About
Under The Sea Aquatics sits in Seneca, South Carolina, and operates as one of only two Aquarium Co-Op partnered stores in the entire state — a distinction that signals serious commitment to the fishkeeping hobby. Owned and run by Jackie and David, the shop packs a remarkable amount of livestock and supplies into what multiple visitors describe as a "hole in the wall" space. Row after row of meticulously maintained tanks hold freshwater and saltwater fish, live plants, shrimp, snails, and corals, with the owners testing each tank daily and using dedicated nets to prevent cross-contamination.
The freshwater selection draws particular praise, from kuhli loaches that Jackie will personally call you about when they arrive, to healthy bettas and a rotating variety of community fish. Live plants are displayed inside working aquascapes throughout the store, giving customers a clear picture of how they'll look in their own setups. On the saltwater side, corals and marine livestock round out the inventory.
The shop also sells used equipment alongside new gear, offering budget-friendly options for hobbyists building or upgrading tanks. Water testing is a regular service — regulars like one married couple mentioned stopping in weekly to have their aquarium water checked and browsing whatever new fish and plants had arrived. Staff knowledge is consistently highlighted: reviewers describe detailed guidance on tank mates, plant care products, and species compatibility.
One family spent an hour asking questions with a research-savvy kid and left with fish, shrimp, snails, and plants, all reportedly thriving afterward. The store's most polarizing aspect is a posted dress code that has led to confrontations and a wave of negative reviews from customers turned away for tank tops, shorts, or visible midriffs. Supporters call the quality of livestock and expertise unmatched in the Upstate region; detractors point to these interactions as dealbreakers.
What's undeniable is the health of the animals — nearly every reviewer, positive or negative, acknowledges that the tanks look exceptional and the fish arrive home in strong condition.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Under The Sea Aquatics in Seneca, SC
Under The Sea Aquatics stocks corals, shrimp, invertebrates, betta fish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Seneca, SC. As an aquarium store serving Seneca, SC, it also carries dry goods and aquarium equipment and offers water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- One of only two Aquarium Co-Op partnered stores in South Carolina
- Daily water testing of every tank with dedicated nets to prevent cross-contamination
- Strong freshwater selection including kuhli loaches, shrimp, snails, and live plants
- Saltwater livestock and corals available alongside freshwater inventory
- Sells used equipment alongside new supplies to offer budget-friendly options
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We absolutely had a blast in this store looking at all that they have to offer. The people who own this store are very knowledgeable about everything you need to know about tanks and what you’re putting in them. The woman who helped us was so friendly and answered all of our questions. I’m also glad to see the sign about entering their business with the proper clothing and shoes on, good for them. 👏🏻 We drove here from Easley and it was so worth it. We can’t wait to home with our fish and shrimp!”
— Brittany Woods5.06 days ago“well i was gonna say this was a cool store but i promptly got kicked out after being in for 1 minute because of the shirt i was wearing? it’s a pretty basic tank top….. owner ig (idk honestly, but a man) came up to me and literally kicked me out of the shop for my shirt. i’m wearing a tank top and jeans. it’s literally not that crazy. I’m in shock rn. Very weird as a 25 year old girl to be kicked out for pretty average clothing.”
— casey johnson1.02 months ago“I enjoy shopping here I can trust I getting the best fish and products I shop no ×here else they are nice and very helpful.”
— Debbie Beatty Collins5.0Edited 2 months ago“Best freshwater selection, fair prices. Friendly staff.”
— John Koz5.02 days ago“A great small shop with just about everything you can need. They offer great assistance as long as you ask questions and need some help. The owners are very kind and will help however they can as long as you are respectful and don't cause any problems. Don't listen to the bad reviews.”
— Nathan Sanchez5.02 weeks ago“Great experience. Staff were nice and helpful. My son has done a lot of research about fish and they were so nice to answer all of his questions and were VERY knowledgeable. We were there for about an hour and bought a number of fish, shrimp, snails, and plants. All of the tanks looked healthy which is impressive because they had so many of them. The owners told us that they test each tank daily and never cross contaminate so they have one net for each tank. They definitely do it right there! I Highly recommend them for all your aquarium needs.”
— John Majsztrik5.0a month ago“I am excited weekly to visit UTS!! My husband & my self look forward to checking out the new selection of fish and plants and Jackie and David are some of the best fish experts around. Thanks for all your recommendations for our aquariums and the speedy check of our aquarium water!! No other Fish store around measures up!!🤗”
— Cathy Wuehr5.02 months ago“If this was the only place in town I still wouldn’t go, better off spending your time and money elsewhere, they’re completely unprofessional and lack the knowledge base needed to sell anything that comes from here leaving you without someone who knows what they’re actually doing.”
— Jordan Clees1.04 months ago“Absolutely trash. Hit Petsmart first.”
— Lane Vickers1.04 months ago“Customer service is ABSOLUTELY terrible and there rude !”
— Blondie2431.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (864) 985-2509 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Under The Sea Aquatics.