About
Exotic Aquatic has been part of South Florida's aquarium scene for over two decades, and the loyalty of its regulars says plenty about how owner Rob and his crew run the place. Longtime locals describe coming in for years — even back at the old location — knowing they can walk up, ask for exactly what they need, and get a straight, knowledgeable answer. Newer faces on the floor like Benjamin, Matt, and Keylie keep that tradition going, helping shoppers match livestock to their setups and earning the kind of repeat visits this Fort Lauderdale shop is built on.
First and foremost, this is a livestock destination. The freshwater room is where many regulars start: fancy bettas in an unusually deep range of colors, pea puffers, apistogrammas and other cichlids, guppies and other livebearers, and neocaridina shrimp all turn up here, and hobbyists routinely report that fish bought at Exotic Aquatic settle into their tanks healthy. The store has a real reputation for rare and unusual species — customers say they have found fish here that no other shop in the area stocks, which makes it worth the drive for anyone hunting something specific for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
On the saltwater side you will find marine fish, corals, and the reasonably priced saltwater and RO water that keeps local reefers coming back with their own buckets to refill. Marine stock tends toward smaller specimens, and the gear selection is more limited than the livestock, so this is a place you visit for the fish first. Beyond the tanks, the team offers tank maintenance, with service techs regulars call true pros, plus the hands-on consultation that helps a newcomer pick a first betta or a reefer plan a build.
It can get busy, and pricing draws mixed opinions, but for healthy freshwater and saltwater fish near me backed by staff who genuinely know the hobby, this Fort Lauderdale aquarium store remains a dependable stop.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Exotic Aquatic, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exotic Aquatic, Inc. stocks corals, reef fish, rare and hard-to-find species, betta fish, cichlids, pufferfish, invertebrates, shrimp and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As an aquarium store serving Fort Lauderdale, FL, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers tank maintenance and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Two-plus decades serving Fort Lauderdale under owner Rob, with a deep bench of loyal regulars
- Standout fancy bettas plus rare freshwater and saltwater species other local shops don't carry
- Healthy livestock: pea puffers, apistogrammas, cichlids, guppies, and neocaridina shrimp
- Affordable saltwater and RO water refills (bring your own bucket) for local reefers
- Professional tank maintenance techs and knowledgeable floor staff like Benjamin, Matt, and Keylie
From keepers
Customer reviews
“For being locals, we have been going to this store for years even when they’re at the old location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Super nice people super knowledgeable people it’s all about going in there and asking for what you need exactly and they’re gonna give you the right answers and point you in the right direction”
— Landon Petrisko5.02 weeks ago“The best fish store Both from this store🔥🔥🔥”
— Jose Caca5.0a month ago“Disappointed--this place used to be good. Fish dying in multiple tanks. Most of the FW tanks are algae filled and the glass looks like it hasn't been cleaned/scraped in ages. Very limited selection of plants. Poor selection of fish and prices are high -- $9 per neo shrimp is highway robbery.”
— Madelyn Rodriguez2.02 months ago“That Benjamin dude was really helpful and helped me find everything I needed for my fish will a hundred percent be coming back !”
— Fernando Corona5.03 months ago“Best fish store around. Went to different ones in the area and they had the best fish by far. No one had the fish they do. It’s clean and the staff( Matt and Keylie) were nice and helpful. We will be back. Thank you.”
— Noel Leonardo5.04 months ago“most friendly staff of any aquarium store ive been to. very healthy fresh water and marine fish with many unique and are species found here.”
— Daniel Cegielski5.02 months ago“Besides the RO water not being RO the store keep very minimal stock on equipment, and the equipment they do stock will be sold to you missing parts. I purchased a return pump, the only one they had as an aquarium store that was missing parts I needed to set it up, save your self the aggravation and go see reefs edge. Poor management and I blame the owners. They do not give the employees the tools to succeed. Very disappointing.”
— Sea Sick Fishing Chanel1.02 months ago“Great selection & knowledgeable staff!”
— J K5.03 months ago“Great aquarium with healthy fish!”
— Alexis Garcia5.04 months ago“Nice place nice staff . The tanks could have used some more TLC and price are kind of high”
— chris sibila3.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (954) 565-0947 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Exotic Aquatic, Inc..