Harry's Marine Life

Tucked into Gardena, California, Harry's Marine Life operates at the intersection of wholesale distributor and retail fish store — and that dual identity is what makes it unlike most shops in the greater Los Angeles area. The operation is family-owned, with staffers like Chris, Tony, David, and George frequently called out by name in reviews for their hands-on approach to helping customers stock reef tanks and navigate the world of saltwater fishkeeping. The selection here is genuinely massive.

Harry's is known across Southern California — and increasingly nationwide — for carrying a staggering variety of saltwater fish, corals, and marine invertebrates. They're one of the few vendors in the country that regularly sources carpet anemones like Stichodactyla gigantea, mertensii, and magnifica. Customers have picked up everything from angelfish to mantis shrimp to mushroom corals.

Their SPS variety could use some expansion, according to dedicated reef hobbyists, but soft corals, LPS, and fish inventory are consistently deep. Because Harry's also distributes to local fish stores, prices are notably lower than typical retail — essentially cutting out the middleman. They run engaging live sales online that have built a loyal following among remote buyers, and they ship livestock nationwide.

Multiple reviewers praise the packaging and delivery speed, though a few have reported issues with DOA arrivals and inconsistent customer service when problems arise. It's worth noting that the wholesale-style setup means the facility won't look like a polished boutique aquarium shop — it's functional, a bit messy, and packed to the gills with stock. The freshwater side exists but takes a back seat to the marine inventory, which is clearly the heart of the business.

For reef tank owners in the LA area looking for competitive pricing and coral variety that rivals online mega-vendors, Harry's Marine Life delivers a walk-in experience that's hard to match. Just inspect your frags carefully and don't hesitate to ask Chris or the crew questions — they know their stuff.