Lotus Aquarium

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.