Sparky-
Yes they are real plants, you are looking at three different species of bromeliads. The one on the far left is sometimes called a snake plant... I don't know why.
Buddhist-
They had a Goliath (T. blondi) at Aquatic Environments here in Davenport. Not sure how often you make it over the river, but they usually have some pretty cool stuff and the guys who work there are pretty cool.