About
Walk into Live Art Aquatics in Independence, Missouri, and you'll quickly notice two things: tanks everywhere and owners who genuinely love what they do. Brandon and Katherine run the shop hands-on, and their presence on the floor sets the tone — this is a place where questions are welcomed, not tolerated. Multiple reviewers describe lengthy, detailed conversations with staff about tank setup, species compatibility, and equipment choices, making it a strong first stop for anyone building a new aquarium.
The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater species, with enough variety that families compare the experience to visiting an actual public aquarium. Kids press their faces against the glass while parents get real guidance on stocking plans and care requirements. The saltwater side includes more exotic offerings — yes, there are lionfish in the tanks — while the freshwater selection covers a solid range of popular community and specialty fish.
Live plants and aquarium rocks round out the livestock, and the shop carries a full complement of supplies and equipment so you're not making a second trip elsewhere. One standout feature is their willingness to order fish they don't currently have in stock. If you're after something specific, the staff will work to source it for you, which saves the hassle of hunting across multiple stores or gambling on online shipments.
Pricing consistently earns praise from customers, with several reviewers noting that Live Art Aquatics undercuts competitors in the Kansas City metro area. The shop is compact — some visitors find the layout tight — and the sheer number of tanks packed into the space can feel a bit overwhelming at first glance. But for most customers, that density is part of the appeal: there's always something new to look at.
The owners' passion for the hobby comes through in every interaction, and their willingness to spend real time educating newcomers has built a loyal following in Independence and the surrounding area.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Aquarium EquipmentLive Plants
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner-operated with hands-on staff who spend real time answering questions
- Wide selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish
- Ability to special order fish not currently in stock
- Competitive pricing compared to other Kansas City metro area shops
- Family-friendly atmosphere that kids enjoy like a real aquarium visit
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Starting out our first tank and we went in here to see all the fishes for an idea of what we want. Asked so many questions and got some knowledgeable responses. They are super friendly and the most decently price we have came across! Definitely will be returning when we are ready to purchase our fishies.”
— Amber Harmon5.06 days ago“These guys are awesome, know fish and how to help novices like my wife and I, and are extremely helpful explaining things. Great selections of fish and all you need for aquariums. Highly recommend!”
— David Szlanfucht5.0a month ago“MAN does that Brandon Guy know his fish!! I had my hand in a tank and got stung by a Lionfish!!! He jumped into action grabbing these large rubber bands and slapped em on my wrist. I'd be dead if not for him and his kind hearted wife! Katherine carried me like a sack of potatoes to their van and drove me to the hospital She drives like a baby Dale Earnhardt!❤ 🤍 💙”
— kris hoffman5.0a month ago“This poor aquarium shop is a mess. You walk into a bunch of dirty used overpriced aquariums. Then you see all the dirty aquariums filled with poor fish. The smell was overwhelming. It was claustrophobic. I can’t recommend this business. The employees standing around should be cleaning.”
— mstringer12.02 months ago“Went in with questions and the staff was amazing - the owners are on site and are clearly passionate about saltwater and freshwater aquariums. They answered all my questions and helped me figure out what I wanted for my next aquarium. They have a huge variety of well taken care for aquatic life. For my kids, it was practically as fun as a real aquarium visit!”
— Emily Olomiye5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (816) 886-6832 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Live Art Aquatics.