About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- BettasGoldfishDiscusArowanas
- Services
- Ships FishConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Largest Flowerhorn selection in Northern California with rows of quality imported specimens
- Strong inventory of discus, fancy goldfish, bettas, and arowanas
- Family-owned shop with knowledgeable staff — ask for Julie
- Ships fish that arrive healthy and true to photos
- Enthusiast-focused freshwater store in Sacramento's industrial district
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Flowerhorn came alive and healthy. He is even more beautiful than in the pictures!”
— Kristina Harges5.0a month ago“Good people, good fish, good times.”
— Billy “McQueen”5.04 months ago“First time stopping by in this store and I'm very impressed. The store is located towards the back of the lot with body shops around them. I walked in and I was surprised on the amount of discus and flowerhorns that they carry. This is actually the first store I've seen that has flowerhorns and they have rows of them. All nice looking fish, too. They also have plenty of betta fish, too. All in all, a very nice store if you're a flowerhorn, discus, or betta lover.”
— Jerald See5.04 months ago“They got everything you need, for your pet or best friend (flowerhorn)fish, I'm so glad to decide to give them a visit, they are my number 1️⃣ on the list for my pet fish's need. ❤️”
— Artist Nails & Spa LLC5.05 months ago“If you're into flower horns, this is the place for you”
— Charles Yang5.06 months ago“The best”
— Jus Be5.07 months ago“What a local gem of a family owned fish store. They have the best selection of quality imported Flowerhorns, goldfish, discus, bettas, etc. Staff is always friendly and very informative. I'd challenge you to find nicer Flowerhorns in all of Northern California. Give Julie a call if you have any questions.”
— Jason Cheung5.0Edited 7 months ago“Enthusiast aquarium store for those wanting Flowerhorn, Arrowana, etc.”
— Tuan T.5.010 months ago“This place unfortunately had lots of sick and dying/dead fish in tanks in very poor condition. There were a ton of flower horns for sure and maybe they're good if that's they're specialty and what you're looking for. There was a very limited selection of other tropical fish. I was shocked how little they had for how many tanks there were. All of the tanks that did have fish looked very unwell. Several had ick, murky water, dead fish, lots of fin clamp, and lethargic looking fish. Im surprised any of them were for sale in those conditions. I do not recommend getting fish from this store.”
— Sadie Rogers1.011 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (916) 376-7412 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting 916 Aquatics.