Miami Aquariums

Tucked into the Miami landscape, Miami Aquariums is a compact but richly stocked shop that draws hobbyists from across the city with its dual focus on freshwater and saltwater livestock. Owner Leo has built a loyal following through genuine, education-first customer interactions — when one reviewer lost an angelfish, Leo walked them through what may have gone wrong and helped them feel confident moving forward. That personal touch runs throughout the entire operation.

The freshwater side is a particular standout. Reviewers rave about the plant selection — healthy, gorgeous specimens at prices well below what other Miami stores charge, plus driftwood and rocks for aquascaping setups. The shop also stocks discus in eye-catching tank displays and has sold wild arowanas that left buyers stunned by the quality-to-price ratio.

On the saltwater side, you'll find a strong coral inventory with plenty of zoanthid varieties, rainbow bubble tip anemones, and a broader invertebrate selection. One reviewer even spotted nurse sharks and black spotted groupers for those running truly massive systems. The store carries a full range of dry goods and equipment alongside the livestock, making it a genuine one-stop shop for tank builds.

Staff will walk you through setting up a new aquarium and explain environmental needs for whatever animal you're taking home — including turtles, which they also carry. Water testing is available on-site, though at least one saltwater hobbyist felt the basic three-parameter test didn't justify the $8 charge. The space itself was recently remodeled and reviewers note the tanks are kept spotless — crystal-clear water with healthy stock throughout.

It's a bilingual operation serving Miami's diverse community, with Spanish-speaking staff who offer the same patient, detailed guidance. A few reviewers have flagged inconsistent hours and difficulty reaching the store by phone, so calling ahead or checking their schedule before driving over is wise. But when the doors are open, Miami Aquariums delivers a warm, knowledgeable shopping experience with competitive pricing that keeps customers coming back.