916 Aquatics

Tucked behind a row of body shops in a Sacramento industrial lot, 916 Aquatics is a family-owned fish store that has carved out a very specific niche: Flowerhorns. Rows and rows of them. Reviewers consistently describe it as the best Flowerhorn destination in Northern California, with quality imported specimens that arrive healthy and looking even better in person than in photos.

If you're serious about these charismatic cichlids, this is a pilgrimage-worthy stop. Beyond the Flowerhorns, 916 Aquatics stocks a notable selection of discus, fancy goldfish, bettas, and arowanas — all freshwater species that appeal to dedicated hobbyists rather than casual shoppers. The store's inventory reflects a deliberate focus on high-end, imported fish over broad tropical variety.

Staff member Julie is frequently mentioned as a go-to resource, happy to field questions by phone and share knowledge about the fish they carry. That said, prospective visitors should know what they're walking into. This is an enthusiast-oriented shop with a narrow focus, not a full-service aquarium superstore.

Some reviewers have noted limited selection outside the core specialties, and a few have raised concerns about tank conditions for non-specialty fish. The store's strengths are concentrated — if Flowerhorns, discus, or bettas are what you're after, you'll likely be impressed. If you're looking for a broad tropical selection or planted tank supplies, you may want to look elsewhere in the Sacramento area.

The family-run atmosphere gives 916 Aquatics a personal touch that bigger retailers can't replicate. Customers describe the staff as friendly and genuinely passionate about the fish they keep. For Sacramento-area Flowerhorn enthusiasts especially, this small shop punches well above its weight, offering imported specimens that rival anything available in the region.