp thrive on plant-friendly, soft substrates that encourage biofilm growth
Environment: Provide plenty of live plants, mosses (such as Java Moss), and hiding spots. Low flow and stable conditions are crucial for their health.
✅ Why Choose Crystal Red Shrimp?
Striking coloration – adds a vibrant splash to planted aquariums
Excellent cleaners – they feed on algae and detritus, improving water quality
Fascinating to watch – active, peaceful, and social creatures
Great for nano tanks – perfect for smaller, planted setups
Breeds readily in stable, clean water conditions
💡 Care Tip: Crystal Red Shrimp are more sensitive than other shrimp species. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid copper-based medications in the tank, as these are harmful to shrimp.
✨ Perfect for shrimp enthusiasts, aquascapers, and anyone wanting a vibrant, natural clean-up crew!
Turn up the heat in your freshwater tank with the Flame Tetra – a fiery little gem that lives up to its name. Known for its brilliant reddish-orange body and playful personality, the Flame Tetra adds bold color and dynamic movement to any peaceful community aquarium.
🔥 Key Features:
Vibrant Coloration: These tetras display an intense flame-like hue that fades from a glowing orange-red body to transparent fins – a real standout, especially in planted tanks.
Lively Schooling Fish: Flame Tetras are most confident and striking when kept in groups of 6 or more, where they display synchronized swimming behavior and natural social interaction.
Peaceful and Compatible: Their gentle nature makes them excellent tank mates for other small, non-aggressive species like rasboras, guppies, and corydoras.
Easy to Care For: Hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginners or seasoned aquarists looking for low-maintenance color.
🌿 Tank & Care Guide:
Tank Size: Minimum 40L
Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
Diet: Omnivorous – thrives on quality flake food, micro pellets, and occasional live or frozen treats like daphnia or bloodworms
🐟 Tank Setup Tips:
Add dark substrate and live plants to enhance their natural colors
Provide gentle filtration and subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat
Maintain a peaceful environment to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior
✅ Why Choose Our Flame Tetras?
We supply top-quality, healthy Flame Tetras, ethically sourced and carefully conditioned for a smooth transition into your tank. Their vivid colors and playful energy make them a favorite addition for aquarists seeking both beauty and balance.
Bring warmth and movement to your aquatic world with the Flame Tetra – a small fish with a bold personality.Order now and watch your tank come alive in a blaze of color! 🔥🐠
Blue Dream Shrimp – Stunning Blue Freshwater Shrimp
Bring a splash of vibrant color to your aquarium with the Blue Dream Shrimp, a favorite among freshwater enthusiasts for its dazzling blue hue and peaceful temperament.
Key Features:
Color: Brilliant shades of blue, from light sky to deep sapphire
Size: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm)
Behavior: Peaceful, social, ideal for community tanks
Water Conditions: 68–78°F (20–26°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water
Diet: Omnivorous – algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables
Breeding: Easy in a well-maintained tank; females carry eggs under their tails for 3–4 weeks
Why Choose Blue Dream Shrimp?These shrimp are perfect for planted aquariums, where they add color and help control algae. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal tank mates for small, non-aggressive fish, while their unique blue coloring will stand out beautifully against green plants and dark substrates.
Care Tips:
Maintain stable water conditions for vibrant color
Provide plenty of hiding spots and moss for grazing
Feed a balanced diet to enhance growth and hue
Add a touch of elegance to your aquarium with the Blue Dream Shrimp – small in size but big in beauty!
White Cloud Mountain Minnow – Hardy, Peaceful, and Beautifully Subtle
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, elegant schooling fish that brings a sense of tranquility and natural charm to any freshwater aquarium. Known for their iridescent bodies, shimmering green-bronze sides, and bright red fins, White Clouds are ideal for aquarists of all experience levels – especially those looking for a peaceful, cold-water species.
Whether you’re setting up a nano tank, a community aquarium, or an outdoor tub, White Clouds are an affordable, easy-to-care-for choice that offers both beauty and resilience.
🐟 Quick Facts:
Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
Common Name: White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Adult Size: 3.5 – 4 cm
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Tank Level: Mid-to-top swimmer
Minimum Group Size: 6 or more (schooling fish)
🌟 Why Choose White Cloud Mountain Minnows?
Striking Yet Subtle Colors: Their shimmering bodies reflect light beautifully, with red-tipped fins and a glowing white stripe running down the side.
Cold-Water Friendly: These fish thrive in cooler temperatures (ideal for unheated tanks or outdoor containers).
Incredibly Hardy: Tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, perfect for beginners or low-maintenance setups.
Peaceful Nature: Non-aggressive and social, they mix well with other peaceful community fish.
💧 Water & Care Requirements:
Temperature Range: 16°C – 22°C (no heater needed)
pH Range: 6.0 – 8.0
Tank Size: Minimum 30L
Setup Tips: Best kept in a planted tank with open swimming areas, gentle water flow, and subdued lighting to highlight their subtle beauty.
🍴 Diet:
White Cloud Minnows are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet:
Quality flake food
Micro pellets
Live/frozen foods (daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms)
Vegetable-based supplements for overall health
🤝 Compatible Tank Mates:
White Clouds are peaceful and do well with other small, non-aggressive species like:
Zebra Danios
Guppies
Corydoras
Endlers
Shrimp and snailsAvoid larger, aggressive species that may view them as food.
🛍️ Why Buy from Aquatic Pets SA?
✔️ Healthy, locally acclimated fish✔️ Carefully packed for live arrival✔️ Fast shipping across South Africa✔️ Friendly support for all your aquarium needs
Bring calm energy and shimmering movement to your aquarium with White Cloud Mountain Minnows. Whether you're building your first tank or adding new life to an existing setup, these fish are a perfect combination of beauty, hardiness, and peaceful behavior.
👉 Order now and experience the timeless charm of White Clouds in your aquatic world.
Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnow – Bright & Hardy Aquarium Fish
Overview:The Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a stunning variation of the classic White Cloud Minnow, known for its brilliant golden body, shimmering scales, and peaceful nature. These hardy fish are perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists alike, adding vibrant color and energy to any freshwater aquarium.
Key Features & Benefits:
✅ Vibrant Golden Coloration – Beautiful gold body with iridescent shimmer and a red-tipped tail for extra appeal.✅ Hardy & Low Maintenance – Tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it ideal for beginners.✅ Peaceful Community Fish – Perfect for planted tanks and compatible with most small, non-aggressive species.✅ Cold-Water Friendly – Thrives in cooler temperatures (16°C–24°C), reducing the need for a heater.✅ Schooling Behavior – Active and social; best kept in groups of 6 or more for natural behavior.
Ideal Tank Conditions:
Tank Size: 40L and above
Temperature: 16°C – 24°C
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Diet: Omnivorous – feeds on flakes, micro-pellets, and live/frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp).
Care Level:
Easy – Perfect for beginners! The Gold White Cloud is hardy and adaptable, making it one of the most forgiving fish for community aquariums.
Why Choose Gold White Clouds?
Gold White Clouds are a low-maintenance, active, and colorful addition to your aquarium. Whether in a planted nano tank or a larger community setup, they bring life and movement without requiring complicated care.
Quantity Options:
Sold as Single Fish or School Packs (6+) for the best experience.
Important Note:
We prioritize the health and safety of all livestock. Shipping is only scheduled on days that ensure minimal transit time to avoid stress on the fish.
