About
Beltway Aquarium has been a fixture of the Waldorf, MD fishkeeping scene for years, and it splits opinion as sharply as any shop in the DMV — which is exactly how its regulars like it. This is a cramped, old-school fish store packed wall to wall with towering tanks, and it leans hard into predatory and oddball freshwater fish that chain pet stores simply won't stock. " The selection is the headline.
If you're after discus, angelfish, clownfish loaches, polar blue parrots, or plecos for sale in Waldorf, MD, there's a good chance Beltway has them tucked somewhere behind the glass. Longtime customers swear the fish are hardy — one notes a clownfish loach bought here is still thriving and growing two years later, outlasting box-store loaches. The shop has even taken in surrendered monster fish, including an almost two-foot alligator gar when an owner's 300-gallon tank started leaking.
Freshwater dominates, though some saltwater stock turns up on occasion, which earns it the aquarium store label too. Then there's the staff. Robin, the manager, draws near-universal praise — customers seek her out by name, tip her, and trust her blunt, deeply knowledgeable advice.
Richard, the owner, is more polarizing; warm and expert to some, brusque to others, as recent reviewers candidly note. Either way, the consultation here comes from people who genuinely keep fish. Set expectations before you visit: aisles are tight, some tanks run cloudy or tannin-stained, and there's no return policy on fish, so bring your quarantine game.
You also won't find live plants, nano fish, modern lighting, or fertilizers. Beltway Aquarium is a scrappy enthusiast's shop, and for hobbyists searching for a fish store near me with genuinely uncommon stock, it rewards those willing to dig through the inventory for something you can't get anywhere else.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Beltway Aquarium in Waldorf, MD
Beltway Aquarium stocks cichlids, discus, rare and hard-to-find species, angelfish, plecos, invertebrates and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Waldorf, MD. As an aquarium store serving Waldorf, MD, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Specializes in predatory and large South American cichlids rarely stocked by chain stores
- Robin the manager is widely praised for blunt, knowledgeable fish advice
- Carries discus, angelfish, clownfish loaches, polar blue parrots, plecos — and recently a black piranha
- Known for taking in surrendered monster fish, including an almost two-foot alligator gar
- No return policy on fish and no live plants or nano stock — geared to experienced keepers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Is this place even open still...I stopped by Thursday google said 11 o'clock open. There's no open sign or hours of operation signs on the door.”
— Joe Ward Jr1.0a week ago“Everything i wanted and more”
— Antonio Greene5.0a month ago“Just stopped in yesterday and had some good conversation with Richard. Awesome variety of fish. Left with a black piranha and couldn't be happier”
— Ethan Gaines5.03 months ago“The owner is not a Customer Service Star, but the shop has an AMAZING selection of fish! The lady behind the counter is very knowledgeable and better at customer service. She won't blow your socks off with a sunny disposition, but she's nice enough and knows her stuff. If you want sunshine and kittens when you shop, then this store might not be for you. But if you want selection, knowledge and pertinent advise, this is the place to go!”
— Stephen Telford5.03 months ago“Not the cleanest place but the two employees we worked with were great. Very helpful and knowledgeable.”
— Timothy Turner4.03 months ago“Best selection of fish in the DMV cool folks I get deals on reminds me of the Good days great prices always fun to visit”
— KING AMERICA4.0Edited a month ago“I have to say I was a bit skeptical at first after reading reviews but I bought a clownfish loach about 2 years ago from here and it’s still growing and healthy, I’ve purchased other clownfish loaches from PetSmart and Petco and they usually die within 3 months. They have hardy fish I highly recommended the clownfish loaches from this location and they are a lot bigger than the ones you get from PetSmart. I will be going back soon to get a few to keep my loach in a group.”
— Oscar M5.0a month ago“The owner was willing to take in an almost 2 foot long alligator gar after my 300 gallon started to leak. Very nice people. They have a good selection of fish as well at reasonable prices. Some of these bad reviews are making me laugh a bit. I've never been in a aquarium shop that isn't cramped and smelly... it's part of the fun. Also, shop owners will typically always have a bit of an attitude, they're sick of answering stupid questions😂 He's a nice guy. If you're expecting all of the tanks to be crystal clear, go to the baltimore aquarium ur not in there to look at all the pretty fishies... ive been in the hobby for 10+ years the fish looked healthy to me-- the ones I bought are doing fine. The places that keep all the algae off the glass are the same ones that try to charge you 16 bucks for a guppy- ill pass. If you're actually in the hobby and not just a casual, you'll be able to appreciate this place.”
— Matthew Postorino5.0a month ago“I love this place ..yes it's crowded and yes it's older but they are the best! Or shall I say ROBIN is the best! Knows her fish stuff! If she offends you ..then you must have issues with someone that tells it like it is ! Have some beautiful fish I've bought from Beltway over the years! Stop by and see for yourself!!!!”
— Kelly Smith5.0a month ago“Worst place to buy fish from!!!!! Sick fish!! Plenty of dead and floating fish throughout the shop!!!”
— S Jack1.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (301) 374-6800 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Beltway Aquarium.