About
Coast Gem USA is a warehouse-style freshwater fish store in National City, CA, and for San Diego-area hobbyists who walk through the door, it's a genuinely exciting place to lose an afternoon. This is a family-owned operation with a wholesale vibe — rows and rows of tanks and growout ponds packed with livestock rather than the polished aisles of a big-box chain. Regulars describe a selection 'you won't find at PetSmart or Petco,' full of unique species and interesting setups, and many have been coming back monthly for years.
The freshwater range is the draw. You'll find an enormous spread of fancy guppies and other livebearers in strains that are hard to track down elsewhere, plus bettas of every kind — one visitor walked out thrilled with a male-and-female pair of Betta Smaragdina. African cichlids and bright male peacocks are available in National City, CA at prices well below what shoppers report paying elsewhere, alongside ornamental goldfish and orandas, koi-patterned varieties, neocaridina shrimp, nerite snails, pygmy corydoras, sailfin plecos, and African dwarf frogs.
If you're starting a planted tank, the shop carries live plants and aquarium supplies to outfit a first setup. The people are what regulars rave about most. This is a hands-on, ask-and-they'll-teach kind of store: longtime staffers like Pong and Ceaser get named again and again for helping customers pick fish, set up cichlid tanks, and learn what their new fish need.
The owner is repeatedly called kind, welcoming, and generous — one parent's son left with free food and plants for his betta. It's a no-frills spot where you may catch your own fish straight from the tanks, but the variety, the family-run warmth, and the value keep San Diego aquarists driving back. If you're after unusual freshwater fish for sale in National City, CA, Coast Gem USA is worth the trip.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Coast Gem USA in National City, CA
Coast Gem USA stocks goldfish, betta fish, livebearers, cichlids, African cichlids, shrimp, invertebrates, plecos, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in National City, CA. As a fish store serving National City, CA, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Warehouse-style, family-owned freshwater shop with a selection regulars say beats PetSmart and Petco
- Huge range of fancy guppy strains, bettas (including Betta Smaragdina), and African peacock cichlids at below-average prices
- Neocaridina shrimp, nerite snails, pygmy corydoras, sailfin plecos, orandas, and African dwarf frogs in stock
- Live plants and aquarium supplies to outfit a first planted tank
- Hands-on staff like Pong and Ceaser help set up tanks; owner praised as kind and generous
From keepers
Customer reviews
“First time customer. Coast Gem did a great job communicating with me throughout the purchase process. I inquired about shipping times when purchasing a pre-order fish on a Friday. Coast Gem responded promptly to let me know that the fish had arrived and was ready to ship on Monday. I then requested additional photos of the fish. A video including all angles was promptly provided. I completed purchase, the fish was shipped on Monday afternoon and arrived early Tuesday morning in perfect condition. I couldn't be happier!”
— Heather5.0a week ago“Overall, our experience was very good. We ordered a male and female Galaxy neon blue tail guppies and one black red tiger guppy male. We paid for 2-3 day shipping because overnight shipping cost is outrageous. It took 3 days to even ship it, but we then received it by the next day even tho we are in ohio. We weren't expecting them until Monday (shipped Friday) and we have a post office box, so almost forgot to check the mail that day. Would prefer fedex over USPS, but they were well packed in small individual bags and very healthy. Our female did come with a bagful of babies we weren't expecting and we had to rush to the store to buy a small hatching tank rather than letting them all be eaten. This last reason is why we gave 4 stars instead of 5. Unfortunately, after reading all the terrible reviews (fortunately post-fish receipt), we will most likely not purchase from here again. So sorry, but reviews really do matter.”
— Ann Weindel4.02 weeks ago“100% the best online store I’ve ever bought from. Excellent customer service, and reply really fast. My betta and panda corys arrived perfectly fine, one died from shipping. But they replied within about 20 minutes and refunded me. Living happily now in my tanks. Arrived in an insulated box with Methylene Blue in the bags. Bagged tightly and securely. The box its self was clear that it had live animals ensuring safe travel. Will 100% but from again! Might even go in person across the U.S!”
— Jaxson Stevens5.02 weeks ago“I am so happy with the fish that I received. It is a giant flakka koi Galaxy Marvel everything I think what's most exciting to see in the breed in different shapes and forms. The owners of people who work there are just amazing they really do teach you a lot about your fish if you just ask or if you need help Reach Out. many blessings”
— NonProfit Co-Founder Account5.02 weeks ago“I ordered a Betta back in March and he shipped out fast amd arrived 2 days later healthy, gorgeous and definitely the fish I ordered. I made another order for a male Betta this week same thing shipped out that Tuesday, arrived 2 days later healthy and stunning. I have yet to have any issues or complaints. As a breeder the quality of their Bettas is fantastic!”
— Anna Eckley5.04 weeks ago“ONLY PAY WITH CREDIT CARD VIA PAYPAL IF YOU ARE USING PAYPAL. I know even with all the negative reviews, there will be people out there willing to take the risk and purchase from this deplorable company. The best advice for you, if you decide to purchase is to use your Credit Card/Credit Card w/ Paypal when completing your purchase. This way you can dispute the charge with your credit card company instead of PayPal. They will always provide false information to PayPal in order to win the order dispute. You will win 100% of the time if you dispute with your credit card. Good luck with your purchase and protect yourself from these scam artists.”
— Benjamin Wang1.0a month ago“Great place for a vast assortment of freshwater fish. I've bought in-person and online, both have been great experiences with my purchases. Thank you Coast Gem, you guys are awesome!”
— Benjamin Siebert5.0a month ago“Great Service! Have been several times”
— Carlos Sandoval5.0a month ago“Amazing”
— Anthony Scott5.0a month ago“This is a great establishment to get aquarium needs. The owners are friendly and helpful. I came in looking for plants for our first planted aquarium and they had everything we needed. Stop by here if you are in need of anything for your freshwater aquarium.”
— Paiton Earl5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (619) 856-4603 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Coast Gem USA.