About
Tucked into an unassuming building in Bakersfield, Aqua Nature Tropical Fish is the kind of place that rewards you the moment you step inside. The tanks are immaculate — reviewers use the word "clean" almost obsessively — and the livestock reflects a store that genuinely prioritizes animal health over volume. Freshwater is the heart of the operation, with vibrant selections of tropical fish, colorful freshwater shrimp, bettas housed in proper individual tanks (not the sad cups you'll find at chain stores), African dwarf frogs, and an ever-expanding roster of species that keeps regulars coming back to see what's new.
The planted tank displays are a standout. Multiple reviewers describe them as "incredible," and the live plant selection is extensive enough that a first-time betta keeper found three different species for their cycling project on a single visit. Staff members like Leslie don't just ring you up — they'll walk you through the nitrogen cycle, show you educational videos, and help match plants and fish to your specific setup.
One teenager recounts being gifted a free filter pump to help them get started, which says everything about the family-run ethos here. Aqua Nature has recently expanded into saltwater territory, now carrying corals including Scolymia that at least one customer reports is thriving in their reef tank. Their dry goods and equipment section is robust enough that hobbyists say you can skip the online order and find what you need on the shelf — including fish medications for emergencies.
Prices are competitive with big-box retailers and online shops, and the staff actively looks for discounts to pass along. The store draws customers from over an hour away, and it's a quick detour off the 99 Freeway for anyone passing through California's Central Valley. 8 rating across 167 reviews, Aqua Nature has earned its reputation as Bakersfield's go-to aquarium shop — a family business where the owner and his daughter treat every customer's tank like it matters.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationWater Testing
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Immaculately clean tanks with vibrant, healthy livestock from reputable breeders
- Extensive live plant selection and stunning planted tank displays
- Bettas housed in proper individual tanks of at least 1 gallon, many in 4.5+ gallons
- Recently expanded into saltwater with corals including Scolymia
- Colorful freshwater shrimp in wide variety
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very knowledgeable staff. Competitive prices especially when the competition is giant retail or online. Great selection. Always trying to give you discounts! Go see Leslie she will take good care of you.”
— Jack Cash5.0a week ago“Aqua Haven in Bakersfield is absolutely fantastic. The owner is incredibly smart, friendly, and genuinely cares about helping customers get exactly what they need. His daughter was also there helping out — she was knowledgeable, patient, and made the whole experience even better. Together, they got us pointed in the right direction for our little tank and made everything feel easy instead of overwhelming. You can tell this is a family business that actually takes pride in what they do. Highly recommend Aqua Haven to anyone getting started or looking to upgrade their setup!”
— D Whitehead5.02 weeks ago“Great store with some amazing tanks. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Lors of interesting fish, much better than a big box pet store.”
— Bobby Orr5.0a month ago“Absolutely love this local aquarium store! Have gotten several health fish from here, Gotten lots of healthy durable aquarium freshwater shrimp from here in all sorts of colors. Always had healthy animals, always lasted, And the workers are friendly and knowledgeable.”
— eric5.0a month ago“Helpful people”
— Miguel Arcia5.02 months ago“This place is amazing so knowledgeable, healthy fish and the beta fish here are unreal. They have healthy livestock from good reputable breeders amazing planted tanks. It’s amazing what they did with such a little building. I will definitely be coming back For my African dwarf frogs😁”
— Ashleigh Bergeron5.02 months ago“the 1 star reviews for this place are pure insanity. this place is awesome. great selection of plants. unique assortment of fish. staff is knowledgeable. have whatever supplies you could want. planted display tanks are incredible.”
— Kevin B5.02 months ago“I love the staff here. So incredibly helpful and kind. Anyone looking to get into the hobby should come here first.”
— Baba Man5.03 months ago“I was very pleasantly surprised by this aquarium shop...I was passing through the area and did a quick google search to find it...was a little aprehensive about it from the outside, but the inside is all about the fish...Both the women who helped me were caring and knowledgeable ( and I have been a hobbyist since I was 7). I left there with a variety to add to my various aquriums. Another do not judge a book by its cover Gem!”
— Mikel Gordon5.03 months ago“Great place, knowledgeable people.”
— Caleb Jordan5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (661) 829-7936 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aqua Nature Tropical Fish.