Walking into Mike & Miguel's Fish and Plant Store in Las Vegas feels like stepping into a rainforest transplanted into the desert. The shop — also known as Discus America — has earned a devoted following among aquarists across Nevada and beyond, and for good reason. This is a store where plants cascade from every surface and tanks brim with some of the most sought-after freshwater fish in the hobby.
The real draw here is the specialization in Altum Angelfish and discus. Miguel has built a reputation as a premier Altum Angelfish dealer, sourcing F1 Atabapo specimens that arrive to customers in impeccable condition. One California buyer drove six hours to pick up a group of eight Altums, then ordered another eight shipped via next-day air — all arrived perfectly packed with generous heat packs and pristine water temperatures. That level of care in fish handling and shipping is hard to find.
But the fish are only half the story. The aquatic plant selection is what keeps locals coming back every other week. Reviewers rave about healthy anubias, Monte Carlo tissue cultures at competitive prices, and a rotating stock of rare plants that rival any specialist shop in the region. Miguel's plant knowledge extends beyond the aquarium too — he helps terrarium builders find the right species and offers practical growing advice that actually translates to success at home.
The store carries Aquarium Co-op products and a variety of plant substrates at fair prices. Mystery snails, guppies, and other livestock round out the inventory, but the heart of the operation is clearly the discus, angelfish, and planted tank world.
What makes Mike & Miguel's exceptional isn't just the stock — it's the atmosphere. The staff treats every question with patience and genuine enthusiasm. There's no pretension, no pressure. You walk in curious and leave inspired, usually carrying a bag of plants you didn't plan on buying. For freshwater hobbyists in Las Vegas, this is the shop that keeps pulling you back.
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Sin City Aquatics & Maintenance has carved out a devoted following in the Las Vegas aquarium scene, and the reasons become clear the moment you walk in. Owned and operated by Tina and Jason, this immaculately clean shop on the valley's aquatic map specializes heavily in saltwater livestock — corals, clownfish, blue hippo tangs, puffers, seahorses, stingrays, and even a shark have graced their tanks. But freshwater hobbyists aren't left out: peacock bass, axolotls, and breeding stock have all found homes through the store.
What sets Sin City Aquatics apart is the hands-on, deeply personal approach. Jason is known for spending 30 minutes or more walking customers through their setups, whether it's explaining how to properly install and maintain a Fluval 307 canister filter or custom-cutting tubing for a turtle tank right before closing time. When a customer needed an emergency saltwater setup for a surprise clownfish, the team provided cycled tank water and live rock to skip the cycling process entirely. For first-time saltwater hobbyists, Tina and Jason have been known to build cardboard mock-ups of customers' tanks so they can plan their reef rock layouts before buying.
The maintenance side of the business is equally impressive. Jason handles tank cleaning for setups ranging from Waterbox 130.4 reef systems to Aquatop all-in-one tanks, and customers praise his ReefMat 500 installations and honest pricing — even when jobs run longer than expected, estimates hold firm. Delivery service is available too, with careful handling reported on tanks as large as 120 gallons.
The coral selection draws repeat visitors who describe the frags as healthy and beautifully displayed. Dry goods and equipment inventory continues to grow, with the owners actively surveying local hobbyists about preferred brands and products. In a city full of aquarium options, Sin City Aquatics earns its weekly regulars through genuine care, competitive pricing, and the kind of expertise that turns a purchase into an education.
Aquatic Treasures in Las Vegas has built a devoted following as the city's go-to saltwater livestock destination, and it's easy to see why. Walk through the door and you're greeted by rows of pristine tanks packed with vibrant corals, gobies, blennies, clownfish, invertebrates — crabs, snails, starfish — and more. One visiting Texan called their goby and blenny selection the best he'd ever seen, and he wasn't exaggerating. The store also carries freshwater stock and live plants like hornwort, but saltwater reef life is clearly the beating heart of this operation.
The family-owned shop runs lean on square footage but deep on expertise. Staff members like Sunny, Aiden, Luis, Mitch, Jackie, and Elyse come up again and again in reviews — not as generic nice people, but as genuinely knowledgeable aquarists who walk customers through tank cycling, water chemistry, and livestock compatibility with patience and real enthusiasm. Sunny once stayed past closing to help a customer pick up a pair of storm clownfish. Luis and Mitch are described as knowing "everything about everything." That kind of personal investment is rare.
Pricing is a consistent draw. Multiple reviewers note that Aquatic Treasures undercuts other Las Vegas stores on livestock while running frequent deals via text alerts — though popular items sell out fast, so acting quickly pays off. They also offer custom fish orders, delivering specific species and color morphs on request, and ship fish to out-of-state customers. RO water is available on-site, though one reviewer reported inconsistency there.
Beyond livestock, the store stocks a solid range of equipment — pumps, filters, tanks, and accessories — along with supplies for both saltwater and freshwater setups. The tanks are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere feels more like a mini aquarium than a retail shop. For anyone building or maintaining a reef tank in the Las Vegas area, this is the store that local reefers trust.
Strictly REEF in Reno, Nevada occupies an interesting niche — despite the name suggesting an all-saltwater operation, this store has built a strong reputation around both freshwater and saltwater fish, live plants, and a notable reptile section. The aquatic side is clearly the main draw, with discretely filtered tanks that keep diseases from spreading between systems, and fish that customers consistently describe as healthy and parasite-free compared to big-box competitors.
The live plant selection stands out as one of the store's strongest assets. Customers praise the variety and quality of freshwater aquatic plants and terrarium plants alike, with pricing competitive with Petco and PetSmart but noticeably better quality. Staff members like Michelle and Devon have earned regular mentions for their willingness to walk customers through plant choices, whether for a freshwater aquarium or a bioactive reptile enclosure.
The store stocks a solid range of hardscape materials — cork bark, driftwood, and other natural decor pieces that are hard to find locally and easier to select in person than ordering online. They carry invertebrates including isopods and springtails, and their display terrariums showcase real care in presentation. Bettas, cichlids, koi, and various unique freshwater species populate their tanks, and the store has accepted rehomed fish from customers dealing with aggression issues.
Pricing is the most polarizing aspect of Strictly REEF. Multiple reviewers note that fish and equipment prices run significantly higher than online retailers or chain stores, with some items marked up substantially. The counterargument from loyal customers is that you're paying for healthier livestock and knowledgeable guidance — a trade-off many Reno aquarists seem willing to make.
It's worth noting that the reptile side of the business has drawn serious criticism, with documented cases of snakes sold in poor health. The aquatic side, however, earns consistently positive marks. For Reno hobbyists focused on freshwater planted tanks, saltwater setups, or pond fish, the staff knowledge and livestock quality make it a go-to local shop.
Artistic Oceans has carved out a reputation as one of the go-to aquarium stores in Las Vegas, particularly for saltwater enthusiasts looking to build or stock a reef tank. The store's coral selection draws frequent praise — reviewers describe vibrant, healthy specimens across a range of varieties, though a few sharp-eyed hobbyists have noted occasional algae issues on pricier pieces. The saltwater fish inventory is consistently highlighted as one of the best in Vegas, and they also carry freshwater fish, live plants, and a solid lineup of equipment and accessories.
What sets Artistic Oceans apart is its staff's willingness to invest real time with customers. Adrian is a name that comes up repeatedly — customers describe him as genuinely knowledgeable and patient, someone who answers questions thoroughly without rushing. Allen earned specific praise for walking a couple through the entire process of setting up their first saltwater tank, from planning to execution. Dave impressed a self-described newbie by treating the conversation as an exchange of ideas rather than a lecture. Eric and Jared have also been called out for their willingness to troubleshoot tank issues on the spot.
The store sells RO water, a convenience for reef keepers in the desert, though at least one experienced reefer flagged inconsistent TDS readings — a reminder to always test. The physical space is clean and well-organized, with tanks that most visitors describe as well-maintained. Pricing across fish, corals, and dry goods lands in the fair-to-reasonable range by Las Vegas standards.
Artistic Oceans clearly leans into the saltwater and reef side of the hobby, making it a natural home base for Vegas reefers building anything from a first nano tank to a full-blown SPS-dominant system. The consultation-style approach — staff genuinely walking you through setup plans and livestock compatibility — is what keeps people driving back across town. For a city with limited specialty aquarium shops, this store fills a real gap.
Las Vegas Exotic Fish has carved out a reputation as one of the best freshwater fish stores in the Las Vegas valley, with a particular stronghold in the shrimp hobby. Reviewers consistently call out their shrimp selection as the biggest and most colorful in Vegas, with multiple strains available at prices that undercut the competition. Regulars like the self-proclaimed 'shrimpie' enthusiasts keep coming back to build colonies, and the store also ships nationwide through eBay and Amazon — though online shipping results have been mixed, with some orders arriving perfectly and others less fortunate.
The brick-and-mortar experience is where this shop truly shines. Tanks are clean and well-maintained, stocked with healthy freshwater fish, lush aquarium plants, and species that are genuinely hard to find elsewhere. Staff members like Steve and Brandon, the owner, earn frequent praise for their patience and depth of knowledge — one reviewer recounted overhearing the manager give an impromptu masterclass on pleco care so compelling they found themselves lingering just to listen. Brandon has also guided customers through axolotl setups, recommending appropriate plants and substrate.
The store carries saltwater livestock as well, though freshwater is clearly the main draw. Their planted tank selection — both the plants themselves and the substrates to support them — gets regular shout-outs, and the range extends into discus, dwarf rainbows, rummy nose tetras, and other community tank staples. They also stock Fluval equipment and turtle food, rounding out a solid dry goods offering.
A few reviews raise legitimate concerns about inconsistent customer service depending on which employee you get, and one serious incident involving diseased tetras that wiped out a customer's tank deserves attention. But the overwhelming majority of the 103 reviews paint a picture of a passionate, locally-owned shop where the staff genuinely loves the hobby and takes time with every customer. For freshwater enthusiasts in Las Vegas — especially shrimp keepers and planted tank builders — this is a store worth knowing about.
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Trop Aquarium has been a fixture of the Las Vegas aquarium scene for nearly five decades, and the loyalty it commands from local fishkeepers speaks volumes. Walking into this compact but densely stocked shop on a busy weekend, you'll immediately notice the spotless tanks lining narrow aisles — freshwater community fish, oddball species you won't find at big-box retailers, vibrant saltwater livestock, and a coral selection that regulars call the best reef inventory in town.
The freshwater side covers serious ground: guppies, goldfish large enough for backyard ponds, bettas, and unusual species that draw hobbyists from across the valley. Live plants are a standout — reviewers note they'll transform a tank into a jungle landscape, sometimes arriving with bonus bladder and ramshorn snails as hitchhikers. On the saltwater side, the coral selection and reef livestock earn devoted followers who trust the health and quality of every piece they bring home.
Staff knowledge is a recurring theme. Owner Lewis has been known to spend extended time walking customers through large aquarium purchases, recommending equipment packages, and even connecting buyers with local maintenance companies for delivery and setup. Longtime employees like Louis, Niki, and Karen earn praise by name for their patience — helping nervous first-timers cycle new tanks, explaining male versus female guppies, or advising pond owners on pH levels and fish introductions. The store also carries a solid hardscape selection and a full range of supplies, tanks, and accessories.
Pricing consistently earns high marks, and their anniversary sales — like the legendary 47% off event — can draw lines out the door. The aisles are tight and the staff stays busy, so patience helps during peak hours. A handful of reviews mention occasionally brusque service, but the overwhelming consensus points to a shop that genuinely prioritizes fish health and customer education. For Las Vegas aquarists seeking healthy livestock, fair prices, and real expertise under one roof, Trop Aquarium delivers.
Blue Reef Aquatics in North Las Vegas has built a loyal following among desert fishkeepers with its extensive inventory of both freshwater and saltwater species. Walk through the doors and you'll find rows of clean, well-maintained tanks housing everything from loaches and goldfish to rare and unusual aquatic creatures that are hard to find elsewhere in the Las Vegas valley. Live plants round out the livestock selection, and the store stocks equipment like water pumps alongside its fish.
The atmosphere inside Blue Reef feels like a proper fish shop — tanks are clearly maintained with care, and the variety is impressive enough that multiple reviewers describe it as having "every little aquatic creature you can imagine." Prices are frequently cited as reasonable, which matters in a hobby that can get expensive fast. Staff members like Donna have earned praise for guiding customers through equipment decisions, and the team generally earns high marks for their willingness to answer questions and share their passion for the hobby.
That said, the store's track record isn't spotless. At least one newer hobbyist reported being sold incompatible fish for a tropical setup — goldfish mixed with tropical species — and felt the staff didn't do enough to prevent the mistake or make it right afterward. It's a reminder that even at well-regarded shops, doing your own research before buying pays off, especially when stocking a new tank.
Still, the overwhelming majority of Blue Reef's 373 reviews tell a different story: one of a shop that takes pride in healthy livestock, fair pricing, and genuine enthusiasm for fishkeeping. The store serves as a solid resource for North Las Vegas aquarists looking to stock freshwater community tanks, explore saltwater setups, or simply browse an impressive collection of aquatic life. For anyone building out an aquarium in the north end of the valley, Blue Reef Aquatics is a destination worth the trip.
Tucked into a strip mall at 4760 W Sahara Ave, J&Y Aquarium is Las Vegas's dedicated fancy goldfish destination — and it has earned a devoted following both locally and nationwide. The shop is laser-focused: tanks line one wall showcasing ranchu, oranda, crown pearlscale, tiger yuan bao, and other prized fancy goldfish varieties, while supplies and filtration equipment fill the other side. It's a small, immaculate space that feels more like a curated gallery than a typical pet store.
Owner Jong and his staff are clearly goldfish obsessives. Visitors consistently praise the pristine water conditions, the health and beauty of the fish, and the thoughtful aquarium setups designed specifically for goldfish keeping. Multiple reviewers — hobbyists traveling from Pennsylvania, Florida, and elsewhere — have made special pilgrimages to this shop while visiting Vegas, treating it as a highlight of their trip. One customer even flew home with six discus packed in a backpack after Jong carefully prepared them for air travel and offered follow-up support.
J&Y also operates a busy online store, shipping fancy goldfish across the country. The email ordering process lets customers choose specific fish, and many report fast shipping and healthy arrivals — crown pearlscales arriving active and lively, tiger yuan bao landing in Florida in perfect condition. The shop also stocks goldfish-specific supplies and high-quality filtration systems at prices that undercut big box retailers.
It's worth noting that some online buyers have reported receiving fish with health issues or deformities, with frustrations around the return communication process. The in-store experience, however, draws overwhelmingly positive feedback for cleanliness, fish quality, and Jong's deep goldfish knowledge.
If you keep fancy goldfish — or you've been curious about ranchu, oranda, or pearlscale varieties — J&Y Aquarium is one of the few brick-and-mortar shops in the country built entirely around that passion. For Las Vegas goldfish and koi enthusiasts, it's an essential stop.
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Family Pet Connection in Fallon, Nevada is a full-service independent pet store that serves as the town's go-to destination for pet supplies, grooming, and live animals. While it's primarily a general pet shop — covering dogs, cats, reptiles, and small animals — the store also maintains a modest freshwater fish section that has earned genuine praise from customers.
The fish department may not be massive, but what's there reflects the store's overall philosophy: animal welfare comes first, sales second. One reviewer came in expecting sad cup bettas like you'd find at big-box retailers and was pleasantly surprised. The bettas here are kept in clean, spacious individual containers, and a strict don't-touch policy ensures the fish are handled with care and respect. That reviewer's daughter took home a betta named Koppenhagen who was so well-socialized he immediately began interacting with his new owner, blowing bubbles at the edges of his tank. The store will also special-order fish and products they don't carry in stock, which is a real asset for a smaller market like Fallon.
Beyond fish, the reptile section is well-stocked with healthy superworms, dubia roaches in multiple sizes, cricket gut-loading food, heating pads, substrates, and terrarium furniture. Multiple reviewers describe it as a genuine one-stop shop for reptile keepers.
Grooming is arguably the store's biggest draw. Customers rave about the quality of work on everything from Great Pyrenees to golden retrievers, with prices significantly undercutting PetSmart — one reviewer reported paying $65 per dog versus $115 quoted elsewhere. Walk-in nail trims are available and praised as fast and affordable. A self-service wash tub rounds out the grooming options.
The staff is generally described as knowledgeable and helpful, though a few reviews note the owner can be direct. The store is clean, well-organized, and stocked with quality products. For Fallon residents, Family Pet Connection fills a real gap — offering expertise, live animals, and specialty supplies that simply aren't available at the nearest Walmart.
