About
In Redding, California — where a true local fish store is a rare find — The Deep has earned its name as the aquatic shop hobbyists across the northern Sacramento Valley actually drive to. Owned and run by Mike and Lanee, this mom-and-pop aquarium store packs a surprising range into a small space, covering both freshwater and saltwater livestock, live corals, aquatic plants, and what regulars call the best hardscape selection in town. Mike's deep, hands-on knowledge is the real draw.
Customers describe him identifying a mystery shrimp from a phone photo, walking first-time owners through a complete tank build, and answering maintenance questions long after the sale. The freshwater side runs from African cichlids and mbunas to clown loaches, eels, crabs, and a standout wall of snails in every color, shape, and size, while the saltwater room keeps marine fish and corals well stocked. If you're hunting short-body Green Texas cichlids for sale in Redding, CA, this is the shop — one regular ordered a trio through Mike, picked them up healthy in store, and paid less than buying online.
Need Malaysian mangrove driftwood or quality rock? It's here, and reviewers say it beats anything the big-box stores carry. The special-order model keeps people loyal: if it isn't on the shelf, Mike will track it down for you to collect in person, and he'll happily point you toward a product he doesn't even sell if it's the better fit.
Recent visitors echo the same notes — one in June called out the friendly help, great plant and fish selection, and prices "you can't find at the big pet stores," while another shared how the owner immediately took in more than 60 healthy fish she needed to rehome on short notice. The shop is also settling into a new location, and longtime customers are excited to come browse it. Small, unpolished, and genuinely expert, The Deep remains Redding's go-to spot for affordable freshwater and saltwater fish available in person.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Deep in Redding, CA
The Deep stocks corals, cichlids, African cichlids, invertebrates, shrimp, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Redding, CA. As an aquarium store serving Redding, CA, it also carries dry goods, aquarium equipment and fish food and offers aquarium consultations and custom tank builds.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owners Mike and Lanee offer deep, hands-on expertise in both freshwater and saltwater aquatics
- Best hardscape selection in Redding — Malaysian mangrove driftwood and quality rock
- Special orders: if it's not in stock, Mike sources it for in-store pickup
- Wide freshwater range — African cichlids, mbunas, clown loaches, eels, crabs, and snails
- Saltwater fish and live corals kept well stocked
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very friendly and knowledgeable. There is a great selection of plants and fish with cheap prices you can't find at the big pet stores. I will definitely be returning!”
— chaz daniel5.0a week ago“I was in the process of surrendering fish. The big box store I had it lined up with had a new supervisor when I arrived. She declined them although they were perfectly healthy/well raised youth/young adults.🤦🏼♀️ I had a dentist appointment in 30 minutes, and over 60 live fish in a bucket. When I pulled into The Deep the owner agreed to help me immediately. I'll never forget it!🙏🏼 Super excited to come shop in the new location.🥳”
— Kim Moore5.03 weeks ago“Mike and Lanee are the best! Very knowledgeable and very personable. Purchased a 75 gallon fresh water aquarium from them in January 2026 and could not be more pleased. Highly recommended!”
— Dennis Churchill5.04 days ago“It is great to have this LFS here in Redding. I recently ordered 3 short body Green Texas cichlids through The Deep. A week later I picked it up at their shop and the fish are healthy and more affordable than it would be to purchase online. I also picked up some clown loaches from The Deep that are better colored and more affordable than the big box pet stores.”
— Trevor Lewis5.02 weeks ago“Best, hardscape selection in town! Very happy with our Malaysian mangrove root! Also wonderful selection of snails, wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Really cool to see all the different kinds of eels too. The freshwater turtle in his aquarium is larger and healthier looking than the one in the museum of turtle Bay! Super great place to come and look around.”
— Christina Monk5.03 weeks ago“Just found this nice local aquarium shop. Super helpful, friendly people. Nice collection of fish ,plants ,and aquarium supplies, Good prices too. Super happy with our fish and plants from here.”
— mondo kunz5.04 weeks ago“Just found this nice local aquarium shop. Super helpful, friendly people. Nice collection of fish ,plants ,and aquarium supplies, Good prices too. Super happy with our fish and plants from here.”
— Mondo kunz5.05 months ago“Its a nice and freindly place. We managed to find exactly what we needed for our first setup.”
— Zay Dalton5.03 months ago“Just bought a fish from The Deep. Answered all the questions I had. They sale live plants also! Great place!!”
— Laura Hodson5.04 months ago“Everytime i go in here and I get fish they’re always sick with fin rot and all his animals always look sick.”
— Amily Pearl1.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (530) 241-5344 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Deep.