About
Cardinal Aquariums is a saltwater and freshwater aquarium store on North Hercules Avenue in Clearwater, Florida, owned by Shawn Garner. Reef keepers know it first for corals. The shop keeps dedicated coral and saltwater fish offerings, and recent visitors describe a great selection of coral frags, healthy fish and a solid stock of dry goods and supplies.
If you are looking for corals or saltwater fish for sale in Clearwater, FL, this is a shop local hobbyists keep coming back to. The freshwater side is the newer addition. The store now lists freshwater fish including GloFish, angelfish, African cichlids, plecos and puffers, notes that stock changes week to week, and will try to source specific fish if you call ahead.
One April 2026 shopper came in to look over the freshwater selection and went home with two mystery snails, an electric blue acara and a rainbow fish, crediting staff member Andres for the help. Service is the other half of the business. Cardinal installs and maintains home aquariums, helps with new setups including choosing corals and fish, builds custom coral reef tanks, and offers one-on-one consultations with Shawn in person or by phone.
Each maintenance visit includes a 20% water change made with Reef Crystals salt. Longtime clients describe Shawn building and servicing their tanks monthly, putting together an 80-gallon shallow reef plumbed to a 20-gallon mushroom tank, and nursing a tank through a brown jelly outbreak in about two days. A couple of reviewers mention his background in marine biology.
What comes up most in reviews is the staff's patience. Customers who walked in as beginners say they were steered toward the right solution rather than the most expensive one, with no sales pressure. Recent visitors call the tanks clean and well maintained and say the team is happy to explain the corals and fish in the shop.
One freshwater hobbyist wrote that if they ever started a saltwater tank, this aquarium shop would be the only place they would go.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Cardinal Aquariums in Clearwater, FL
Cardinal Aquariums stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, angelfish, cichlids, African cichlids, plecos, pufferfish and saltwater & freshwater fish for sale in Clearwater, FL. As an aquarium store serving Clearwater, FL, it also carries dry goods and offers tank maintenance, aquarium setup, aquarium consultations and custom tank builds.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Dedicated coral and saltwater fish offerings, with recent visitors praising the coral frag selection
- Freshwater section listing GloFish, angelfish, African cichlids, plecos and puffers, with stock that changes weekly
- Installs and maintains home aquariums, with a 20% water change using Reef Crystals on each service visit
- One-on-one consultations and custom coral reef tank builds with owner Shawn Garner
- Reviewers say staff steer beginners to the right solution rather than the priciest one
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I don’t know the man’s name but he had short brown hair. He was super knowledgeable and great to talk with, I’m not doing a saltwater aquarium but if I were to this will be the only place I go to!”
— Corbin T5.02 weeks ago“Andres was extremely helpful and knowledgeable when I came in today to check out the freshwater fish selection. I brought home 2 mystery snails, an electric blue acara, and a rainbow fish 🐟🐠 Thank you so much, I’ll definitely be back!”
— Kristi Livingston5.02 months ago“We stumbled upon this store today and what a gem! The customer service was excellent and personable—everyone was very knowledgeable and happy to help. The tanks were beautiful, clean, and well-maintained, and all the fish looked healthy and thriving. They also had a great selection of coral frags. We will definitely be back!”
— P G5.02 months ago“Cardinal Aquariums is the best! Shawn and his staff are super helpful and knowledgeable. They always take the time to answer questions and are happy to educate you about the different coral and fish in their shop. If you’re in need of saltwater and freshwater fish, corals, or supplies, this is your one stop shop. They are truly passionate about their business!”
— Stacia Wampler5.02 months ago“Nice selection of coral and coral needs”
— Shawn Phillips5.0Edited 2 months ago“Super knowledgeable staff and a great vibe. By far, it is my favorite local fish store!”
— James Whelan5.0Edited 5 months ago“Good selection of corals. Very knowledgeable and has a solid inventory of dry goods.”
— Cody Beck5.05 months ago“This store is amazing! They are friendly, polite, and very knowlegeable! They are expanding the showroom and inventory by double. They are adding fresh water choices. They are going to increase the number of days they will be open to 5 days a week. Its great to have a local choice for aquarium supplies! 6 stars, I highly recommend this business.”
— Michael Scribner5.0Edited 6 months ago“Built and services my tank monthly. Shawn is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Prices in store are good and staff is friendly. Highly recommended!”
— Emmanuel Vestas5.07 months ago“The Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Good selection of fish, corals and dry goods”
— Rhonda Garner5.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (727) 470-9025 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Cardinal Aquariums.