About
Tucked into a plaza near Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, A&R Aquariums is a family-owned aquarium store run by husband-and-wife team Adam and Lisa, who bring more than 25 years of fishkeeping experience to the counter. The shop is small but deceptively deep — regulars love that the tanks are spotless, the livestock arrives home healthy, and there's far more in the back than the storefront suggests.
" Freshwater is the heart of the operation, and the plant selection is what people drive an hour for, with prices customers call unbeatable and say beat the big-box chains. The rotating freshwater stock has included German Blue Rams and otocinclus, Red Spot Severums, Blue Veil angelfish, flowerhorns, assorted cichlids, bettas, snails, and a devoted following for the cherry shrimp and other invertebrates. If you're hunting for healthy plants and freshwater fish for sale in St.
Petersburg, FL, this is the kind of independent shop hobbyists trust over a chain. The saltwater side keeps growing too. Adam personally walks customers through reef-tank setups, dialing in lighting and settings, and the store has run coral deals like buy-two-get-one-free.
Alongside the livestock, they stock the dry goods, chemicals, hardscapes, and SeaChem supplies many hobbyists would otherwise track down elsewhere — all available in person right here in St. Petersburg, FL. What sets A&R apart is the welcome.
Adam and Lisa greet you at the door and take real time with questions, from picking a single betta to planning a first big tank or sorting out which fish will live in harmony together. Newcomers who started with "almost no aquarium experience" credit the staff's patience for keeping their fish and plants thriving. Several women in the hobby have noted feeling genuinely valued here, treated as more than a transaction.
For freshwater and reef keepers across Tampa Bay searching for an aquarium store near me, A&R is a shop worth the drive.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at A&R Aquariums in St. Petersburg, FL
A&R Aquariums stocks shrimp, corals, reef fish, cichlids, angelfish, betta fish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in St. Petersburg, FL. As an aquarium store serving St. Petersburg, FL, it also carries aquarium equipment and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned by Adam and Lisa with 25+ years of fishkeeping expertise
- Unbeatable plant deals and freshwater stock that beat big-box pricing
- Deep freshwater selection: German Blue Rams, severums, angelfish, flowerhorns, and beautiful cherry shrimp
- Growing saltwater/reef side with hands-on tank setup help and coral deals
- Patient, welcoming staff who help first-time tank owners succeed
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great Store Reasonable prices”
— maryann Manies5.06 days ago“Great store, plenty of fish.”
— Corbin T5.0a week ago“We bought a Betta this week. We were told they would stand behind it. We have had large saltwater tanks for years that we lost in Helene and began thinking we missed them. So we would just have some Bettas. We were impressed with the cleanliness of the store and tanks so decided to buy here. We loved the knowledge of the owner and how pleasant he was. Four days passed and so did the Betta. We did not see the man just the lady. We were told all about how it was our fault and received endless upsale. Bottom line was that they did not stand behind product as promised. Not even rain check for when they had more in. Just accusations of our fault. Of note our other Bettas are beautiful and healthy. Beware of false promises.”
— Lori Ford2.03 weeks ago“Started this tank with almost no aquarium experience, and this shop has helped me from day one. All the fish and plants in this tank came from them, and the staff has always been patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. They care about the animals and want people to succeed in the hobby, not just make a sale. Really appreciate all the advice and help along the way. Highly recommend checking them out.”
— Aby Pauta5.0a month ago“A&R Aquariums have been super helpful giving me great information about fish for my first big tank. They're super patient. Have great advice and I've really enjoyed shopping at their store for all the coolest stuff and amazing fish!!!!”
— Diahann Kanich5.0a month ago“Amazing family owned aquarium store! This husband and wife team have it all! The knowledge from him and the excitement from her. From freshwater to saltwater and supplies of all kinds at comparable prices, actually cheaper than most. If they don't have it just ask and he will let you know if he can get it where is best. My go to spot for all my aquarium needs❣️”
— Jill Yates5.0a month ago“Awesome knowledgeable, friendly staff. Have gotten several fish and plants there and they all are thriving and doing well! This is my go to store for everything aquarium related.”
— terrylyn browning5.0a month ago“Lisa and her Husband are so knowledgeable and passionate about their trade. I have been going to them regularly for questions as to what fish are compatible and with any maintenance questions. With having a variety of fish it is important they all live in harmony. I highly recommend to my friends about going here for all of their aquarium needs. The store is always well stocked. Everything is neatly displayed and well organized.”
— Rick Rummel5.03 months ago“We recently got a saltwater tank and have been coming to A&R aquariums for questions, advice and sea life. They have been absolutely amazing! Very patient and knowledgeable. Highly recommended this store!”
— Bobbie5.03 months ago“I drove 30 minutes out of my way based on a Facebook post from the night before advertising several items I specifically needed. When I arrived, not only was one item out of stock, but all of the advertised items were unavailable. This was extremely disappointing and a complete waste of time and gas. Based on this experience, I won’t be returning. I strongly recommend calling ahead to confirm availability before making the trip.”
— Kyle S1.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (727) 873-7863 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting A&R Aquariums.