About
Tucked away in Albertville, Alabama, Tony's Aquarium is an independently run fish store that draws customers from well beyond Marshall County — some driving 40 minutes or more, others stopping in on road trips between states. The shop is split into distinct freshwater and saltwater sections, and reviewers consistently note the sheer volume of stock across both. One seasoned hobbyist who claimed to have visited over 100 exotic fish stores called Tony's collection remarkable, pointing out full-grown specimens, rare species they'd never encountered, and tanks of aquatic plants alongside the livestock.
99 per pound — the real deal, not dried-out base rock. A traveling hobbyist from Pennsylvania picked up a frag on a whim and reported healthy polyp extension even after 36 hours in a bag. Clownfish and other saltwater species round out the marine offerings.
Freshwater selection runs deep as well. Oscars, mystery snails, axolotls, and a broad spread of tropical fish fill dozens of aquariums. One customer named their new oscar Thorin Oakenshield and praised the healthy condition of Tony's tanks, noting the balanced water quality gave their new fish a head start.
The store also stocks turtles and various decorations and accessories. Tony himself is frequently mentioned as approachable and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions without pushing sales. That said, prospective buyers should be aware of the store's 24-hour guarantee policy on freshwater fish — multiple reviewers wished they'd been told upfront.
Hours can also be inconsistent, particularly on Tuesdays when the store is closed but online listings don't always reflect it. Calling ahead before a long drive is wise. For aquarium enthusiasts in northern Alabama looking for diverse livestock, competitive pricing, and a shop packed floor to ceiling with freshwater and saltwater options, Tony's Aquarium delivers a browsing experience that rewards the visit.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Split freshwater and saltwater sections with 50+ aquariums of livestock
- Wet live rock at $8.99–$9.99 per pound and competitively priced coral frags
- Rare and full-grown species difficult to find elsewhere
- Aquatic plants and axolotls in stock
- Owner Tony provides hands-on, no-pressure consultation
From keepers
Customer reviews
“First time coming here since I moved to Alabama and I really like the prices of the fish, the only thing is, I didn’t get a receipt, the fish I bought infected my tank with ich and half of the fish I bought died. I called to find out if I would be able to get a refund and now I’m being told there is only a 24 hour guarantee on fresh water fish.. that’s $80 gone. People should be made aware of the guarantee before the transaction. Thanks.”
— Kaylee McDaniel1.02 weeks ago“Tony was very helpful really enjoyed talking to him I would suggest that everyone should go to his store and check out all of things he offers ty we really like our fish see you soon”
— Spencer Moore5.03 weeks ago“Stopped in on a whim. I assume it was Tony but employee was friendly and helpful without being pushy. Picked up a frag despite fact I wouldn't be back to Pennsylvania for 36 hours. It's healthy and happy extending polyps the day after getting in tank. Price was better than online vendors too. I pass through here often and will definitely buy again ... I'll just time it better so frag only spends 12 hours in the bag instead of 36. Had a large selection of live rock at 8.99/9.99 per lb. Like real wet live rock, not dry dead live rock.”
— Doug Crawford5.03 months ago“Great place to buy fish! I will be going back to get more. They had a large variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, and even some turtles. They were polite and helpful and I had alot of questions. The prices were the best I've seen. It's so nice having this store close to home. I will be back.”
— Brandy Smith5.05 months ago“Love my new oscar! Thank you Tony for all your help and guidance. Thorin Oakenshield was scared and shy for about 15 minutes, then came out to explore his new home, and ask to be fed! Right now, seems okay with the several mystery snails I have in there. Thanks again! Very happy customer! Tony does a fantastic job in keeping his aquariums clean, and more importantly, a balanced and healthy biosphere for the fish. Have great confidence in buying fish from him, because he cares about the quality of the water the fish in his store live in, which means the fish I buy from already have a great head start. Thanks again Tony.”
— Michele Johnson5.05 months ago“I’m writing this review in support of Zachary, whose detailed account of being ghosted by Tony’s Aquarium after a promised $200 store credit for a tank trade-in is deeply concerning. His review laid out the timeline clearly — April 2023 agreement, months of delays, and now radio silence. No equipment, no fish, no resolution. I didn’t experience this personally, but when a business fails to honor its word and then disappears, that’s not just poor service — it’s a breach of trust. I stand with Zachary and anyone else who’s been treated this way. Customers deserve better.”
— Chris Hill1.06 months ago“In April 2023, I traded in a tank at Tony’s Aquarium for $200 in store credit. Since then, I’ve tried repeatedly to place orders for equipment and fish, but every time I’m met with excuses — items unavailable, delays, or vague promises. Now they’ve stopped responding altogether. I feel taken advantage of and deeply regret doing business with them. This wasn’t just bad service — it was a complete failure to honor their word.”
— Zachary Krieger1.06 months ago“Don't normally give a 1 star, but they need to update their hours. Closed on Tuesdays is not clear until you pull in on a Tuesday.”
— joseph downey1.06 months ago“Drove 40 minutes one way just for them to be closed on Tuesday on there door but it doesn't say that on there website”
— Flip Lambert1.06 months ago“Awesome”
— WESLEY TATUM5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (256) 486-2400 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tony’s Aquarium.