About
Tucked away on the west side of Tampa, Westside Aquarium & Pets is the kind of place that wins loyalty not through flashy displays but through the genuine expertise of its owner, Paul Martin. Customers who've been coming here for over 25 years will tell you the same thing: Paul knows fish, and he'll take the time to make sure you do too. The store may look a little rough around the edges from the outside, but the livestock inside tells a different story — healthy, well-cared-for fish at prices that consistently undercut the competition.
The real strength here is freshwater. Reviewers rave about the plant selection and the breadth of fish inventory, which goes well beyond typical pet store fare. Looking for pygmy corydoras?
Paul's got them. Want blue-green shrimp? He sourced them overnight for one customer and held a batch before they sold out.
He routinely stocks unusual species and will gladly special-order fish he doesn't have on hand, making this a go-to for Tampa hobbyists hunting something specific. Quality driftwood and aquascaping materials round out the selection. The saltwater side is more limited — a handful of clownfish, a starfish, and minimal coral — so dedicated reef keepers may want to set expectations accordingly.
But for freshwater enthusiasts, this store delivers where it counts. What truly sets Westside apart is Paul's hands-on consultation approach. Multiple reviewers describe him patiently troubleshooting tank issues, from cloudy water to mysterious fish die-offs.
In one case, he performed water testing that revealed plants from another store had been sprayed with something toxic — a diagnosis that saved a family's entire tank. Customers drive from as far as Hernando County for that level of care. Paul can come across as a bit gruff at first, but longtime customers consider it part of the charm.
Beneath the no-nonsense exterior is someone who genuinely cares about keeping your fish alive and your tank thriving. For Tampa's freshwater community, Westside Aquarium is an essential stop.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Paul Martin brings 25+ years of hands-on fish expertise and patient consultation
- Strong freshwater inventory with unusual species, live plants, and quality driftwood
- Will special-order specific fish and hold livestock for customers
- Free water testing and troubleshooting for tank problems
- Consistently praised for healthy livestock and competitive pricing
From keepers
Customer reviews
“By far the nicest fish store i have been to in florida. Employees are great as well.”
— JIGGYFOOL5.06 days ago“I had aquariums for years, I had to get rid of it due to health reasons, now that I am better, I got a 20 Gallon, I love it! I had problems with it balancing, and being foggy. He was very patient with me, he answered all my questions, and even provided, a few remedies for me to try. My Aquarium is now clear and my fish are thriving!! 5 starts( more if I could) thanks for the help!”
— Stephen Gregory5.02 weeks ago“Love this place! Owner is so knowledgeable and has been teaching me and helping me build my aquarium through the year. A friend bought the fish tank for my son, and I had no idea what I was doing at the get go. Thanks much!!!”
— Drew Meriwether5.0a month ago“One of the best plant and fish+ inventory I’ve seen around ! THE best prices and amazing staff ! 10/10 would recommend and none of the fish I’ve bought have passed or have illness.”
— sarina aiello5.02 months ago“This place is a gem of a find! The owner is super nice; he’s always ready to answer questions. If you want a particular fish, often he will try to find it for you, or tell you when he can get it. Store looks a little rough but don’t be deceived! My fishies are healthy! He’s also got some great driftwood.”
— Jennifer Stadler5.03 months ago“Great place wel recommend”
— Edwin Altamirano5.03 months ago“Extremely knowledgeable and very healthy fish. Great prices and takes his time answering all your questions. I drive here from Hernando County for the quality of service and 🐠.”
— Holly O'Steen5.04 months ago“No nice and knowledgeable about the type I fish I was looking for ! Thank you for the kindness and advice about how to properly take care of them”
— ヴィヴィ • Vivi5.0Edited 5 months ago“good collection of fish and had the pygmy corys i was looking for at a great price! owner was nice, thanks”
— brianna n5.05 months ago“Fantastic store. Owner is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Great prices. All around a great experience.”
— Brett Johnston5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (813) 839-4751 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Westside Aquarium & Pets.