About
's most exciting aquarium destinations. 9-star rating through a combination of stunning aquascaped display tanks, a deep freshwater and saltwater selection, and a staff that customers can't stop naming by name — Christina, Maddie, Nick, Sean, Jonathan, Grace, and Chris all get repeated shoutouts for their patience and expertise. The store's planted tank game is especially strong.
, Maryland, and Virginia region. Hardscape materials, substrates, and tanks from UNS line the shelves, giving aquascaping enthusiasts serious tools to work with. The display tanks themselves are frequently described as art — nature-inspired setups that demonstrate exactly what's possible with the products on the floor.
On the livestock side, Capital Exotic stocks healthy freshwater fish including koi angelfish, rummy nose tetras, clown killifish, and other hard-to-find species alongside corals for saltwater hobbyists. Their betta fish get special treatment in individual filtered tanks — a detail that speaks to the store's care standards. Shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates round out the selection for nano tank enthusiasts.
One customer flew eleven rummy nose tetras and three koi angelfish all the way back to Arizona, and every single one survived the trip and acclimated beautifully. What sets this shop apart is its community-building energy. The owner organizes giveaways and events featuring well-known aquascapers.
Store dogs Max and Mellow greet visitors at the door. There's a couch for sitting and watching fish. One father described setting up a 5-gallon nano ecosystem with his two-year-old daughter, guided step-by-step by the staff — plants, shrimp, fish, and all.
With competitive pricing that reviewers consistently call the best in the DMV area, Capital Exotic Fish delivers substance alongside style.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Live PlantsPlanted TanksCoralsBettasShrimpInvertebratesAngelfishTetrasAquarium EquipmentRare Species
- Services
- ConsultationAquascapingTank Setup
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterSaltwater
Highlights
What makes them special
- Stunning nature-inspired aquascaped display tanks throughout the store
- Exceptional live plant selection praised as the best in the DC/MD/VA area
- Individual filtered tanks for betta fish showing high care standards
- UNS hardscape, substrates, and tanks for serious aquascaping setups
- Hard-to-find freshwater species including clown killifish and koi angelfish
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly people!”
— John C5.0a week ago“Nice place but not exotic at all and overpriced lol”
— Melynn R3.02 weeks ago“Jonathan at the fish store was a fantastic employee. Whenever I had any questions, he was there to offer me assistance. This was my first time getting fish as an adult, and Jonathan helped me greatly with the process. From getting the tank, to the heater, to the filter, and finally the fish, during every step of the process, Jonathan was very helpful and informative. The prices at the store were also great, and Jonathan helped to explain if there were any questionable prices. If I could give this person 50 stars, I would!”
— Jonathan Kamis5.0a month ago“If you want a nature inspired aquarium, this is the spot - the aquariums are works of art. The professionals at this store know fish and how to care for them. I’ve gotten fish from other local stores and this store blows the others out of the water. 💦 Shout out to Grace and Christina!”
— Nisha Shah5.0a month ago“Very clean and organized!! The staff are very friendly and helpful!! Very knowledgeable and I highly recommend this store for all types of aquarium keepers!!”
— Keith Clark5.0a month ago“Nice fish equipment and helpful staff.”
— One Bad Panda5.02 months ago“Friendly, helpful staff. Clean, well-lit store, with a good selection. A very pleasant experience. Thank you!”
— Geoff Maxson5.02 months ago“Awesome staff…friendly and knowledgeable! Great selection of fish, invertebrates and plants.”
— Dagmar Haggerty5.03 months ago“To buy fish and sell aquarium plants.”
— Paul Meyer5.03 months ago“Best fish store in the city.”
— Uncle Poodle5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (202) 506-5476 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Capital Exotic Fish.