Aquatic Specialties in Kenner, Louisiana has earned its reputation as the best local fish store in the greater New Orleans area over more than 25 years of operation. Owner Keith's passion for the hobby permeates every corner of this meticulously maintained shop, where immaculate tanks house an impressive roster of both freshwater and saltwater species that customers regularly describe as the healthiest in the region. The saltwater side is where this store truly distinguishes itself.
Reviewers consistently point to their exotic and unusual saltwater fish — species you simply won't find at typical aquarium shops — along with a quality coral selection that draws enthusiasts from across the Northshore and beyond. Staff members like Josh and Carlos bring specialized knowledge: Josh excels at walking customers through care requirements with patience and clarity, while Carlos is the go-to for sourcing specialty saltwater equipment and hard-to-find items. But saltwater isn't the whole story.
Aquatic Specialties carries a strong freshwater lineup with particular emphasis on Neotropical species, smaller cichlids, planted tank supplies, and live plants. Their shrimp are frequently cited as the best quality around, and they stock hard-to-find freshwater invertebrates that dedicated hobbyists travel specifically to find. A huge selection of frozen fish food and RO/DI water rounds out the supply side.
The store also provides hands-on tank maintenance services — one customer notes that technician David has been servicing their saltwater tank at home for over 25 years, a testament to the kind of long-term relationships Aquatic Specialties builds. A discount program for ongoing purchases sweetens the deal for customers investing in larger builds, like the 142-gallon saltwater setup one reviewer is currently developing with their guidance. For aquarists in the New Orleans metro area looking for healthy livestock, rare finds, and staff who genuinely care about your tank's success, Aquatic Specialties delivers on all fronts.
Robert Akers (Bob)
9 reviews
Excellent aquarium stock and equipment selections. Service experience is also excellent!
Melanie Breaux
11 reviews
They always go above to help, gives good advice, big selection of fish and plants and has the best quality shrimp around.
Mark Schneider
85 reviews
Very clean, well stocked LFS with both fresh and saltwater fish. Nice collection of corals. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Jessica
Absolutely, gorgeous tanks, beautiful fish, and wonderful, Customer Service
Nic Bellanger
33 reviews
This place is known for being experts at saltwater, but their also a great place for planted tanks, community freshwater, and smaller cichlids. There is a strong emphasis on Neotropicals.
Dawn Semernezski
14 reviews
Aquatic Specialties has a lot going for it. Keith, the owner, is an absolutely amazing man. He’s clearly passionate about what he does, and that shows in the store and the care that goes into it. The selection here really stands out, especially for saltwater. They carry a much better variety of exotic and unique saltwater fish and coral than most places, and it’s one of the main reasons I continue to shop here. You can find things you just don’t see at typical aquarium stores. They also carry some of the best brands in the saltwater hobby, which makes a big difference when you’re investing in a serious setup. On top of that, they offer a really good discount program, especially when you’re purchasing directly from the store for certain ongoing needs. I’m currently working with them to help build out my 142-gallon saltwater tank, and that kind of ongoing support and pricing makes a big difference on a project of that size. This is actually my favorite aquarium store, and I’ve been to around 25 different aquarium shops overall. The guidance can sometimes lean toward urgency or worst-case scenarios, which may feel overwhelming for some hobbyists, but it hasn’t affected my experience personally since I don’t tend to worry the way many enthusiasts do. If you’re more prone to panicking or feeling overwhelmed, I’d recommend going in and talking with Josh, as he does a great job explaining things in a calmer, more reassuring way. It’s also very much worth talking to Carlos. He’s great about helping source saltwater equipment or specialty items through the store, which can save you the hassle of trying to track things down on your own. Returns were eventually handled with store credit, which I appreciated, and I do expect to continue shopping here given the quality of their selection. Overall, this store has a lot to offer, especially if you’re into saltwater tanks, exotic fish, high-quality brands, and knowledgeable support.
Anthony Laurent
2 reviews
Great assortment of quality corals and well stocked fish! Staff is very knowledgeable of the specialty and have recommendations for problem solving.
Wayne August
2 reviews
Great selection of saltwater fish, reasonably priced. Knowledgeable sales people. Best option in greater NOLA area for saltwater enthusiasts.
Joseph Ruiz
5 reviews
Everyone's nice and knowledgeable... Their fish are always healthy... We look forward to stopping in when we need someone for our aquarium
Kenny Clause
5 reviews
Knowledgeable, well kept and healthy fish, salt and fresh. Great selection of products for all your aquarium needs. The corals ate nice and have a good selection. There is food and rodi / salt water as well. One stop shop!!!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (504) 443-1576 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Specialties,Inc..
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
2109 33rd St Suite A, Kenner, LA 70065
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out