Atlantic Tropical Aquarium

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.