J & F Aquatics Exotics

J & F Aquatics Exotics sits on the Westbank in Terrytown, Louisiana, operating as a small mom-and-pop shop that stocks both aquatic life and exotic animals. The store's strongest suit, based on what customers consistently mention, is its freshwater fish selection — particularly cichlids. Owner Mr.

John has built a reputation among cichlid enthusiasts, stocking African cichlids including Peacock varieties alongside eye-catching specimens like Red Dragon Flowerhorns. Multiple reviewers describe John as genuinely knowledgeable, willing to spend time answering questions and offering fish-keeping advice even when customers aren't buying. The shop also carries some saltwater fish, though inventory appears limited and inconsistent.

On the planted tank side, J & F stocks live aquatic plants including Elodea and Java moss, and carries fertilizers — a detail that drew at least one customer away from big-box competitors after staff demonstrated the difference between healthy and unhealthy moss. The store also sells live feeder animals like pinkies, which reviewers note can be hard to find on the Westbank. However, J & F Aquatics is a deeply polarizing store.

While loyal customers praise the friendly service and fish variety, a significant number of reviewers raise serious concerns about animal care — particularly regarding reptile husbandry and tank cleanliness. Reports of cloudy tanks, dead fish left in displays, and cramped enclosures for reptiles appear frequently. The store's odor is mentioned in both positive and negative reviews, with even sympathetic visitors acknowledging it's strong.

Pricing also draws mixed reactions; neon tetras at $5 each struck some customers as steep compared to nearby competitors. For freshwater hobbyists specifically hunting cichlids in the greater New Orleans area, the store offers a focused selection and a knowledgeable owner willing to talk fish. But prospective visitors should be aware that the store's overall conditions and animal welfare practices have drawn substantial criticism, and the experience can vary dramatically from visit to visit.