About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Strong selection of African cichlids and Flowerhorns curated by owner Mr. John
- Carries live aquatic plants including Elodea and Java moss with knowledgeable plant advice
- One of the few Westbank sources for live feeder pinkies
- Owner known for spending time answering fish-keeping questions
- Polarizing reviews with significant concerns about animal care and store cleanliness
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Provided all my aquatic needs. Friendly prices and great service”
— Taurean Pinkney4.07 months ago“Lack of care dead fish in multiple tanks. Including one tank with nothing but dead fish. The person behind the counter was more worried about keeping the chair occupied than worrying about the suffering fish”
— Nicole G (Nicole)1.08 months ago“From out of town! I always like seeing the mom and pop pet stores. Fun little store! Fish tanks looked clean. Fish seemed healthy. Reptile cages were clean. Critters were alert and happy. Yes it smells, but it's a pet store. I did not browse the dry goods.”
— Amethyst “Oriaden” Halvorsen5.0a year ago“Went there today to get fertilizer for my aquatic plants and let me just say I will never go to petco or petsmart for my fish or plants again! I had purchased some Java moss from petco and it looks horrible. The guy showed me what healthy moss looks like. After talking with them you can tell they really know their stuff! Will definitely be back!”
— Victoria Gallaher5.0a year ago“Owner and his wife are very friendly”
— Teri Wilson5.0Edited a year ago“Never had any problems with any fish if it is something wrong with the fish, not going to sell it or he going to let you know”
— Karen Johnson4.0a year ago“I just went there today to purchase pinkies for my snake, the guy was nice took me to the back and showed me the mice which they all looked healthy. It's hard to find live pinkies on the westbank but he always has them which is great saves me a trip from going across the river. I'll be back to purchase my snakes food from them again.”
— Joseph Fitzsimmons5.0a year ago“Love going in the shop everyone is so nice and helpful”
— lesley carter5.0a year ago“Went in today to search for cichlids for my 75 gallon aquarium. Met Mr. John, nice guy‼️ He had a wide variety of cichlids! Ended up purchasing 2. I’ll definitely e back for more!”
— Tory5.0a year ago“After all the bad reviews, I had to go here to see for myself. Wasn't the nightmare I thought it would be, but it wasn't great either. Mainly cichlids, which was disappointing.”
— NeoVeritas73.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (504) 433-2161 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting J & F Aquatics Exotics.