Worlds Under Water has built a devoted following across Northwest Arkansas, drawing customers from as far as Van Buren and beyond — some driving two hours past other fish stores just to shop here. Located in Fayetteville, this saltwater and freshwater specialty shop earns its reputation through crystal-clear aquariums, healthy livestock, and a staff that genuinely lives the hobby.
The saltwater side is a standout, with vibrant corals, anemones, and a range of reef fish displayed in gorgeous tanks that double as inspiration for your own setup. Longtime saltwater customers report fish still thriving years after purchase. The freshwater selection runs deep as well — cichlids, neons, guppies, angelfish, catfish, gobies, and even a super red Oscar that one customer scored at a great price. Live plants get consistent praise for their quality and variety, and the shrimp selection has earned trust with buyers reporting zero losses on purchases of 16 animals.
Stephen Beard and Brandon are the names you'll hear most from regulars. Stephen handles tank maintenance for both offices and homes, servicing saltwater setups twice a month and freshwater tanks monthly. One customer credited him with saving a freshwater tank that had been a disaster under someone else's care. He also fielded a phone call about axolotl water quality from a customer referred by a local exotic vet — the kind of specific, practical knowledge that sets this shop apart.
The store itself is meticulously clean, with display tanks that showcase what's possible and stock tanks that reflect genuine care. Thursday is apparently restock day, and regulars advise getting there early since popular items sell out fast. Prices are consistently described as reasonable, which only sweetens the deal.
A handful of reviewers noted occasional lapses in customer greeting, which is worth mentioning given the store's otherwise strong service reputation. But the overwhelming consensus from over 500 reviews is clear: for fish, corals, plants, and aquarium expertise in the Fayetteville area, Worlds Under Water is the destination.
Tucked into Bentonville, Arkansas, Reef Keepers is the kind of local fish store that earns its reputation one tank at a time. Owner Ethan and staffer Eric run a clean, well-organized shop stocking both freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, shrimp, snails, and frozen food — all at prices that consistently surprise customers who've been shopping at big box alternatives. One reviewer noted a complete 75-gallon tank setup for $499.99, a deal that made their jaw drop after previously paying more for a 13-gallon elsewhere.
The shop's strength lies in its personal, no-pressure approach. Ethan won't sell you a fish your tank can't support. Multiple reviewers mention his willingness to steer customers away from purchases that would lead to losses — a refreshing honesty that builds trust. If something isn't in stock, he'll source it, and customers report that everything purchased from Reef Keepers has thrived in their home aquariums. That track record speaks to the health of the livestock and the quality of advice that comes with every sale.
Reef Keepers also handles tank setup and maintenance for those who want a hands-off experience, and they've delivered stunning saltwater setups directly to customers' homes. The coral selection draws weekly repeat visitors eager to see new arrivals, and the frozen food is competitively priced.
The inventory isn't massive — this is still a growing operation, and a few reviewers have noted the limited selection. But what's here is healthy, the tanks are spotless, and the knowledge behind the counter runs deep. For Bentonville aquarists tired of rolling the dice on shipped livestock or settling for chain store quality, Reef Keepers offers something better: a local shop where the owner genuinely cares about what happens after the fish leave the bag.
The Fish Tank on the outskirts of Little Rock occupies a complicated space in the local aquarium scene — it's essentially the only dedicated tropical fish shop in the area specializing in both freshwater and saltwater livestock, and that near-monopoly status makes it both indispensable and frustrating for hobbyists across central Arkansas.
On the saltwater side, the store stocks a rotating selection of corals and marine fish, including wrasses and cleanup crew invertebrates at what customers describe as decent prices. Multiple reviewers mention buying corals here regularly, and the shop clearly leans toward the saltwater hobby — enough so that one reviewer half-jokingly suggested it should be called "The Salt Water Fish Tank." For freshwater keepers, there's live stock alongside snails and aquarium supplies. The back of the store houses a hardscape selection that at least one aquascaper found impressive, picking up pieces for a new build.
Staff knowledge gets genuine praise when the right people are working. Cade in particular earns shout-outs for being both knowledgeable and personable, and the Monday crew draws compliments. Several reviewers describe leaving with healthy fish and useful guidance, and the store clearly has loyal repeat customers who appreciate shopping local over the big-box chains.
That said, the reviews tell a split story. A notable number of customers report dismissive interactions — particularly with a younger female employee — and describe difficulty getting help, pricing information on corals, or basic acknowledgment upon entering. Multiple coral buyers describe leaving empty-handed not because of selection but because no one would assist them. Tank cleanliness also comes up as inconsistent, with some visitors reporting dirty displays and dead fish, while others praise spacious, clean setups.
Little Rock genuinely needs a dedicated fish store, and The Fish Tank fills that role with real inventory — saltwater specimens, corals, invertebrates, hardscape, and supplies you won't find at PetSmart. The experience can be excellent when the right staff is on the floor. Timing your visit, or calling ahead, seems to be the local wisdom.
Marine World Tropical Fish has been a fixture in Hot Springs, Arkansas for over 35 years, run by owners Linda, Lynn, and Steve — a team whose combined fish-keeping experience spans decades. Steve, a former biology and chemistry teacher with 54 years of aquarium experience, brings genuine encyclopedic knowledge to every conversation. Linda is beloved by regulars for her honesty, often steering customers away from purchases that wouldn't work for their existing setups rather than chasing an easy sale.
The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish in impressive variety. On the saltwater side, expect live corals, Red Sea purple tangs, tiny sharks, hermit crabs, miniature lobsters, and a sump system that draws admiring looks from hobbyists. The freshwater selection is equally compelling — reviewers rave about the diversity of species, including clown plecos, pea puffers, bettas (one customer even breeds Galaxy Koi Marble Ultra Delta Bettas sourced here), and shrimp. The live plant selection earns particular praise, with multiple visitors calling it the best aquatic plant inventory they've encountered.
Don't judge this shop by its exterior. The storefront is unassuming and the interior runs dark, but the sheer density of livestock inside surprises first-time visitors. Tanks line the walls with healthy, colorful specimens that regulars say outshine anything at chain pet stores. The owners can special-order fish and plants with roughly a one-to-two week turnaround, making it a reliable source for harder-to-find species.
What sets Marine World apart is the depth of consultation you get with every visit. Steve has been known to stay an hour past closing to talk fish and plants, scribbling out care notes for customers who haven't even bought anything yet. Linda will talk you through compatibility concerns for your specific tank inhabitants. Multiple reviewers drive over an hour each way specifically for this level of personal attention and the quality of livestock. For the Hot Springs area and well beyond, it remains the go-to independent fish store in Arkansas.
Fish Bowl in Searcy, Arkansas is one of those local pet stores that keeps people driving long distances to browse its aisles. With a dedicated fish room stocking both freshwater and saltwater species, this shop has built a loyal following among aquarium hobbyists across central Arkansas. Customers have picked up everything from rope fish and Oscars to Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, plus mystery snails and hermit crabs — a solid invertebrate selection for a store in a smaller market.
The freshwater selection stands out as a particular strength, with reviewers specifically praising the healthy variety available. Betta fish are popular sellers, with repeat customers returning again and again. The saltwater side rounds out the aquatic offerings, giving Fish Bowl a broader appeal than a typical small-town pet shop. Beyond fish, the store carries a full range of aquatic supplies, tanks, and equipment — enough to keep hobbyists browsing for hours, as several customers admit doing on their monthly visits.
Fish Bowl is more than just an aquarium store, though. It's a full-service pet shop carrying birds like parakeets, cockatiels, and conures, alongside rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, snakes, and other reptiles. One customer picked up a Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure and praised both the price and the staff's genuine concern for the bird's wellbeing. Another outfitted a full parakeet setup — cage, food, perch, and accessories — for $120.
The staff draws consistent praise for friendliness and willingness to answer questions, with several reviewers singling out knowledgeable young employees who clearly care about the animals. Pricing tends toward competitive, especially compared to the chain alternatives, though a few items run higher. Some experienced fishkeepers have noted inconsistencies with species identification and labeling — something to keep in mind if you're shopping for specific shrimp varieties or snail species.
For Searcy and the surrounding area, Fish Bowl fills a real gap. It's the kind of independently owned shop where you walk in for one thing and leave two hours later with a new pet.
