About
Fantastic Fish sits on Fowler Street in Fort Myers, FL, and it's the kind of old-school, owner-run aquarium store that locals either drive across Lee County for or skip entirely. Owner Tom, joined by Thelma, has built a loyal following among hobbyists who value honest, hands-on advice over polished showroom shine. As one recent visitor put it, this is a "typical old school" fish store where the appearance "may be rough," but the livestock and the guidance keep dedicated keepers coming back, some driving an hour each way for fish they trust.
The shop stocks both freshwater and saltwater, and reviewers consistently call out the rare species you won't find at the big-box chains. If you're hunting for hard-to-find tropical fish for sale in Fort Myers, FL, this is the spot people mention first. One customer reported a 98% survival rate after stocking a 125-gallon tank with 25 cichlids bought here, crediting the store's separate water systems over the shared-tank setups at chain stores.
Saltwater is where Tom's reputation really shines: he's repeatedly named the person to talk to for reef and saltwater tank setups, having walked customers through stubborn problems like a green string algae takeover. You'll also find aquatic plants at famously fair prices, a big betta tank, general aquarium equipment, fish food, and supplies for turtle and tortoise keepers. A resident cat greets visitors at the door.
Regulars praise the deep inventory, the way the tanks are separated, and prices that beat the chains, with one calling it the best fish shop in Lee County hands down. It's a no-frills, function-over-form place, and Tom runs much of it himself, so expect a working hobby shop rather than a boutique. For anyone searching for a knowledgeable fish store near me in Southwest Florida, especially for saltwater guidance, Fantastic Fish remains a genuine local destination worth the in-person, walk-in visit.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fantastic Fish in Fort Myers, FL
Fantastic Fish stocks rare and hard-to-find species, betta fish, cichlids, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Fort Myers, FL. As an aquarium store serving Fort Myers, FL, it also carries aquarium equipment and fish food and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Tom is the local go-to for saltwater and reef tank setups, praised for honest, hands-on guidance
- Rare freshwater and saltwater species you won't find at the big-box chains
- Strong cichlid stock — one customer reported a 98% survival rate on a 125-gallon, 25-cichlid setup
- Aquatic plants at fair prices, a large betta tank, plus supplies for turtle and tortoise keepers
- Resident cat greets visitors; old-school, function-over-form shop with prices that beat the chains
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This a typical " old school" fish store. Appearance may be rough, however I have a 125 gallon tank and 25 cichlids in my tank, 98 percent survival rate. Great pricing, and dont have to deal with the box stores that feed the same water system in every tank, meaning, if one tank has issues they all do. I drive about an hour to go there to buy my fish, highly recommend.”
— Steven Saborse5.02 months ago“Muy buena tienda”
— Hugo Llauger5.02 months ago“Great shop with great prices. Fish we haven’t seen anywhere else. I love the way the tanks are separated too. Will be back here soon.”
— Jamie5.02 months ago“This place is as humid a Hades and so uncomfortable. Tom is a nice man but he needs to hire some help and stop sitting behind the counter playing on his phone and picking his nose and get that store in tip top order. There are way too many tanks for one old man to handle by himself effectively. Fish are dead or on the verge of death or have ick and are in overcrowded, cloudy tanks. I feel so sad for the fish that are not being tended to. There's always large amounts of water on the floors. There are sparce fish supplies and the products that are there, are way past their expiration dates and I mean by years. The big betta tank is nice but they are supposed to be alone because they are Siamese fighting fish for a reason. Some tanks and fish look nice but they should ALL look that nice, not just some.”
— Jen X3.03 months ago“Great selection of freshwater fish my wife and I went here and had a great experience.”
— Timothy Blyth5.03 months ago“Muy buen servicio, best fish shop in Lee county hands down, great inventory always and GREAT prices”
— Yuliana Verdia5.03 months ago“Very friendly, very professional great fish”
— Carl Roundtree5.04 months ago“Best place”
— Jorge luis Beltre melo5.0a month ago“Friendly helpful staff, a good variety of products.”
— David Harris5.0a month ago“Friendly staff good prices”
— Darren Hoagland5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (239) 888-5345 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fantastic Fish.