Picasso Exotic Aquatics

Picasso Exotic Aquatics in Lenexa, Kansas has built a devoted following across the KC metro for good reason. Walk through the door and you're greeted by stunning display tanks and a showroom that's spotlessly clean and well-organized — a reflection of how seriously owners Clint and Courtney and their team take aquatic husbandry. The livestock looks healthy, the corals are vibrant, and there's always something new to catch your eye.

The freshwater selection is robust, with live plants that multiple reviewers call the best-priced and most diverse in the area. Cherry shrimp with incredible coloration, community tank species, and hardscape materials for aquascaping all share floor space with what customers describe as the best coral selection in Kansas City. Saltwater enthusiasts will find a carefully curated range of marine fish alongside those corals, and the staff can walk you through building a reef setup from scratch.

Axolotl keepers have found a real home here. Multiple customers specifically sought out Picasso for axolotls and left with not just the animals but detailed guidance on tank setup, feeding challenges, and long-term care. Staff members like Cameron, Khang, and Asher are mentioned by name again and again — they remember customers, learn about their specific tanks, and follow up on livestock compatibility questions with genuine investment.

Beyond retail, Picasso offers tank maintenance services that range from private saltwater aquariums to school tanks — one teacher had seven classroom tanks serviced by the team. Custom aquarium and stand orders are available, with reviewers praising the communication and delivery process. The consultation approach feels personal rather than transactional; one customer who started with fair goldfish now runs multiple tanks including a saltwater setup, crediting Picasso's patient guidance at every step.

Prices run slightly above average, but customers consistently say the livestock quality and expertise justify the cost. For anyone serious about the aquarium hobby in the Kansas City area, this is where the conversation starts.