When it comes to shopping for fish in Johannesburg (South Africa) we are really quite spoiled for choice. The hobby has taken off dramatically in the last ten years and we have seen more specialist shops as a result. The shops on this list are close to my heart, and I’ve become a regular customer at most of them. The list is in no particular order, and I can with all honesty say that they are all my favourites.
Aqua Empire
Droeks recently visited Aqua Empire and shares some of his thoughts
Like many aquarists I likely own shares in Aqua Empire. Tucked away in a repurposed home in Randburg, it’s the perfect stop to spend all your money after you’ve just spent all your money at Lifestyle Garden Center.
The gentlemen that run the shop are knowledgeable, and they stock an array of materials, fish and plants to get you started on that new tank you promised your spouse you wouldn’t get. They also (kindly) offer the additional service of printing a fake payment receipt so you can deeper entrench yourself in marital lies.
The shop itself features fish species not often seen in general pet or aquatic stores. One of the most notable examples to me were Badi, a species that I wasn’t aware existed after my many years in the hobby. Their stock is healthy and well taken care of, and new arrivals are often revealed on their YouTube channel which is gaining a following quickly.
The shop also features many display tanks that serve as inspiration, or perhaps a subtle nudge to buy something you don’t need because it would ‘look so cool in my setup’. These display tanks are beautiful and really showcase their expertise alongside the wide range of equipment and hardscape they stock.
Lastly, they have a great selection of plants for any setup regardless of your experience level. They are one of the few shops that stock ADA cultures, but also do stock other brands that are easier on the pocket.
I would highly recommend you stop by if you’re in the area; and I might even see you at what I consider my second home.
Art of Aqua
Art of Aqua are relatively new on the scene, but it’s run by a young team with a deep passion for the hobby. This love is evident in the acronym for their name, AOA, which is styled in their logo to resemble ADA.
Located in Olympus, Pretoria, the showroom features many display tanks set in a wide array of styles. These tanks serve as an inspiration for their visitors, while also asserting their deep expertise in the hobby.
The shop itself is very focused on aquascaping and is certainly not for the casual hobbyist looking for a goldfish. They were one of the first importers of API products, and indoor greenhouse serves as the perfect home for their large collection of aquatic plants.
They do not stock a large collection of fish species either, but the fish they do stock are generally difficult to find. These include rare rainbow fish like Forktails, and Beckford’s Pencilfish. They lastly stock many designer shrimp of different varieties, some of which will set you back a fortune so you better test that water hourly.
Jungle Aquatics
I would be remiss leaving Jungle Aquatics off this list. They have been around for a long time and was one of the fish stores that certainly always felt like an adventure.
Live aquatic plants were difficult to come by when I first started in this hobby, but out in Broadacres was an aquarium shop that got many of us started.
Their display tanks have always been very impactful, with the entrance being framed by one of the largest tank-bound anemones I’ve ever seen. Their store was one of the few places where we could go see marine tanks, and they have in recent years included jungle style aquascapes with large specimens of Boesmani and Tiger Barbs.
Jungle Aquatics still feels like an adventure to me, even after all these years. It’s worth the drive out to Broadacres, and I like to believe that my little one enjoys the adventure too, especially when asking me to see Nemo every time she notices the sign.
Wazeer’s Aquariums
I first heard of Wazeer’s when I was looking for a tank that had quite specific dimensions. They came up as recommendation continuously on Facebook and some of our local WhatsApp groups.
Wazeer’s is for all intents and purposes a mega warehouse filled with tropical goodies. Their selection is huge; both on fish and equipment. I’ve only heard legendary tales a about them until recently.
Situated close to O.R Thambo International, my first visit to their shop was prior to an airport pickup. Needless to say I was late.
The maze on the bottom floor is a tight squeeze at times, but being surrounded by walls of aquariums makes up for the discomfort during busy hours. They stock an incredible amount of fish species, including larger unusual critters like eels or rays.
Their collection of equipment truly is another unique feature of this shop, with the entire second floor dedicated to unique tanks, stands and more.
Wazeer’s sometimes feel like a tourist attraction, in a good way. It’s well worth the drive out to the South for a visit, especially do you are looking to stock larger tanks with unique species.
Special mentions
This is by no means a complete list, and we would love to add to it. If you think your shop deserves to be on here, drop us an email and we’ll come check it out!
