








Tucked away on Louisiana's Northshore, The Aqua-Arium in Mandeville is a dedicated saltwater-only shop that draws hobbyists from across the region — some driving from as far as Mississippi and Slidell just to browse its tanks. The store's identity is firmly marine: every tank is saltwater, and the focus is squarely on reef livestock, coral frags, and the equipment needed to keep it all thriving. The clownfish selection alone has earned the shop a reputation.
One customer described finding well over a hundred clowns spanning multiple varieties, sizes, and species — all competitively priced and visibly healthy. Beyond clownfish, the shop stocks anemones, a rotating coral selection (limited by square footage but fairly priced, according to reviewers), and a range of marine fish that can be custom-ordered if not in stock. Staff member Sadie has earned praise for her coral frag picks, and owner Ricky is frequently mentioned for his honest, no-pressure consultations — whether it's diagnosing a stubborn algae outbreak or recommending a calcium reactor pump.
What sets The Aqua-Arium apart from a typical pet store is its service depth. The team has delivered and fully set up 100-gallon systems for customers, walking them through the entire process. A quarantine setup sits right in the middle of the shop floor — a transparency that reef keepers appreciate and a sign the store takes livestock health seriously.
They also offer a military discount, a small touch that resonates with the local community. The shop is family-run, and that intimacy shows in how staff interact with customers — patient with newcomers, generous with advice, and willing to spend time walking through every tank. The store has changed ownership relatively recently, and while a few growing pains around hours and consistency have surfaced, the core experience for most visitors remains strong.
For saltwater hobbyists on the Northshore, it fills a niche that simply didn't exist before — a clean, focused marine shop with real expertise behind the counter.
Steven Smith
3 reviews
Super friendly and helpful
Rrr 550
I got an anemone for $30 one week and the next week they charge me $40 - same tank 🤦🏻♂️ Good place otherwise. Hope things get better, we need you!
Logan Hartle
5 reviews
I hate to do this. I ordered 2 valves in July and was billed for the items and shipping. I still haven't received the valves. I spoke with the owner multiple times and they said they would check on the status and get back to me. I have never heard back and nobody will respond to my email or calls. I just want the valves we purchased or a refund, and I will gladly take this post down.
Jiddi
Aiptasia In every single tank… I worry this new owner isn’t knowledgeable .very disappointed coming here after it’s been 2 years, I miss the old owner very much. Overpriced everything especially to have pest in all tanks, many dead fish, unfortunately.
Summer Dixon
6 reviews
I’m trying to understand the hours of this store. Sign says starting 08/30/2025 they open at 1pm and I arrive at 1:36pm it’s not open. I look online it says it opens at 3pm, store still not open. I’m coming from Slidell and so we had to find something to do in the area. It’s 3:22pm, still not open. Now this same type of thing has happened to us more than once since the new owners took over. What’s really going on?
Jeffery Payne
2 reviews
Very great experience, fantastic care and service
Christopher Richards
34 reviews
The staff is so friendly and very knowledgeable. Thanks for the help!
Estuardo Alvarado
Great service. nice environment!
Derrick
92 reviews
Good people there you know what they're talking about
Shawn Hoover
This is one of the best places to buy fish, coral and anything else needed for you fish aquarium. They are all so friendly and knowledgeable. They always are getting new shipments in. If you’re on the northshore, you have to make sure to stop by!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (985) 888-1989 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Aqua-Arium, LLC.
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4061 LA-59 Ste E, Mandeville, LA 70471
February 7, 2026
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