About
Tucked into Lawndale, California, Lotus Aquarium is a compact shop that punches well above its weight in variety. Longtime customers — some visiting for over a decade — keep returning for the store's rotating selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, including exotic species that bigger chain stores simply don't carry. If you're searching for seahorses in the South Bay, multiple reviewers point to Lotus as the go-to destination.
The coral selection draws particular attention, with the shop's annual Black Friday coral sale earning a devoted following among reef hobbyists. On the freshwater side, you'll find a solid assortment of shrimp, aquatic plants curated by staff member Sergio, and species like corydoras and bettas. They also stock assassin snails and other invertebrates for those dealing with pest snail problems.
The store carries reptiles and meal worms alongside its aquatic livestock, broadening its appeal beyond fishkeepers. Staff members Chris, Sergio, Maria, and Adrian are called out by name across reviews, and their hands-on knowledge is one of Lotus's strongest assets. Multiple customers credit the team with helping them set up saltwater tanks from scratch, diagnosing sick fish, and recommending the right medications.
One reviewer described bringing in a sick betta and walking out with two medications that resolved the issue quickly. The shop is small — nearly every reviewer mentions that — but the density of livestock and supplies packed inside consistently surprises first-time visitors. Display tanks throughout the store showcase what's possible, and the staff is happy to talk through product choices and fish compatibility.
Pricing lands in the sweet spot: not the cheapest, but fair for the quality and care that goes into the livestock. Some reviewers have noted past cleanliness concerns, though more recent visits suggest the owners have been responsive to feedback and invested in improving tank maintenance. For aquarium hobbyists in the greater Los Angeles area, Lotus Aquarium offers the kind of personalized, fish-first shopping experience that big-box pet stores can't replicate.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationQuarantine
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Go-to destination for seahorses in the South Bay
- Popular annual Black Friday coral sale
- Named staff — Chris, Sergio, Maria, Adrian — praised for hands-on expertise
- Wide variety of exotic freshwater and saltwater fish not found at chain stores
- Helpful with saltwater tank setup and fish health consultations
From keepers
Customer reviews
“So cool and such a variety of fish.”
— Bill and Pam Cline5.0a month ago“One of the best aquarium spots been coming here for years the fish are always healthy and clean every single tank they are kept is nice and crystal clear you can tell the fish are happy and ready to be taken home. Compared to petco where its bacally russian roulette and hope the fish make it. But they also have a verity of exotic fish too and salt water as well if your looking for sea horses its the place to go”
— David Morales5.0a month ago“Maria and Adrian are the best!!! Great prices and all of the fish are well taken care of healthy!”
— Mimi5.04 months ago“Workers here are very nice and knowledgeable which is always a plus, especially when it comes to fish care and items required for your aquarium.”
— Josue Acevedo5.04 months ago“The owners are amazing. I always buy meal worms every week! This place is a must to visit for fish! They have variety of options too.”
— George Reynante5.04 months ago“Very nice ace”
— Gerbert Villanueva5.05 months ago“Very quick and helpful, very beautifully kept marine life. Got my assassin snails here! Very nice staff very friendly.”
— Teresa Hernandez5.07 months ago“Small store, but loaded with a variety of items and the people that work there are friendly and knowledgeable.”
— Armando Godinez5.08 months ago“Great aquarium shop with knowledgeable staff.”
— Josh May5.010 months ago“It’s been a year since I left my one star review. I’ve been back a few times and I’m happy to say that the Owners took my review to heart and the place stays clean, the Fish look happy, and the customer service was great, thank you, Lotus aquarium for taking the time to take care of not only the Fish environment But your customers as well, you are appreciated in a community. Oh yeah guys and the prices are great! I feel bad for the fish and coral that are subjected to the poor living conditions. Fish tanks are filthy, red slime on the rocks, and expired products. I say take your chances elsewhere rather than risking your whole tank becoming contaminated.”
— Jasmine Bruce4.0Edited 10 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (310) 973-4040 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Lotus Aquarium.