About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive saltwater fish and coral selection at wholesale-level pricing
- One of few US vendors regularly sourcing rare carpet anemones (gigantea, mertensii, magnifica)
- Ships livestock nationwide with engaging online live sales events
- Family-owned with knowledgeable staff including Chris, Tony, David, and George
- Also serves as a wholesale distributor to local fish stores in the LA area
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Never had a bad experience but I’m local and either pickup of my orders are have them delivered. Great fish, great coral, great peeps.”
— David Blandon5.05 days ago“Great variety of corals and fish. Great Customer service.”
— Reef Runner's5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Jewel for aquarium enthusiasts”
— Garrie McField5.0a month ago“A little messy but I mean he's a whole seller as well so I see why it wouldn't be as clean as a store but overall had a great experience with these guys”
— Mac M5.02 months ago“Do not order from them What ever you order will probably die and they will give you the runaround about getting your money back learn from someone that has been through the process and lost money. Their marine life is not as advertised”
— Joe Powell1.02 months ago“Great experience good price . Healthy beautiful fish will be shopping there again”
— Casey Gammelgard5.02 months ago“This place is a joke. Showed a fish was in stock online, placed the order. Trying to get through to customer service was a pita. After taking my money, days later they text saying, oh, we apologize. That fish is not in stock. Really? This is the 1st and last time I place an order here.”
— Aaron Marney1.03 months ago“I am a brand new customer of Harry’s Marine Life I had a shipment come in which was delayed by UPS no fault of Harry’s Marine life Angelfish came in breathing hard lost him David and others immediately offered me a healthy replacement Their service and marine life are top notch!! I very highly recommend them! Having dealt with other online fish 🐟 dealers for many years Thank you Harry’s you are the best!”
— David Ellenberg5.04 months ago“Biggest selection around.”
— Jeff Ahn5.05 months ago“Harry's is the spot if you have a saltwater aquarium. HUGE selection and fair pricing makes this one of the best fish stores I have ever been to.”
— Chris Cooper5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (424) 201-9783 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Harry's Marine Life.