About
Tucked into Antioch, California, JJ Aquarium is a locally owned fish store that has built a loyal following through clean tanks, healthy livestock, and staff who genuinely care about the hobby. Owners John and Larry (referred to lovingly as "Lerry" by regulars) along with team members like David have created a shop where education comes before the hard sell. Multiple reviewers note that staff will patiently answer questions and offer honest recommendations without pushing unnecessary products — a quality that keeps hobbyists coming back.
The store leans heavily into freshwater, carrying a solid variety of fish alongside live plants, shrimp, and quality substrate for planted tank setups. They stock locally bred fish, which speaks to the health and hardiness customers consistently praise. One reviewer mentioned buying a betta that's still thriving, while another chatted with staff about Medaka rice fish and corydoras while picking up frozen food and live blackworms.
The shop also carries both budget and high-end equipment and supplies, plus harder-to-find hardscape like elephant skin and dragon stone — the kind of decorative rock that makes aquascaped tanks look magazine-worthy but rarely shows up at chain pet stores. JJ Aquarium is continually expanding, setting up new display tanks that include aquascaping and nano tank setups. This kind of forward momentum suggests a store that's invested in growing alongside its customer base.
Prices consistently get praise for being fair — several shoppers noted they were actually cheaper than the big-box alternatives, with healthier fish to boot. The store can get busy, and a handful of reviews mention inconsistent service depending on who's working. But the overwhelming consensus points to a shop where passionate, knowledgeable people are building something worthwhile for East Bay fishkeepers.
If you're in the Antioch area looking for healthy freshwater livestock, quality hardscape, or just honest guidance on your next tank build, JJ Aquarium delivers.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at JJ Aquarium in Antioch, CA
JJ Aquarium stocks shrimp, betta fish, African cichlids, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Antioch, CA. As a fish store serving Antioch, CA, it also carries aquarium equipment and fish food and offers aquarium consultations and fish breeding.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationFish Breeding
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Locally bred fish known for excellent health and hardiness
- Carries hard-to-find hardscape like elephant skin and dragon stone
- Live blackworms, frozen food, and live plants in stock
- Both budget and high-end equipment and supplies available
- Expanding inventory with new aquascaping and nano tank displays
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Said that place was open on line,got to the store door was open was told cant come in ,will never go back to this place to bad .place has gone down hill since it opened few years ago lost my business.”
— Giulio DeSantis2.02 weeks ago“Great shop, healthy fish. Excellent customer service”
— shane5.02 months ago“Went in for some shrimp / fish. The owner/staff were friendly and have a good variety of fish and they have great prices definitely coming back”
— Miguel Valenzuela5.03 months ago“Great selection of live stock at fair prices”
— Thu Danh5.0a week ago“JJ Aquarium Love To You 💓 It's Heartfelt 💓 AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC 🦞🐙🐠🦑🌱🪸🐚🌊🐠 California Cool 😎 USA PLANET EARTH ACTIVATED FULL POTENTIAL. UFO otter 🦦 know!”
— Sharon Greenleaf5.04 weeks ago“Great customer service and beautiful fish, can't wait to go back.”
— Kali's Mom5.0a month ago“Great place”
— Jen A5.0a month ago“I would like to see more varieties. Price is right, and store employees are friendly and helpful.”
— R Malla4.02 months ago“Awesome staff very knowledgeable.”
— Chris Fowles5.05 months ago“My favorite store”
— Angie Faith5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (925) 978-4177 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting JJ Aquarium.