--- type: store name: "International Aquarium" city: "Oakland" state: "CA" rating: 3.8 reviews: 116 url: https://www.fishstores.org/california/oakland/international-aquarium --- # International Aquarium Fish store in Oakland, California - **Address**: 1505 International Blvd, Oakland, CA - **Phone**: (510) 261-1688 - **Website**: [www.intlaquarium.com/](http://www.intlaquarium.com/) - **Rating**: 3.8/5 (116 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | 10am-3pm | | Tuesday | 10am-3pm | | Wednesday | 10am-3pm | | Thursday | 10am-3pm | | Friday | 10am-3pm | | Saturday | 10am-3pm | | Sunday | Closed | ## About International Aquarium on Oakland's commercial strip is a polarizing but undeniably stocked fish store that draws hobbyists from across the Bay Area with its sheer variety of tropical and exotic freshwater fish. The discus selection is the store's crown jewel — reviewers call them "amazing HUGE quality discus" and describe the staff as "discus gurus" with a massive inventory of show-quality specimens. Beyond discus, the shop carries everything from large koi and plecos to bettas, puffers (referred to by one buyer as "blowfishes"), feeder goldfish, and rare species that customers say are hard to find anywhere else in the region. The store also stocks saltwater supplies and carries live aquarium plants, which one reviewer noted is hard to come by locally. Birds, guinea pigs, and other small animals round out the inventory, making it more of a full-spectrum pet shop than a pure aquatics destination. Dry goods and tank maintenance supplies are available, and at least one reviewer spotted flea medicine for cats and dogs behind the counter. That said, International Aquarium's reviews tell a tale of two experiences. Many customers praise the helpful, friendly staff and the unmatched fish selection in Oakland. Others report frustration with high prices — some noting equipment marked up significantly above online retailers — and a strict no-refund policy on fish that die shortly after purchase. Multiple reviewers lost koi, goldfish, and plecos within days, and the store's response was to offer discounted replacements rather than exchanges. Tank cleanliness varies by visit; some customers describe immaculate displays while others report dead fish floating in tanks and concerns about fin rot. The store's pricing reflects its specialty inventory — show-quality discus and rare tropical species command higher prices, which loyal customers consider worthwhile. For Oakland aquarists seeking exotic freshwater fish they can't source elsewhere in the Bay Area, International Aquarium remains a significant destination, though buyers should inspect fish carefully and ask prices before committing. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater - **Livestock & Products**: Discus, Koi, Goldfish, Rare Species, Bettas, Live Plants, Puffers, Plecos - **Known For**: Healthy Fish ## Highlights - Renowned for show-quality discus with a huge selection - Wide variety of exotic and rare tropical freshwater fish - One of the few local shops carrying live aquarium plants - Koi, plecos, puffers, bettas, and goldfish in stock - Saltwater supplies available alongside freshwater inventory ## Customer Reviews **"Fei He"** - 1/5 - Edited 9 months ago > Ask the price before you purchase. **"Kevin Wong"** - 5/5 - a year ago > Very nice staff. Clean tanks. Beautiful fish! **"Zeenat Bakhtyar"** - 5/5 - a year ago > I loved this experience and to see all the little cute fishes and. Littel birds. **"AQ"** - 5/5 - a year ago > محل اسماك يوجد اشكال متنوعه والوان مختلفه اسعارهم مناسبة **"yungiggy Ochoa"** - 5/5 - 2 years ago > Just went and spent 180 the lady there was really nice we are so excited to bring these fishies home **"Johnny Retail"** - 1/5 - 2 years ago > It’s closed **"Lamon Raney"** - 5/5 - 2 years ago > 😘 **"body bliss"** - 1/5 - 3 years ago > I spent $120 at international aquarium store. I brought 3 koi fishes and 1 algae eater . They all died less than 24 hrs. I called the store that same day nobody answer and I couldn't leave a voice mail. I went there the next day and the lady said I have to buy more and I can get 3 koi for $75. I told her I'll just do a review on Google. So the man asks what the problem was cause they didn't want a bad review. But then again want me to buy fishes again that died less then 24 hrs. **"Alison Crowley"** - 1/5 - 3 years ago > Intentionally unhelpful **"Shonda Roberts"** - 1/5 - 3 years ago > I spent $100 here & one of the purchases was a Placo & he only lasted 4 day. My other Placo I bought at Petco lived 3 years. I tried to take it back & they said I would have to buy another one. At lease at Petco they will give you another one. ## Nearby Stores - [High Tide Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/california/oakland/high-tide-aquatics) - Oakland, CA - 5.0/5 - [Bay Bridge Aquarium](https://www.fishstores.org/california/oakland/bay-bridge-aquarium) - Oakland, CA - 4.5/5 - [Aquarium Specialties](https://www.fishstores.org/california/redding/aquarium-specialties) - Redding, CA - 5.0/5 - [Art’s Underwater Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/california/pasadena/arts-underwater-reef) - Pasadena, CA - 5.0/5 - [Fintastic Fish](https://www.fishstores.org/california/scotts-valley/fintastic-fish) - Scotts Valley, CA - 5.0/5 - [Holy Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/california/morro-bay/holy-reef) - Morro Bay, CA - 5.0/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/california/oakland/international-aquarium)* *Last updated: February 8, 2026*