The Aqua-Arium, LLC

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.