Aqua Hut in Prairieville, Louisiana has built the kind of reputation that draws reefers from Lafayette, Jeanerette, Zachary, and everywhere in between — some driving well over an hour each way. This dedicated saltwater shop, run by owner John and his crew (including the frequently praised Kathlyn and CJ), focuses exclusively on marine livestock and does it exceptionally well. The first thing visitors notice is cleanliness.
Reviewers consistently call out how pristine the tanks are — a meaningful metric in the saltwater world where water quality directly reflects store quality. The coral selection spans affordable frags in the $25–45 range up to impressive colonies, and the fish inventory is deep, with clownfish frequently highlighted alongside a rotating variety of marine species. Invertebrates and cleanup crew members are well-stocked, and the store carries a massive display tank featuring over 100 bubble tip anemones that multiple reviewers compare to a public aquarium exhibit.
On the dry goods side, Aqua Hut stocks the essentials — Fritz RPM salt, Waterbox aquariums, and the equipment needed to run a reef system from scratch. The layout is spacious and well-organized, avoiding the cramped feel of many local fish stores. What truly sets the shop apart is the staff's approach to education.
Multiple customers credit Aqua Hut with guiding them through their entire reef-keeping journey, from initial setup to a thriving 75-gallon display months later. The team is honest about what they don't know — a quality reviewers call out repeatedly — and they'll direct you to the right person rather than give a wrong answer. They're also remarkably patient, happily fielding questions from curious five-year-olds and seasoned 25-year reef keepers alike.
Though they don't carry freshwater livestock, the owner has been known to offer freshwater advice when asked. For anyone running or dreaming of a reef tank in southern Louisiana, Aqua Hut is the destination store people measure every other shop against.
Yulonder Carter
7 reviews
Very friendly, knowledgeable and informative
Kyle Landry
4 reviews
I have been to almost every store within 2 hours of Baton Rouge and Aqua Hut is the best overall especially for fish. They have a great selection of clean healthy coral. It is by far the cleanest tanks of any store in the area. The icing on the cake is the people. The staff are all super pleasant to talk to and friendly to be around. They are also very knowledgeable and if they don’t know they will tell you they don’t, not giving you an incorrect answer just to sound like they have them all, and find the right one for you almost every time. I can’t say enough about this place definitely don’t pass it up if you looking for anything for your reef tank.
Teddy
I've visited here several times over the last couple of months and I'm always greeted and asked if I need any help immediately. The staff is very informative and won't steer you wrong with the information given. If someone doesn't know a correct answer to a question asked, then they direct you to someone who can answer with complete confidence. They will continue to have my business for all my reefing needs.
Joseph Alexander
8 reviews
Great staff and quality livestock
Gary Rucker
23 reviews
I love this place. They always have an incredible stock. The staff is super knowledgeable and have helped me become much better at the reef tank hobby. They're also incredibly sweet and patient with my very inquisitive child. If I lived closer I'd be there every day.
Damian Shaheen
127 reviews
This is by far my favorite marine shop in Louisiana! It probably one of the best marine shops in the nation! Very friendly and knowledgeable able staff. Everything in the shop looks amazing. Fish, coral, and inverts all look great and triving! I just wish they were closer to Lafayette! Then I would be a daily costumer! Seriously, They are an amazing shop to see! Thier big display tanks are worth a visit to see! They are just as impressive as a public aqaurium!
Ronnie Louviere
4 reviews
I drive from Jeanerette because the store is very clean. The corals and fish are healthy, they have a very good reputation. The owner and workers are very friendly, they answered every dumb question I asked And they carry Fritz RPM salt (blue box).
Mark Schneider
85 reviews
Great selection of clowns and many other fish. Coral frags were very reasonable $25-45 and up.
Logan Brouillette
41 reviews
25 year reef keeper here. Stopped by on a whim today and was pleasantly surprized. Very nice store. Great layout, not cramped, great prices, friendly atmosphere, nice coral selection. Im not often near there, but its definitely on my list of quality stores to visit if Im in the area. They have an awesome massive display tank too with at least 100 bubble tip anemones in it!
Cristal Miller
21 reviews
Very knowledgeable staff. Beautiful coral and fish availability
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (225) 744-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aqua Hut.
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17424 Airline Hwy #7, Prairieville, LA 70769
February 7, 2026
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