Walking into Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center in Sarasota is an experience that hits you immediately — the sheer scale of the place, the walls lined with freshwater and saltwater tanks, the sound of birds in the back room, and yes, a resident cat padding around the aisles waiting to be petted. This is a store that's been serving the Sarasota community for over 50 years, and that kind of longevity shows in both the depth of inventory and the institutional knowledge of the staff. The aquatic selection is the main draw.
Saltwater enthusiasts will find corals, live rock (priced by the pound), and marine fish including firefish and other reef staples. Freshwater keepers can browse tanks stocked with everything from harlequin rasboras to figure 8 puffers and bettas, alongside aquatic plants for planted tank setups. The store also handles reef tank consultations — staff members have walked first-time coral reef owners through the entire setup process, from equipment selection to water chemistry.
One of Seascape's most talked-about virtues is value. Reviewers consistently point to deals on tank packages that are hard to find elsewhere — one customer walked out with a 29-gallon aquarium, heater, air pump, tubing, vacuum, and filter for $100. Secondhand tanks and enclosures keep things affordable for newcomers building their first setup.
The bird room is another standout feature, with hands-on interaction that kids especially love. Staff member Charlie has earned a loyal following for his patience and expertise helping families choose cockatiels and budgies. Natalie is another name that comes up for her warmth with both reptiles and birds.
Free water testing and honest consultations round out the service offerings. Some reviewers have noted occasional concerns about fish health and wait times during busy periods, but the overwhelming consensus is that Seascape delivers a store experience that feels more like visiting a local aquarium than running an errand. For Sarasota fish keepers, it remains the go-to destination for selection, pricing, and genuine expertise.
michael brennan
14 reviews
Love this place staff is very knowledgeable and helpful
Bryan mocaby
47 reviews
If they don't have what you're looking for they can get it for you. Very kid friendly they have a whole room full of birds that the kids can actually hold and play with.
John Dale
251 reviews
Amazing place. As soon as you walk in you're floored by the size, and then the selection. Corals, fish, birds, turtles, lizards, exotics, about anything you can imagine. The people are super knowledgeable as well! Go take a look.
Zachary Jobe
24 reviews
TLDR: Helpful and knowledgeable staff, but not the healthiest fish. Bought my first firefish and inverts from them a few weeks ago, and the fish started getting white spots on it after a couple weeks. I went in to ask what it could be and the staff member as well as to get some saltwater from them, and the staff member told me that he thought it was velvet, and that I would need to buy a tank to set up as a QT and treat with copper. I thought that was kind of weird because this was my first fish in the tank, and I got all of my sand, water and rocks from them so not really sure where else the disease could have been introduced from. The staff member showed me where the water was and even filled my jugs for me, but while he was doing that, I was checking out the tanks where they keep other fish and noticed a large number them also had dead fish in them. I wish I would have looked at them a little more when i initially bought the fish. The fish passed by the time i got home unfortunately and am currently starting to run the tank with no fish for the next 2-3 months to hopefully starve out the disease.
Cassie Iturrino
73 reviews
been here a few times in the past. went here to get grandbaby her first pet. beta fish. not sure what we would need so had to wait a while for staff to finish up with friends and such. once we did get a salesman, he was very helpful and explained in great detail what all we would need, what we would have to do, etc.
Kenneth Butler
43 reviews
Great selection and good prices.
Phil Rieta
47 reviews
Awesome place to buy all types of fish, reptiles, and birds and the things to take care of them. Been going to them for about a year and never been disappointed. Staff is friendly and very helpful.
Derek Schott
368 reviews
Really appreciate the fiest hand help you get from the staff here. They are able to answer any questions you have concerning aquarium set ups, and were able to get us quickly set up for starting a new coral reef tank for the first time.
Bubbie Iturrino
79 reviews
Alot to see..not much help though..lots of talking to same people. New customers can't be regular customers if the new customer can't get help
CeeJay Murph
Bought 4 figure 8 puffers all died within 2 weeks went to Petco a couple weeks later on the other side of town and bought 4 fish there and they are all still alive and that was 8 months ago won’t go back
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (941) 922-0914 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center.
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2162 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231
February 7, 2026
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