About
King Aquarium has been a fixture in the San Jose aquarium scene for years, drawing loyal customers who keep coming back for its wide variety of freshwater fish. The store is best known for its impressive selection of African cichlids — regulars praise the hardy, beautifully colored specimens that have thrived in home tanks for years after purchase. The large display tanks at the front of the store make an immediate impression when you walk in, showcasing the breadth of what's available.
The owner is frequently mentioned as friendly and willing to share advice, and several reviewers describe the staff as passionate and knowledgeable about fishkeeping. It's the kind of place where you can have a real conversation about stocking, compatibility, and care — not just point and buy. Longtime customers note that the store has been a reliable source for quality freshwater species over many years.
That said, King Aquarium isn't without its critics. Some reviewers have raised concerns about tank cleanliness and the housing conditions for bettas, noting that the fish are kept in small cups without visual barriers, which can lead to stress and fin damage. One customer who tested the cup water at home found elevated ammonia levels, suggesting the betta water may not be changed frequently enough.
It's worth inspecting fish carefully before purchasing, particularly bettas, and asking the staff about their care routine. King Aquarium is a straightforward, old-school fish store — no frills, no flashy branding, just tanks full of freshwater fish and a knowledgeable owner who's been at it a long time. If you're in San Jose shopping for African cichlids or building out a freshwater community tank, it's worth a visit for the selection and the personal guidance you'll get.
Just be sure to check their posted hours before you go, as at least one customer has found the doors closed during listed business hours.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Long-standing San Jose freshwater fish store with loyal customer base
- Strong selection of hardy, colorful African cichlids
- Large display tanks at the front of the store
- Friendly, knowledgeable owner who offers personalized advice
- Wide variety of freshwater species for home aquariums
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great variety of fish. Extremely knowledgeable,passionate and accommodating staff. Got all my fish from them.”
— Sacha Stel5.0a month ago“I’ve been coming here for many years and have picked up some beautiful African cichlids here that were very hardy, I like the huge tanks in the front of the store and the great selection they have.”
— Timeless Vick5.0a month ago“Arrived during store hours but is closed”
— Edgardo Bucad1.0a month ago“Dirty tanks and unfriendly employees, I don't recommend spending your hard earned money there.”
— George Alvarez1.03 months ago“Shop keeper is nice but the bettas are not housed well. The bettas are kept in cups smaller than petsmart right next to eachother so there’s nothing blocking their view from of the other bettas, causing them to be stressed. The one I picked had pieces of his fins at the bottom of the cup from fin biting, likely due to stress. When I got home, I tested the water from the cup and it had .25 ppm of ammonia which any fish keeper knows is bad for the fish. Based on the ammonia readings, they are not changing the water in the cups often enough. I only got the fish I did because of how he seemed to want to swim towards me even in that little cup. I knew in my cycled 5gal he’d heal up well, and knowing myself I could tell I would think about him and regret not rescuing him from those conditions. Otherwise, I would have gone elsewhere that keeps their bettas in more habitable set ups such as Neptune Aquatics.”
— Megan2.05 months ago“The owner is friendly and gives great advice, helpful”
— Tracy Nguyen5.06 months ago“Great place to do aquarium”
— Kenneth R. Sanford5.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (408) 288-6968 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting King Aquarium.