Tucked in the Tampa Bay suburb of Brandon, Florida, The Aquarium & Fish Store has quietly built a devoted following over more than a decade — the kind of place where customers drive weekly from Sarasota and make special trips from Pinellas County because no one else carries what they need. With a strong dual focus on both saltwater and freshwater livestock, this shop stocks an impressive range of live coral, reef animals, bubble tip anemones, amphipods, cichlids, tetras, and aquatic plants alongside a deep inventory of dry goods, frozen and dry fish foods, and complete tank setups. The store's saltwater section draws particular praise, with reviewers calling out some of the best prices on marine fish and corals in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Freshwater enthusiasts aren't overlooked either — customers have found expert guidance converting a 125-gallon tank to a cichlid setup, and the live plant selection keeps planted-tank hobbyists coming back regularly. Reverse osmosis water and saltwater refills are available, a practical convenience that cements the shop as a one-stop resource. The staff leans toward the quietly expert end of the spectrum.
Don't expect aggressive salesmanship — multiple reviewers describe patient, informative employees who answer questions honestly without being pushy or condescending. Jana (also referred to as Jada by long-time regulars) gets singled out repeatedly for going above and beyond, fielding endless questions with genuine care. The vibe is more seasoned hobbyist than retail cheerleader, which some customers find refreshingly authentic and others find a touch flat — though most agree the knowledge runs deep.
The store itself is consistently described as clean and well-maintained, with healthy-looking fish and a beautiful display tank that showcases what's possible. Prices span a range of budgets, generally beating big-box competitors and many other local fish stores. They even offer store credit for common fish and snails — call ahead to confirm.
For aquarists across the Tampa Bay region seeking quality livestock, honest advice, and competitive pricing under one roof, this Brandon shop delivers.
Zeenatul Basher
12 reviews
If you have any aquarium this is o e of the best place to get all related stuff including fish and accessories. Staffs are knowledgeable and courteous, nice and clean store.
Aeasy19
13 reviews
Good aquarium store, leans more toward salt water set ups. Staff member was really nice
Day Alonso
108 reviews
Friendly staff, healthy-looking fish, and a good variety of fish selection. They offer store credit for common fish and snails. I'd suggest calling ahead to verify.
Alysia Mikesell
6 reviews
Awesome place, they had what no one had in Pinellas County!! All legal and fresh, go on Thurs and Fridays.
Jason Burden
7 reviews
Fantastic LFS with both fresh and reef animals/plants.
Robert S
139 reviews
Nice staff lovely fish and tank set-up and fair price I picked up some fish and life plants , I be back.
Lucille D
77 reviews
Expertise, no pushy sales, quality fish and plants. Made my dream of having a tank possible. Don’t expect excited folks trying to sell to you. These folks are experts and often experts don’t have very excited moods. They answer questions and are not condescending but their flat mood can put off some people.
Kelsey Koston
36 reviews
Our favorite place to go for fish and aquatic plants! They have a great selection and reasonable prices. They are always very friendly! We have been coming here for years and have had fish from here just as long. It can be hard to get someone to help once you have picked out what you want, but eventually someone helps out. We will keep coming here for many years!
hol
me & my mother (used to, together) consistently visit this store to get refills on salt water and pick up some new items for our tanks and we both got along and started to briefly know the staff there, which are the most patient and informative people in the hobby we know. be it the care the fish were previously given or our own care for the fish after purchase, we've never had problems regarding their health or behavior. the prices are always amazing for nearly everything, its great to know what i want will be available there instead of purchasing online with a large shipping fee. fantastic fantastic place <3
Ryan Blauser
23 reviews
This is my absolute favorite store that I go to and I drive all the way from Sarasota weekly to go here. I enjoy that they offer both freshwater and saltwater fish and a large selection of drys good which is something most stores lack. Prices are better than petco/petsmart and other lfs like marine warehouse and coral corral. But one of my favorite aspects about this store are the staff and the owner. They are super friendly and helpful. They usually say hi when I walk in and ask if I need any help. If you are looking for a solid LFS to shop at this is the place!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (813) 689-0713 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Aquarium & Fish Store.
Phone
(813) 689-0713Address
710 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
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710 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
February 7, 2026
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