About
Tucked into a Garden Grove shopping center, The Fin Shop has built a devoted following among Southern California freshwater hobbyists, largely on the strength of its discus program. Multiple tanks showcase vibrant discus in various morphs and sizes — reviewers consistently call out strong body shapes, vivid coloration, and fish that arrive home ready to eat and settle in without stress. Staff members Tam and Huy are frequently mentioned by name for their patience and willingness to educate customers on water parameters, feeding schedules, and proper acclimation.
One reviewer noted that staff refused to sell discus that hadn't fully acclimated after shipping — a level of care that speaks to the store's priorities. Beyond discus, the shop carries a solid roster of freshwater species: angelfish (including harder-to-find morphs like leopard snakeskin), flower horns, rainbow fish, corydoras, Oranda goldfish, nano fish, and a notably large betta selection with both sorority tanks and individually displayed males and females. Pricing tends toward reasonable — corydoras at $5, bettas starting at $10, and discus at rates reviewers describe as fair for the quality.
The store also stocks fish food, medications, tanks, and basic equipment. The Fin Shop ships fish nationally, with at least one Virginia-based customer reporting all eight angelfish arrived alive and beautifully packed. T.
club members receive a discount. Transparency demands noting that several reviewers have flagged issues in the back sections of the store — dead fish left in tanks, poor water conditions in the betta area, and an unpleasant smell. The front displays are consistently praised as clean and professionally maintained, but the back area appears to receive less attention.
The store has been undergoing remodeling to expand its nano fish section, which may account for some of the inconsistency. For discus enthusiasts in the greater Orange County area, the quality and selection at the front of this shop remain genuinely impressive.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationShips Fish
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive discus selection with vibrant colors and strong body shapes
- Ships fish nationwide — angelfish arrived safely to Virginia
- Staff educates customers on water parameters, feeding, and acclimation
- Large betta selection with sorority tanks and individual displays starting at $10
- Special orders available for species not currently in stock
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This is an overdue review for a great fish shop. I stopped in here at year end 2025, and would definitely buy here again. Upon walking in I was pleased to see clean tanks, overall healthy fish everywhere and evidence that this store specializes in discus. The staff was very approachable, friendly, and happy to answer all the questions I had about keeping this species of fish. I was coached up on how to select fish, look for problems, properly feed, and how much water needs to be changed. They really took the time to educate me about the needs of these fish. Some fish were fresh stocked and it was nice that the staff refused to sell me fish that were not acclimated after travel. I purchased a nice group of beautiful discus and some cory cats. Following the stores advice, they quickly settled in to my tank at home and had no problems feeding. I got 4 1/2” size fish and they have been growing and even improving in their markings. The fish aren’t shy or stunted, I’m glad to have had The Fin Shop nearby to get the fish and to help me understand discus.”
— T T5.04 days ago“Thank you again for the amazing customer service and the quality of Discus fish you guys have. A lot of amazing picks but I decided to choose these from you guys. Can't wait for more.”
— Danny Nguyen5.02 months ago“Hands down the best freshwater fish shop I’ve ever been to. You can tell right when you walk in that the owners actually care about quality — the tanks are spotless, the fish are healthy, and everything looks professionally maintained. Their discus selection is incredible, with vibrant colors and strong body shapes you rarely see in most stores. They also carry other high-end freshwater species and plants that are clearly sourced with care. The staff really know their stuff, too. Whether it’s water parameters, tank setups, or diet advice, they take the time to explain things instead of just selling you something. You can tell they want your fish to thrive, not just survive. Prices are fair for the quality you get, and honestly, it’s refreshing to find a place that treats the hobby seriously. I always leave inspired to improve my tanks. If you’re into serious freshwater aquascaping or discus keeping, this is the spot.”
— Tommy Vo5.04 months ago“Great selection! Amazing customer service!! Go check them out!!!”
— Bryn Johnson5.04 months ago“Really nice discus and a good price too”
— El Shrimp5.04 months ago“The guy working didnt care about the poor dead fish :( I pointed it out and he ignored me, there was also 2 other smaller fish and I told another guy and he didnt do anything about it”
— Tommy Dang1.05 months ago“Newer fish shop that has lots of beautiful betta fish, angelfish, rainbow fish, flower horns, cichlids, various types of glo fish, and nano fish. They are currently remodeling to have more space for nano fish and mentioned they hopefully will be done in a couple months. The shop is super friendly, reasonably priced! Huy was very kind and mentioned they can try and special order fish that they don't currently carry. Bonus is if you are a C.O.A.S.T. Club member you get a discount! I got my glo Betta here and am absolutely in love with her, as well as some Corydoras. As of this posting, Corydoras are $5, the betta are $10 if they're from the sorority tanks, and $20 for the larger ones on the display rack. They have a huge selection of beautiful betta both male and female so if you're looking for one I'd check here! They also sell fish food, fish meds, tanks, and basic fish tools in you are in need. Definitely worth checking out this local fish shop! Can't wait to see what it looks like when they're fully remodeled!”
— Amanda P5.0Edited 5 months ago“Great selection of high quality fish. The owners are very friendly. Check it out. Five stars.”
— David A5.06 months ago“Excellent selection, super friendly staff and fair prices, been to so many fish stores and this one we keep coming back, definitely worth to check it out. Btw the Discus selection is amazing!”
— Jana Basse5.07 months ago“I ordered leopard snakeskin angelfish from them all the way in Virginia and they were packed well and all 8 made it alive. Beautiful fish, I’m very happy. It’s hard to find this morph.”
— Margaret Wadsworth5.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (714) 808-2257 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fin Shop.