About
7-star average over 155 reviews. The shop's defining practice is its quarantine protocol: every fish is held and observed for two weeks — eating and healthy — before it is ever offered for sale. In a hobby where one sick fish can wipe out an entire tank, that discipline is the reason regulars say they trust the livestock here more than anywhere else in the area.
Saltwater fish, corals, invertebrates, and anemones are for sale in Pompano Beach, FL, alongside live rock and standouts like torch corals and cleaner shrimp that reviewers single out. Customers consistently describe the animals as vibrant and well cared for, and the display tanks as spotlessly clean — a direct reflection of the meticulous husbandry behind the glass. Whether you're setting up a first tank or stocking a mature reef, the team aims to send you home only with animals that will actually thrive.
Owner Lance, a marine biologist who literally wrote the book on the hobby, anchors a staff that customers name again and again — BB, Josh, and Stephan among them. They're known for honest, no-pressure guidance that puts a hobbyist's long-term success ahead of a quick sale. Lance offers free water testing along with detailed help diagnosing and correcting tank problems, and the shop will even hospitalize a sick saltwater fish when something goes wrong at home.
A few extras set this aquarium store apart: natural sea water is available by the jug for water changes, sparing serious reef keepers the hassle of mixing synthetic salt. For anyone running a saltwater or reef system in the Pompano Beach area, MarineLife by Captive Seas is a shop built on healthy livestock and straight advice — earning trust one quarantined fish at a time.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at MarineLife by Captive Seas, formerly Elite MarineLife in Pompano Beach, FL
MarineLife by Captive Seas, formerly Elite MarineLife stocks corals, invertebrates, anemones, live rock, reef fish and saltwater fish for sale in Pompano Beach, FL. As an aquarium store serving Pompano Beach, FL, it also offers water testing, fish quarantine and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Every saltwater fish quarantined for two weeks — eating and healthy — before it's offered for sale in Pompano Beach, FL
- Free water testing plus hands-on help diagnosing and correcting tank problems
- Natural sea water available by the jug for reef water changes
- Fish hospitalization service for sick saltwater fish
- Owner Lance — a marine biologist and published author — leads a staff (BB, Josh, Stephan) named by reviewers for honest, no-pressure guidance
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Nice selection, knowledgeable & friendly!”
— Deidre Perez5.04 weeks ago“A must sea to believe. Amazing people doing amazing things.”
— Jody Conley5.0a month ago“Wow, just wow, this store has an owner who is the MOST knowledgeable man ive ever meet in the business. Then find out he's a Biologist and author of his own book that I purchased. They quarantine their fish for 2 weeks before they are sold. No other shop does that. This store is clean and the live stock looks healthy and vibrant. The store might not be huge, but the amount of knowledge and passion flows from the place. I grabbed 5 fish and 3 beautiful corals. Cant wait to return.”
— Phantom Reefer5.0a month ago“Best in the business!!”
— Blair Hairston5.02 months ago“A frew years ago I came too this fish store ,very nice friendly and they have a lot of knowledge ,I been away from the hobby for a frew years i got back into it and I went back there happy I did. They were super helpful and they gave me great advice, the fish coral and live rocks are in great shape, and everything is so nice and clean.”
— demetrius allen5.03 months ago“Amazing aquarium store! The quality of the fish and corals is outstanding, and everything looks healthy and well cared for. The tanks are always clean and the variety is impressive, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist. The staff is very knowledgeable and always willing to help with advice and recommendations. You can tell they truly care about the animals and about helping customers succeed with their aquariums. Highly recommend this place to anyone interested in saltwater aquariums!”
— Callegario Marketing5.04 months ago“Best place in South Florida. Animal care is above any other store. I don't trust fish from any other store (I still qt though). Lance, BB and Josh are the best!”
— christopher k5.0Edited a month ago“An excellent, excellent fish shop. BB is simply amazing. She has a great love and knowledge of fishes and wont steer you wrong when picking something out. On top of everything she gave me a great deal to help start my tank. EXCELLENT jobs guys 🙂”
— Drew Malcolm5.0a month ago“Mr. Lance, the store owner what a gentleman and very professional. I buy my saltwater fish from this store and I like the fact FREE water test and the great advise on how to fix any problem with your tank!! I would continue to do business with them and I HIGHLY recommend them!!!!! I forgot to mention they will hospitalize your sick saltwater fish!!!”
— Linda Linda5.0Edited 2 months ago“Lance and Josh are really great. The store is clean, fish are well taken care of, and there's tons of really cool stuff. They also sell natural sea water for water changes, which was great to hear. Would definitely recommend.”
— Vincent Mamo5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (954) 782-4028 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting MarineLife by Captive Seas, formerly Elite MarineLife.