About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- CoralsLive PlantsBettasPuffersShrimpInvertebratesTangsClownfishPlecosPlanted TanksAquarium EquipmentRare SpeciesLive Rock
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned for 35+ years with deeply knowledgeable owners
- Extensive freshwater and saltwater livestock selection that surprises first-time visitors
- Outstanding live aquatic plant inventory
- Live corals, Red Sea purple tangs, mini sharks, and invertebrates in stock
- Special orders for fish and plants available within 1-2 weeks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Insane selection of fish! I was always under the impression that you had to go the saltwater route to get some interesting specimens, but this place really opened up my eyes to the incredible diversity you can find with freshwater as well. Spoke with Steve who was very friendly and knowledgeable. We’ll be back!”
— Tyler Coats5.0a week ago“Great selection & very nice helpful ppl”
— Chad King5.03 months ago“She was wonderful. We will definitely be back! Great people, with the best aqua plant selection you'll ever be around.”
— James Mccullough5.03 months ago“Not as good as Branson but very nice place to visit”
— DiAnna Dillon3.04 months ago“This place has a soul in of itself. Both the owners are very knowledgeable kind and not just looking to sell you something. Old school in almost every way. We are very fortunate to have them here.”
— Samuel Thornton5.04 months ago“I like L'inda because she is honest and tells me what I need to know about the fish that I want to buy. She will tell me if the fish that I want to buy is not good with the other critters that are already in my tank. She's not interested and selling me just anything. Her interest is to look out for my tank and everything in it, even if it means I walk away empty handed. And that's why I will always go back to Linda for anything I need in the future.”
— Gary Dymond5.05 months ago“Best place in the entire state in my opinion. A large selection and wonderful owners that are there every day to assist you in your fish keeping journey. Freshwater and/or salt water fully stocked. Lynn, Lynda and Steve have you covered. If you need anything like a special fish or plant they can have it in in a week or two super easy. Love this place. The video is of my wife and I's 55 gallon betta cross breeding project before a lot of the fish colored up. I will be bringing in the first of the Galaxy Koi Marble Ultra Delta Bettas sooooooon. *favorite fish tank lately.... pea puffs and shrimpies 🐡 🦐”
— Radhe Rajarshi5.0Edited 7 months ago“Wonderful place to get fish. Owners are knowledgeable and friendly.”
— gary CLOUGH4.09 months ago“Great place and the only place to buy your fish in the hot springs area they have been in business for 35+ years that I can remember”
— Doc Kassaw5.010 months ago“Great place to get plants if you're looking for a snail infestation of your fish tanks. Love seeing small glimps of fish swimming in an algie crusted fish tank. This is the place for you.”
— steve stewart1.0Edited 11 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (501) 624-7477 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Marine World Tropical Fish.