About
Tucked into the heart of Artesia, California, Atlantic Tropical Aquarium is the kind of neighborhood fish store that runs on the personality and passion of its owner. Leo has been the beating heart of this shop for well over a decade — some customers have been coming to him for 15+ years — and his encyclopedic knowledge of tropical fish is what keeps people driving across town (and even across state lines) to visit. The store's real draw is its rotating stock of rare and oddball freshwater fish.
Reviewers rave about hard-to-find cichlids, including Jack Dempseys actively breeding, as well as flash plecos at prices that undercut the competition. Leo doesn't just sell fish — he'll take the time to explain the biology and care requirements of every species in the shop, steering customers toward the right purchase rather than the most expensive one. One visitor described picking up two flash plecos after a long, informative conversation, and both fish are thriving.
Beyond freshwater rarities, Atlantic Tropical stocks saltwater fish and invertebrates — starfish are a hit with younger visitors — along with pond fish for outdoor setups. Leo has helped customers select the right species for their ponds and even repaired pumps and electrical lighting at reasonable prices. The shop carries budget-friendly aquariums, fish food, used filters for DIY enthusiasts, and general supplies.
And then there are the birds. A small but charming selection of parakeets and yellow peachface lovebirds adds an unexpected layer of life to the store. It's a modest space — nobody's confusing it with a big-box retailer — but the tanks are generally large and not overstocked, and the fish look healthy.
Leo's customer service is legendary among regulars. He'll hold fish while you prep a new tank, take your number to track down species he doesn't currently carry, and even accept rehomed fish from customers dealing with breeding aggression. Cash is preferred, though credit works too.
For anyone in the Artesia area seeking rare freshwater fish and genuinely personal service, this is a store worth knowing about.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationPond ServicesEquipment Repair
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Rotating stock of rare and oddball freshwater fish including hard-to-find cichlids and flash plecos
- Owner Leo offers deep fish knowledge and honest, patient guidance for every customer
- Saltwater fish, invertebrates like starfish, and pond fish available
- Budget-friendly aquariums, used filters, and general supplies
- Equipment repair and pond pump servicing at reasonable prices
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great place!”
— Keri Perez5.06 months ago“Friendly and price is cheap on fish and supply”
— J.A Lucky5.08 months ago“I visited Atlantic Tropical Aquarium recently and had a pleasant experience with the owner. He was extremely nice and helpful, going out of his way to assist me despite not having the specific fish I was looking for in stock. He took down my number and assured me that he would contact me if he ever got them in. While I appreciate the owner's dedication to customer service, the lack of the fish I wanted was a bit disappointing. I would consider returning to this store based on the owner's excellent service.”
— John Pagani5.09 months ago“Great Local GEM”
— Billy A5.011 months ago“This was like the happiest shop owner. I’ve come across in a very long time. He knew his stuff about fish, his store was fun and reasonably clean for an aquarium shop.”
— Schuyler Lifschultz5.0a year ago“Good aquarium and the owner is super friendly”
— soujan wuluvarna5.0a year ago“Beeb going here a long time. Have some rare collection of Cichlids and Oddball fish. Some salt water fish and usable used filters if you're DIY. Bring cash, credit is good too.”
— Vince Trustworthy4.0a year ago“I have been doing business with Leo for more than 15 years, He is such a wonderful guy that helped everything I needed. He answered all my problems about my fish pond and my aquarium Inside my house, he fixed electrical lights and Pump in a reasonable price. I’m so grateful for his service. Without him, I don’t know where to turn to, all I can say is thank God that He keep his aquarium stay open for ever!”
— lily tan5.0a year ago“Pretty good prices, fish seem happy and healthy. Wound up coming home with a couple bags full of new aquatic creatures and going back this week for a stonefish. Cannot wait for my newest dragon. Few other fish that I may pick up as well while I'm there. First time I've been in the shop owner seems pretty nice. They were nice enough to hold the fish for me for a few days so I can get another tank ready. I'm only running 30 right now. Good prices on fish food and supplies.”
— Robert Sowinski5.02 years ago“Great shop! Healthy fish and amazing prices. This is our favorite place for our saltwater aquarium fish, supplies, and invertebrates (the kids love starfish). Extremely friendly, patient and knowledgeable. Walk-in as a customer, walk out as a friend.”
— David Constantine5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (562) 210-5098 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Atlantic Tropical Aquarium.