About
Underwater Depot has been a Sherman Oaks fixture since the early 1990s, and longtime locals still drive in from across the San Fernando Valley to shop with owners Chris and Armand. Tucked into a compact, spotlessly clean space on Ventura Boulevard, this neighborhood aquarium store packs a remarkable range into a small footprint: freshwater tropical fish, saltwater fish, corals, live aquarium plants, shrimp, and a full wall of supplies and equipment. If you've been searching for freshwater fish for sale near me, the tanks here run deep with community tropicals, Cory catfish, and an exotic shrimp selection reviewers single out by name, alongside invertebrates like assassin snails for natural pest control.
The saltwater side is smaller but well-kept, with quality coral specimens and reef and ocean fish; customers mention puffers, starfish, and crawfish among the standouts. Nano tank setups are especially well represented, a great fit for apartment dwellers and small-space keepers who want a planted or reef build that sits on a shelf. What sets the shop apart is its honesty.
Multiple reviewers describe being talked out of premature purchases, told to wait an extra week for a tank to finish cycling before adding shrimp, or walked through proper setup before spending a dime. The staff will test your water, discuss local water quality, and recommend the right bacterial treatments rather than upsell. That kind of patient, knowledgeable guidance is rare.
Beyond livestock, dry goods, and aquarium equipment, Underwater Depot offers tank setup, consultation, water testing, and weekly tank cleaning and maintenance for homes and businesses, a real convenience for anyone who wants a beautiful aquarium without the upkeep. For Sherman Oaks fish keepers looking for corals, shrimp, live plants, and tropical fish for sale near me from a shop that does things right, this long-running aquarium store is a trusted home base in Sherman Oaks, CA.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Underwater Depot in Sherman Oaks, CA
Underwater Depot stocks corals, shrimp, invertebrates, catfish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Sherman Oaks, CA. As an aquarium store serving Sherman Oaks, CA, it also carries dry goods and aquarium equipment and offers tank maintenance, tank cleaning, aquarium setup, aquarium consultations and water testing.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Staff actively advises patience with tank cycling rather than rushing fish sales
- Weekly home and business tank cleaning and maintenance services
- Strong nano tank selection ideal for small-space setups
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish with quality coral specimens
- Long-established Sherman Oaks shop with owners Chris and Armand on-site
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Cool shop !!”
— Saeed Manoochehri5.02 weeks ago“Great little store with a decent collection of fish and aquatic animals.”
— Suleman Ishaque5.0a month ago“great, spot helped with me getting a 25 gallon tank”
— Andrew Schindler5.0a month ago“The sales person was very helpful”
— Bonnie Paryani5.02 months ago“Incredible selection”
— James Ritts5.02 months ago“Such a cool spot to get your tank needs as well as fresh and saltwater fish. They even have some really cool unique species! Super friendly staff that knows their stuff and the parking is close enough.”
— C Titus5.03 months ago“I am going to this store since 1992. Awesome place.”
— Leo Shany5.02 weeks ago“I had a great experience visiting the store. They were very helpful and kind. I’m new to having anything to do with aquariums. I asked a lot of questions and felt like they were genuinely trying to help. No one pressured me into buying things I didn’t need. I’m definitely going my back to get my shrimp!”
— bridgette boone5.03 weeks ago“This Aquarium Store is AMAZING. What a special find for me. The entire store is filled with beautiful fish and awesome start up aquariums. The owner Chris is great, so are All of his staff. This shop and team really do an amazing job to help you and get you going in the right direction. This company offers weekly cleaning, where they come to your home or place of business to ensure the fish and aquarium are up to Par. Thank you Chris and all employees!!!!”
— Joshua M5.02 months ago“Nice place! Lots of fish selection, fair pricing, helpful staff, and the had assasin snails! Definitely worth the stop”
— Laura Oden5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (818) 789-7323 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Underwater Depot.