About
Tucked into Simi Valley, The Aquarium Connection is a family-owned shop that draws fishkeepers from as far as Temecula and Los Angeles — and for good reason. The store stocks a seriously impressive range of freshwater, saltwater, and even brackish fish, with a reputation for carrying rare and oddball species you won't find at the big-box stores. Reviewers rave about picking up colored lobsters, pea puffers, neocaridina shrimp, and unique finds that made them open their wallets when four other shops in the area couldn't.
The saltwater side is well-represented with a large fish selection and thriving corals, while the freshwater section spans classics to hard-to-find specimens alongside live plants and manzanita driftwood for aquascaping. Tanks throughout the store are consistently described as spotless, and the livestock looks healthy — a detail that longtime hobbyists notice immediately. Staff members like Keith, Andrew, Peter, George, and Justin are called out by name again and again for their patience and depth of knowledge.
George once spent an extended session walking a family of complete beginners through everything needed for a shrimp tank. Andrew took extra time to help a customer troubleshoot a home pond connection, even during a busy rush. Keith is regarded as a go-to resource for virtually any aquarium question.
Beyond the retail floor, The Aquarium Connection runs a well-established tank maintenance service led by Lynn, who handles residential and commercial accounts across the area. From a 350-gallon saltwater reef to a clinic fish tank, Lynn's twice-monthly visits and proactive service tracking keep clients' systems running without a hitch — managing everything from algae blooms to aiptasia outbreaks. The shop also handles tank setup and consultation for newcomers, offering the kind of personalized guidance that turns first-time fishkeepers into lifelong hobbyists.
It's a store where a 65-year-old saltwater veteran felt at home and a kid dreaming of his first tank felt welcome.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive rare and oddball freshwater fish selection alongside saltwater and brackish species
- Professional in-home tank maintenance service led by Lynn for residential and commercial clients
- Staff members like Keith, Andrew, George, and Peter praised by name for patient, in-depth guidance
- Spotlessly clean tanks with healthy livestock including pea puffers, colored lobsters, neocaridina shrimp, and corals
- Family-owned shop drawing customers from across Southern California, some driving 45+ minutes
From keepers
Customer reviews
“My boyfriend and I came in and got helped by Keith today and he was so helpful and amazing at giving us feedback and how to set up our shrimp tank!!! 10/10 RECOMMEND! One of the best fish stores in the valley!!!!”
— Raissa Zaverjenets5.020 hours ago“Wow. I am 65 years old. And have had salt aquariums since I was a kid.i actually worked at two from age 15-18. I thought real fish stores were a thing of the past. I just found the aquarium connection by accident. This store is the real deal . So knowledgeable and helpful. They actually stand behind what they say..and sell. Which is rare now a days. Ordered a new 100 gal. Salt tank . These guys are pros and know all the latest gear for the new and established hobbyists. I finally found a shop who cares about the hobby and the clients. Thanks Andrew and Pete. Kelly kline”
— Kelly Kline5.02 days ago“Kieth was so helpful, everyone that has helped me has been so kind and friendly. I love it here.”
— Shelby Globus5.02 weeks ago“Best fish/aquarium shop around and helpful staff.”
— Jerry Paquette5.03 weeks ago“They were so kind with my son who wants to have his own fish tank. Why go to Petsmat when you can support a nice family business?”
— Shelly Ann Kurtz5.04 weeks ago“The Aquarium Connection has a ton of saltwater fish but this review is for their freshwater selection. They have a wide selection of classic, rare, and even a variety of “oddball” freshwater fish. I just visited 4 fish tank stores in the area today and The Aquarium Connection is the only one that I opened my wallet for due to how unique their fish are. They even have a selection of brackish fish. Super clean tanks, facility, and the staff are extremely personable and professional. You will not be disappointed.”
— Derek S.5.0a month ago“Been going to them since I was 10. Always great service 👍.”
— DGAR905.0Edited a month ago“Very kind people working here and they have a great selection. Good for beginners and more experienced fishkeepers. I would recommend this store to anyone in the area that is interested in fishkeeping over going to a larger chain pet store.”
— Jess Morris5.0a month ago“Favorite fish store!”
— gloria castrellon5.0a month ago“This is my go to store for anything fish related. I've bought colored lobsters, pea puffers, shrimp and frogs from them all very healthy. They make me laugh every time I am there and really give that small town family vibe. They have a huge selection including rare decors and plants.”
— Teddy Cox5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (805) 497-3444 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Aquarium Connection.