About
Violet Aquarium LLC in San Jose operates as both a brick-and-mortar shop and a significant online retailer, shipping saltwater and freshwater fish across the country. The store's reputation rests heavily on its coral and saltwater fish selection — customers have purchased everything from blue angels and Moorish idols to bubble tip anemones, long tip anemones, and carpet anemones. The coral inventory draws particular praise, with buyers reporting pieces that open up within minutes of being placed in their tanks.
The physical store offers a large showroom with rows of tanks stocked with rare and hard-to-find saltwater species. Staff member Antonio and owner Dan are frequently mentioned by name, with customers describing extended phone conversations about the hobby and personalized guidance on acclimation procedures. For those shopping in person, the selection of invertebrates, corals, and fish is clearly the main draw.
Shipping is where Violet Aquarium generates both its strongest praise and sharpest criticism. Many customers across the country report receiving beautifully packaged, fat, healthy fish — some noting it was the most professional fish packaging they'd ever encountered. Others, however, have experienced leaking bags, inadequate heat packs, and DOA livestock, particularly on longer cross-country shipments.
The store's DOA policy, especially regarding corals, has been a flashpoint: some customers felt the resolution process was fair, while others found it frustrating and felt blamed for losses. The San Jose shop itself carries a wide variety of saltwater livestock alongside freshwater options, plus tanks and aquarium necessities. Customers who've built long-term relationships with the staff tend to speak highly of their experiences, citing the ability to source fish they couldn't find elsewhere.
The store clearly caters to serious saltwater hobbyists willing to invest in rare specimens, and when the shipping goes right, the results impress. Prospective buyers should communicate shipping preferences clearly and understand the DOA policies before placing large orders.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive saltwater fish and coral selection including rare and hard-to-find species
- Ships live fish and corals nationwide with dedicated packaging
- Large physical showroom in San Jose with wide variety of tanks on display
- Carries anemones including bubble tip, long tip, and carpet varieties
- Staff like Antonio and Dan known for hobby knowledge and personalized service
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I received my first fish order from Violet Aquariums and I must say it was by far the most professional fish packaging I’ve ever seen! The ordering and delivery process was A+++ and the fish were amazingly beautiful and extremely healthy! I wish I could give 10 ⭐️!!! Will definitely be ordering fish from Violet Aquariums again!”
— David Baxter5.0a week ago“Me and the wife have been buying fish from them for a while and they are amazing fish come healthy great place to get your fish Antonio helped me out tremendously great asset to the team!!!”
— william quidley5.0a week ago“Very argumentative and unprofessional.”
— Alexis Curington1.0a week ago“Very unprofessional, poor quality livestock. Put me on your do not order list that you threaten everyone else with so I dont make the mistake of spending a dime with you cause ive put you on mine.”
— Jordan Roch1.0a week ago“Despite some negative reviews, I've ordered from Violet twice now and have received healthy livestock in a very timely manner. Both fish I've ordered were healthy and fat. These two fish were fish I couldn't find anywhere else. Thanks Violet team!”
— Aaron Marney5.02 weeks ago“Box was leaking and damaged coral was barely covered in water. Lasted 20 hours and never opened up. They chose to say no doa on coral and refused credit or to send a new one. Was a long time customer but no longer!!!$$ you nailed it it’s quality of my tank!!!! Lol”
— Rich Duke1.02 weeks ago“My fish showed up looking very good, and my coral was even better less than 5 minutes after putting my coral in it was already open and looking good. I will be buying fish from here for years to come.”
— David Bjorge5.03 weeks ago“Great owners”
— Tony Vokel5.0a month ago“The owner or whoever i spoke to seems to be VERY arrogant and thinks that they can do no wrong. Even after showing the progression of the deterioration of the specimen, after trying to explain the problem. They couldnt even say, "oh well its possible it was sick here" no, just gaslit and blamed the customer. The other 1 star reviews show the same story. I hope that if youre reading this and thinking about coming here, that you reconsider. And bc i know the person eho runs this will continue to gaslight, idc what you have to say. You cant even entertain the idea that you might be in the wrong. Oh, and one other thing. That reddish brown powdery looking stuff on the tanks? Thats cyano bacteria, in every single tank. If you ever go in, youll understand. They take very good care to make their images deceptive.”
— May Mills1.0a month ago“I bought an amazing blue angel from Violet the fish was packed perfectly I acclimated him as per their instructions he was in the tank in 15 min this fish is gorgeous and fat and eating like a hog after just being in the tank a couple of hours. This place is highly recommended and Dan is a pleasure to deal with. Thank you for this beautiful angel Chris B”
— Chris Bagliore5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (408) 352-5339 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Violet Aquarium LLC.