About
Tropical Reef Fish Store is a small, local fish store in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Its stock centers on saltwater fish and coral, with a smaller freshwater side. Google's listing summary describes a wide variety of saltwater fish and coral and a helpful staff, and most reviewers say the same.
Coral frags, clownfish and other marine fish are for sale in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and the shop also sells saltwater that reef keepers buy for their tanks. The freshwater side is smaller but still active. A February 2026 reviewer bought a betta, a pea puffer and some ottos (small algae-eating catfish) here, and bought live aquarium plants for the first time, with staff explaining how to care for them.
Earlier reviewers have bought bettas, goldfish and African cichlids, including Taiwan Reef and other peacocks. One customer praised the shop's endlers. The store has also helped a family choose fish and hardscape for a patio pond, and customers have bought aquariums and hardscape here.
Advice is the main reason many customers come back. Reviews from 2020 through 2025 often name the owner, Jason, as knowledgeable and willing to explain the reasons behind his advice instead of pushing a sale, from cycling a new tank to understanding the fish they buy. Reviews from spring 2026 say the same about the current team.
One customer said a staff member took time to explain owning and maintaining a tank. Another advised newcomers to the hobby to talk to the owner, and a third called the staff very helpful. That makes this aquarium shop a sensible first stop for beginners setting up a first tank.
Opinions are split on value and upkeep. An April 2026 reviewer called the prices fair, but two other recent reviewers felt that coral frags and a clownfish were overpriced. Some reviewers have complained about dirty, algae-covered tanks and about tank lights left off, which makes livestock hard to see, though others have found the shop clean.
Earlier reviewers also called the freshwater selection small. For reef keepers in the Inland Empire, Tropical Reef is a local option for coral frags, clownfish and saltwater. For freshwater keepers, it is a place to get hands-on help with bettas, small freshwater fish and live plants.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Tropical Reef Fish Store in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Tropical Reef Fish Store stocks corals, reef fish, clownfish, betta fish, African cichlids, goldfish, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. As an aquarium store serving Rancho Cucamonga, CA, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Saltwater fish, coral frags and clownfish make up the core of the stock
- A 2026 customer bought a betta, a pea puffer, ottos and live aquarium plants
- Recent reviewers praise the owner and staff for patient advice to beginners
- Saltwater for reef tanks is sold in store
- Has helped customers choose fish and hardscape for a patio pond
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Sean is the man, took his time and explained all the ins and outs of owning and maintaining a tank. Appreciate you”
— Amir Jafari5.0a month ago“Very helpful staff”
— Mr. Lopez5.0a month ago“The guy knows his stuff about fish, definitely if you're new to the hobby I would talk to the owner, prices are fair as well”
— Andrew Truong5.02 months ago“I bought a beautiful Betta here, I also bought ottos and a pea puffer (not at all once) everyone I have talked to there has been so helpful. I have had fish before but they are so great at answering any concerns or questions especially since it was my first time also buying live tank plants from them. They really explained a lot to me. I always by my fish from there now.”
— Monica Swayze5.04 months ago“First time buying frags came here about 4 weeks ago. I am new to the game. Long story short walked out with 3 frags 1.5-2inches max. Spent little over $250. Somehow stumbled upon PISCES CORAL AND FISH in Rancho when I googled “ coral shops near me” and let me tell you what a HUGGE difference that store is to this one!! You can get @ Pisces fish store 4 frags OVER 2.5 inches under $300, with a wide selection and stunning colors!! as for Tropical Reef shop not so much!! Tropical reefs cleanliness was also considering. TROPICAL REEF -cleanliness 3/10 ⭐️ -prices-selection-size 3/10⭐️ -customerservice-information 4.5/10⭐️ Pisces Coral and Reef -cleanliness 9/10⭐️ -prices-selection-size 10/10⭐️ -customerservice-information 10/10⭐️ Dissatisfied in Tropical Reef, won’t be coming back. Sorry”
— em brock1.04 days ago“After all the times I've walked into this store and got the vibe to just not buy anything here. Figured if give it a chance and regretted it the second I got home. Bought a black clown and you can tell thus one was terrorized the entire time it was at this store. They keep the lights off on the tanks for a reason so you can't see the fish. Glad I could donate the over priced $40 to a dying cause. Steer clear of this shop.”
— Justin Guerra1.0a month ago“Extremely helpful staff Great selection”
— Matt Gann (Scablam)5.06 months ago“Jason was straight forward and eager to educate rather than wanting to make a sale. He helped guide me in the right direction and has been a resource for all my questions and calls. They have a great selection of fresh and salt water fish to choose from. I highly recommend this shop.”
— George Flores5.07 months ago“Most fillthiest fish store I've ever been in. The tanks & equipment are green-thuck with algorithm & gunke. The few fish & coral are hardly seeable & look larthargic. The smell is sick. Never seen anything like that. Uncompliant-Ca stare law.-health.”
— MEC MEC1.010 months ago“Shop owner is extremely kind and has some of the most beautiful endlers I've seen.”
— Cherry Soda5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (909) 944-3824 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tropical Reef Fish Store.