About
Gulf Coast Aquarium and Pets is a family-owned aquarium store in Panama City, FL, in the Panama Plaza on West 15th Street next to Piggly Wiggly. Reviewers note that the storefront has little or no signage, so it is easy to miss. Inside is a saltwater and freshwater fish store that also sells reptiles and small pets.
Saltwater is the main focus. The store's website lists saltwater fish, corals and invertebrates, and reviewers praise the coral and fish selection. One reviewer calls it the only shop they trust in Bay County for saltwater.
Another bought an anemone and a goby here, and a third warns that it is easy to go over a coral budget. For corals and saltwater fish for sale in Panama City, FL, it is a local shop worth a visit. For freshwater, the website lists tetras, guppies, angelfish and discus, and one customer was happy with the tetras and rasboras they bought.
Reviewers also mention aquatic plants and aquarium chemicals on the shelves. Brands shown on the store's website include Seachem, Red Sea, EcoTech Marine, Pro-Clear Aquatic Systems, Ocean Nutrition, Hikari and Zoo Med. RO/DI water is available in store, though one reviewer questioned its quality.
The store also takes special orders for items it does not have in stock. On the reptile side, the website mentions chameleons, geckos and snakes. One family said a visit felt like going to the zoo because there were so many animals.
Gulf Coast also installs and maintains aquariums at homes and businesses in and around Panama City. A long-time customer says the team handles their weekly maintenance and answers quickly by call, text or email. Another customer had the team move an aquarium and called the final price very reasonable.
Reviews are mixed on price and service. Some shoppers call the prices reasonable and others find them high. Most describe friendly, knowledgeable staff, but one recent visitor waited about 20 minutes without help.
Another recent customer said the store made things right after a problem.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Gulf Coast Aquarium and Pets in Panama City, FL
Gulf Coast Aquarium and Pets stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, anemones, tetras, livebearers, angelfish, discus, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Panama City, FL. As an aquarium store serving Panama City, FL, it also offers tank maintenance, aquarium setup and tank cleaning.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Saltwater fish, corals and invertebrates, with reviewers praising the coral selection
- Freshwater tetras, guppies, angelfish and discus listed on the store's website
- Aquarium installation and maintenance for homes and businesses around Panama City
- Reptiles and small pets alongside the fish, plus RO/DI water in store
- Brands include Seachem, Red Sea, EcoTech Marine and Hikari
From keepers
Customer reviews
“My girlfriend and I went into this store for the first time wanting to see what kind of fish and substrates they had available as we are newer to running our tank. We wished to ask some questions but there was only one employee, an older gentleman who I do not know the name of, so we waited patiently around the store. No one addressed us at all. It wasn’t until he was finishing up a transaction with another client up front that we thought we should wait there for him to finish. That was when said gentleman running the store had rudely said “I don’t like people staring at me.” and continued to repeat that even with our polite defense of we were simply waiting our turn. He then proceeded to talk about us with the client right in front of us after just yelling at us to basically leave him alone. This was probably one of the rudest customer interactions I have ever had and given we received no assistance or acknowledgment within the twenty minutes we waited in the store, we will never be returning. Based on our own observations of their tank conditions and numerous reviews we read stating fish people have received being riddled with parasites or disease, I think it best we continue to take our business to Suncoast and not here ever again. I hope this helps anyone else who considers coming here.”
— Tia Radway1.02 months ago“Cool place & owner was very nice.”
— Rosemary C5.02 months ago“Had an issue with something from Gulf Coast Pets and Aquarium. Heath made it right. We greatly appreciate it and will continue doing business their.”
— Rob Welsh5.03 months ago“Great place”
— B Luv5.04 months ago“My husband and daughter bought a tank and some cute fishies this past weekend and we are all loving it! The owner was so helpful and to the point about everything. You can tell they really care. He was going tank by tank and scrubbing with a tooth brush while he talked to us. Kind of like going to the zoo so many animals! Very cool experience and can’t wait to support the business more! Only thing, I wish they had a sign out front, even a tarpe sign would be great! Get more foot traffic too I bet! Thank you!”
— tianna miller5.02 weeks ago“Great local aquarium shop with friendly, knowledgeable people.”
— William Brown5.02 weeks ago“We sought out a professional aquarium tank cleaner for our yellow belly aquatic turtle. My husband and I just couldn’t seem to get the murky water clear and with our health issues it was getting to the point where cleaning the tank was just becoming too much. Well for $199 You would expect clear water or at least some improvement in the water’s appearance. But no ! The water never got clear and in fact was worse, then when they began cleaning it. They never took the turtle out while cleaning the tank in fact,I don’t think they did a whole lot except clean the filters and the side of the tank. It was a total waste of our money and a total rip off !!! I text The owner Yestwice complaining about the service. I even waited a couple of days before texting the second time, hoping that the water will clear up after a few days. Still nothing but murky water. you would think being a professional company that they would give us a discount on the service being that the water never improved in appearance or became clear. But, no. Don’t waste your time or money on this company. The results will not be in your favor. Oh, and when I sent pictures to the owner she said the water looks clear to her. Clearly, we have two different opinions on what clear water looks like.”
— Marla Ferraro1.03 weeks ago“1$ a gallon for RO water that tests worse then walmart RO. Get your basics elsewhere. Everything super marked up.”
— LionsLife_1.0a month ago“great selection of fish and coral good prices”
— Shaun Dawn Roberts5.0a month ago“Love the tetras and rasboras I purchased. The fish are kept is much better conditions than corporate stores and the price is worth it. Stress + poor conditions = disease and death for your whole tank. I will definitely be back for some plants and aquarium products.”
— John Ammerman5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (850) 769-4111 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Gulf Coast Aquarium and Pets.