Tucked into a plaza near Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, A&R Aquariums is a family-owned shop run by husband-and-wife team Adam and Lisa, who bring over 25 years of fishkeeping experience to every customer interaction. The store punches well above its modest footprint — reviewers consistently note there's far more livestock in the back than you'd expect from the storefront, and the tanks are clean and well-maintained throughout.
Freshwater is the heart of A&R's operation. The plant selection draws people from an hour away, with deals that customers call "unbeatable" — pricing that regularly beats big-box competitors. You'll find a solid rotating stock of cichlids (they'll even accept your extra babies from prolific breeding pairs), Red Spot Severums, Blue Veil angelfish, Geophagus, flowerhorns, and healthy schooling fish.
Their shrimp selection — including cherry shrimp and other varieties — has earned a devoted following, with one longtime hobbyist describing them as "absolutely beautiful" and worth driving past two other local shops to buy. The saltwater side is growing too. Adam personally helps customers set up reef tanks, dialing in proper lighting settings, and the store runs coral deals like buy-two-get-one-free at $25.
They stock the dry goods and equipment that many hobbyists would otherwise order online, from hardscapes to medications to general supplies. What truly sets A&R apart in the St. Petersburg aquarium scene is the atmosphere.
Lisa and Adam greet customers immediately and take time with questions — whether you're picking up a single betta or planning a full 40-gallon planted setup. Multiple female hobbyists have noted feeling genuinely welcomed here, a contrast to the dismissive treatment they've encountered elsewhere. The store has become a go-to for regulars who value being treated as more than a transaction.
Prices are reasonable across the board, and the livestock generally arrives home healthy. For planted tank enthusiasts and freshwater hobbyists in the Tampa Bay area, this is a shop worth the drive.
ed sluss
48 reviews
I'm set up my forty gallon breeder.Tank and got all my plants and start a fish.And snails from here. They are so much more reasonable on their prices on fish. And plants he even beaten pepco. I highly recommend them I'll be back.
dawn bethel
31 reviews
Love love love this place!! Great selection of fish. Owners are so helpful and friendly!
Sonny Gonzales
677 reviews
Very knowledgeable and nice staff
Walter Miller
395 reviews
Always helpful staff. Great fish selection
blake baron
15 reviews
Lisa is always a champion one of the nicest stores and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet so if you’re looking for quality fresh or saltwater fish, a wide array of necessary equipment for your aquarium this is a place to go Blake
Its Me
56 reviews
I recently purchased a shrimp from this business, but unfortunately, it didn’t make it through the second night. When I got home, I noticed it was already missing a leg and tentacle, and it seemed stressed and bullied by the other shrimp during transport. I believe the shrimp should have been bagged separately to prevent this kind of aggression and injury. I do want to mention that the lady who helped me in the store was very nice and knowledgeable. She was patient, answered my questions, and made the in-store experience pleasant. I genuinely enjoy supporting small, local businesses and prefer buying from them whenever I can, which makes this experience especially disappointing. Unfortunately, the issue seemed to occur during transport. Once home, I immediately separated and acclimated them carefully, and the aggression stopped once they were in the tank. The injured shrimp was very lethargic and often lay on its side, but every so often it would have bursts of energy, which made me hopeful that it was starting to recover. Sadly, despite my best efforts checking all water parameters, keeping the lights off, and maintaining a calm, stable environment it didn’t make it through the second night. I reached out to the business to explain what happened, but they read my message and never responded. I understand that livestock losses can happen, but I would have appreciated at least an acknowledgment. Good customer communication goes a long way.
Jessica Acquaro
17 reviews
Love supporting a Family owned business. Always get great service.
David Brodosi
189 reviews
This place is AWESOME! First it’s a family owned store. Second it’s clean and well stocked with amazing fish. I wanted everything. Before going to the retail box store, stop by A&R Aquariums. Prices are very reasonable.
Casey Marika
5 reviews
Great selection of freshwater fish and nice prices.
Brie Lyerly
24 reviews
Drove an hour to check out this store and it was well worth the drive. Very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly staff, well maintained tanks and overall clean store. We will be back again!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (727) 873-7863 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting A&R Aquariums.
Phone
(727) 873-7863Address
9645 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
9645 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out