About
50 Fathoms Pet Shop has been a fixture in Metairie, Louisiana for over three decades, and for many fishkeepers in the greater New Orleans area it's the go-to aquarium store for livestock you can actually see before you buy. The freshwater side is the headliner: reviewers regularly call the cichlid selection one of the best in town, and the tanks stay clean and well-stocked. If you've been searching for cichlids for sale near me, this is the Metairie shop locals point to first.
You'll also find axolotls, classic goldfish (the kind you can still grab ten of for a dollar), and a steady supply of feeder fish for oscars and other hungry predators. Saltwater hobbyists aren't left out — coral and live rock are available right here in Metairie, LA, making 50 Fathoms a genuine reef stop rather than a freshwater-only fish store. Pond keepers come in for supplies and free water testing, a no-charge service that's helped plenty of backyard-pond owners sort out ammonia spikes and pH problems before they lose stock.
Beyond the aquariums, this is a true exotic pet destination: tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, tortoises, geckos, snakes, birds, rabbits, and small animals all share one roof. The vibe is laid-back, old-school pet shop — the kind of place where staff will pull out several animals and let you spend time choosing the right one. Customers praise the management and associates by name for friendly, genuinely knowledgeable care advice, whether you're after a beginner community fish or one of the more exotic species.
With close-in free parking, fair pricing for the variety on offer, and 30-plus years of loyal regulars, 50 Fathoms remains the kind of neighborhood fish store and exotic-pet shop Metairie keepers keep coming back to. For anyone in the New Orleans area looking for a dependable Metairie aquarium store, it's a long-standing local favorite.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at 50 Fathoms Pet Shop in Metairie, LA
50 Fathoms Pet Shop stocks cichlids, axolotls, live rock and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Metairie, LA. As an aquarium store serving Metairie, LA, it also offers water testing.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Free water testing service for freshwater and pond hobbyists
- Strong cichlid selection praised as among the best locally
- Long-established Metairie shop with 30+ years of loyal customers
- Wide exotic animal variety including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small animals
- Laid-back atmosphere with hands-on animal interaction before purchase
From keepers
Customer reviews
“When I went there it was so bid had a lot of space and I loved it the employees where amazing nice really helpful I love going there”
— Loginbradd12 Games5.0a week ago“I just visited this store for some minnows for my aquatic turtle. I’d been to two locations of a national chain store in the preceding week and they’d both been out of minnows and feeder guppies. This place is amazing! I haven’t been in a store like this since I was a child. I could absolutely envision it as a filming location for an episode of Stranger Things. There is an enormous selection. I saw the most adorable hedgehog! You could tell it was a family-run place; I saw some kids holding pet snakes walking around with their parents. Super cute, even though I’m not comfortable around snakes. Eek! I was kind of in a hurry so I didn’t get to browse as long as I wanted to. Next time, I’d like to bring a friend’s kid, because this place is worthy of a field trip. I’m surprised by other reviewers saying some animals looked unwell or uncared for because I didn’t experience anything like that at all, and I look out for things like that. I know it can be difficult to care for many animals in a retail setting, but every critter I saw here looked healthy and active, which is kind of a feat considering how many there were! In contrast, the single conure I saw at one of the national chain locations looked so sad and dusty. There were some uncaged birds on a stand by the register, which was so nice to see after the lonely birdie at one of the other stores I’d visited. I can’t comment on prices because we only spent a few dollars, but were treated kindly and attentively even though we were only there to make a very small purchase. I can’t wait to return and take my time. It’s obvious some people have been long-time customers of this place. I saw several enclosures marked with “on hold for______.” I have a rescued turtle and an inherited cockatiel, so I’ll be back soon.”
— Michelle DeGrange5.0a week ago“Very knowledgeable. Helped us out a lot!”
— Brandi Liles5.03 weeks ago“My favorite pet/fish store. Great selection.”
— Mark Hertz5.03 weeks ago“Very good service and knowledgeable associates... nice variety of pets to choose from”
— Danny Ratcliff5.04 weeks ago“Very experienced and knowledgeable staff... at the same time being very helpful in answering questions re: care, provisions and specific information relative to your specific animal. I bought my curly haired tarantula from them and before I left with my spider, they gave me a full rundown on how to keep my lil Ozzy the tarantula happy and healthy. Love this place!!!”
— M K5.0a month ago“Staff was very knowledgeable about animals and happy to answer all of my kids' questions.”
— Pamela D5.0a month ago“I’ve frequented 50 Fathoms for 16 years with my family, and spent lots of time with them learning about aquariums. The staff has remained consistently knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. They go above and beyond, and have the most lovely and well taken care of creatures (birds, fish, bunnies, hamsters, and reptiles, to name a few!). Each and every time I visit is delightful. The bird named Barnaby by the checkout is my favorite part. You guys are great!!”
— Linnie Lou5.0a month ago“AWESOME LIKE ALWAYS 👍 💚”
— Kristina5.0a month ago“Really like this place, the guy with rejoices bald head and beard was very down to earth, let me hold the bearded dragon was just very friendly”
— Michael5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (504) 888-2626 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting 50 Fathoms Pet Shop.