About
Aquatic Fantasy in Redondo Beach has built a loyal following among Southern California saltwater enthusiasts, though prospective visitors should note that the store's location has caused some confusion — multiple reviewers have reported difficulty finding it at the Fisherman's Wharf address. For those who do track it down, this is a dedicated saltwater-only shop with a focus on corals, reef fish, and invertebrates. Owner Jason and staff member Lisa are the names most frequently mentioned in reviews, and opinions on both are notably polarized.
Lisa draws particular attention — some customers praise her coral expertise as "outstanding" and describe warm, knowledgeable interactions, while others have found her demeanor less than welcoming. It's a store where personality and experience may vary depending on the visit. What's consistent across reviews is the saltwater specialization.
Customers highlight a wide variety of corals and a particularly strong selection of nano fish — a niche that's hard to find at many local competitors. One longtime customer credits Aquatic Fantasy with keeping their nano tank thriving for 15 years, relying on the store for RODI water and ongoing guidance. Another reviewer says the store built their entire aquarium system from the ground up, providing equipment and livestock alike.
Pricing is a recurring topic. Several reviewers note that Aquatic Fantasy sources from premium wholesalers, which pushes prices roughly 25% above competitors. The trade-off is supposed to be healthier livestock, though a few customers have reported losses within days of purchase, including one case involving a Lyretail Anthias that showed signs of internal parasites.
The store's replacement policy has also drawn mixed reactions. For Redondo Beach reef keepers who value a curated saltwater selection and hands-on expertise — particularly in corals and small reef-safe species — Aquatic Fantasy delivers a focused experience. Just confirm the current location before making the drive, and come prepared for boutique-level pricing.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Saltwater-only store with strong coral and nano fish selection
- Staff member Lisa known for deep coral expertise
- RODI water available for purchase
- Owner Jason personally knowledgeable about saltwater fish
- Long-term customer loyalty — one reviewer a patron for 15+ years
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Store does not exist at the fisherman's warf as listed in the address!”
— Justin Lok3.0a year ago“I think their store closed bc I could not find it at the pier. I asked a few other shops if they knew of a fish store and they did not.”
— Daniel Ji3.03 years ago“These guys made my aquarium what it is. Lots of support almost everything in my system is from them”
— Matthew Cloutman5.05 years ago“Been going for years. I only have a nano tank and buy rodi water from them. They’ve kept my fish alive for 15 years now.”
— Charles Yau5.0Edited 6 years ago“friendly and nice setup”
— Ngan 'Bruce' Tran4.06 years ago“Great store and the owner Jason knows his fish.”
— Michael O'Brien5.06 years ago“Very knowledgeable staff but not very pleasant, the lady who I think is the owner should be a little more friendly.”
— G GUIDO3.06 years ago“Great group of people they've helped me out tremendously couldn't ask for a better saltwater fish store I will never go to another store now after finding this one this is the place I go to buy all my fish now”
— Jeremy Wimbish5.07 years ago“I have bought many fish and coral and overall this is an amazing fish store with a wide variety of coral, fish, invertebrates and more. Thank you aquatic fantasy”
— Louis Rathel5.07 years ago“I highly recommend this store for all your Saltwater aquarium needs.”
— Steve Fox5.07 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (310) 798-7333 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Fantasy.