Twins Aquarium

Twins Aquarium in Stockton, California is one of those family-run pet shops that inspires fierce loyalty despite — or maybe because of — its rough-around-the-edges charm. Owner John has been the beating heart of this operation for years, and longtime customers drive over an hour to take advantage of what many consider the best fish prices between the Bay Area and Sacramento. The saltwater selection is a major draw.

Reviewers consistently praise the variety and health of marine fish, with Kole Tangs, bubble corals, and other reef livestock available at prices that undercut bigger shops. The freshwater side holds its own too, with a notable discus selection and healthy specimens like the Red Tail Catfish one customer watched grow from 5 inches to 13. Corals are a particular strength — multiple buyers report picking up pieces well below market rate.

John's real value goes beyond inventory. He's earned a reputation as a walking fish encyclopedia, the kind of owner who will test your water on the spot, diagnose a soap contamination issue in your gravel, and hand you the exact chemicals you need — all in one visit. His willingness to steer customers away from purchases that don't fit their setup speaks volumes.

When disease strikes a home tank, regulars know John has them covered with advice and medications. The store itself is admittedly cramped, packed floor to ceiling with tanks, supplies, cages, feeders, birds, reptiles, and small animals. Some tanks run cloudier than ideal, and prices aren't always posted, so you'll need to ask.

The atmosphere is bustling — this is a go-go-go kind of shop, especially on busy days when John's daughter is helping manage the crowd. But the value proposition is hard to argue with. Twins Aquarium delivers competitive pricing on both freshwater and saltwater fish, live corals, frozen fish food, and aquarium equipment, all backed by decades of hands-on expertise.

It's the kind of place where a ten-year customer still shows up every two weeks to check the new stock.