Atlantis Coral and Fish

Tucked into Bradenton's Village of the Arts, Atlantis Coral and Fish is a small, personality-driven shop run by Jay, an owner whose saltwater expertise has earned him a devoted following across the Tampa Bay area. The store's centerpiece is a stunning 300-gallon display tank that reviewers describe as worth the trip alone — a living showcase of what's possible when coral health and water quality are taken seriously. Saltwater is clearly Jay's passion.

His frag tanks are stocked with vibrant, healthy corals — ricordea, rock anemones, and a rotating selection of frags that keep regulars coming back monthly. Fish colonies share the space alongside individual specimens, and customers consistently note the quality and coloring of his livestock. Snails and other invertebrates round out the marine inventory.

Jay also carries freshwater species, including large, eye-catching angelfish that have impressed first-time buyers. What sets Atlantis apart isn't square footage or brand-name equipment walls — the dry goods and accessories selection is admittedly limited. Instead, the draw is Jay himself.

He quarantines his fish before sale, FaceTimes customers to troubleshoot tank issues remotely, and has guided numerous newcomers through their first saltwater setups with patience and genuine care. Multiple reviewers describe driving from Tampa and St. Petersburg specifically to buy from him, and his willingness to special-order anything not in stock makes up for the smaller inventory footprint.

Pricing is another consistent theme: nearly every review mentions that Jay's prices undercut competitors significantly. He's also known for refusing to upsell — he'd rather educate a customer than push an unnecessary purchase, a philosophy that's built real loyalty in the Bradenton reef-keeping community. The shop can be tricky to find, with some confusing signage and occasional unexpected closures, so calling ahead is wise.

But once you're inside, the quality of the coral, the health of the fish, and the depth of Jay's knowledge make it a destination worth seeking out.