About
Champions Tropical Fish Room in Arlington, Texas is a polarizing store that inspires strong feelings in both directions. Operated as a family business by owners Mona and Terri, the shop is packed wall-to-wall with tanks holding an undeniably impressive variety of freshwater livestock. Reviewers have found discus, pufferfish, peacock bass, axolotls, angelfish, bettas, turtles, and a range of community fish — a selection that rivals stores many times its size.
Several customers report leaving with fish they couldn't find anywhere else in the DFW area, including keliberi peacock bass at competitive prices. The store's knowledge base is frequently praised. Staff have walked first-time fish owners through community tank selections, suggested centerpiece fish with size-at-maturity references, and patiently fielded extensive questions about axolotl care.
One customer switched from big-box stores like Petco and Petsmart after getting personalized discus recommendations. Kids are welcomed and even allowed to net their own fish, which families have described as a memorable experience. However, Champions has a well-documented and recurring problem with store conditions.
Multiple reviewers describe cloudy tanks, overcrowding, dead fish floating in displays, mislabeled items, and general disorganization that makes it difficult to navigate or even identify what's for sale. Concerns about axolotl health — including reports of missing limbs, bulging eyes, and males housed with females — have surfaced repeatedly. The store has also frustrated visitors with inconsistent hours; several customers arrived during posted business hours only to find locked doors and no staff present.
The pricing draws mixed reactions — some find great deals, while others consider prices inflated for the conditions. Payment can be made through Zelle, CashApp, or cash. The sheer volume of livestock on hand means you may stumble across something unusual, but prospective buyers should inspect fish carefully before purchasing.
Champions has the inventory and knowledge to be a standout Arlington fish store, but the housekeeping issues remain a significant caveat that shoppers should weigh before visiting.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive freshwater livestock selection including discus, puffers, peacock bass, and axolotls
- Family-owned operation with knowledgeable staff who provide personalized fish recommendations
- Kid-friendly atmosphere where children can net their own fish
- Store conditions and animal husbandry are frequently criticized by reviewers
- Inconsistent posted hours — confirm before visiting
From keepers
Customer reviews
“As others have said. Don’t waste your gas on this place. It’s January 22nd and they still don’t have the correct hours posted. I’m here 45 minutes after they said they open. And no one is here. No one answers the phone. I think I dodged a bullet though judging by all these other reviews.”
— Jacob Carter1.02 weeks ago“I think this place is closed. Been by a few times during biz hours and door is locked, realitors key box on door and inside looks like a storage unit.”
— Paul R1.03 weeks ago“((PLEASE NEVER GO HERE)) ((NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN!!)) I WILL BE REPORTING THIS PLACE))Absolutely no offense to the owners. I give anyone credit for running a fish store. Yes, great variety of fish and the seem to be very healthy. Reason's for giving 1star review. 1, it smells extremely bad and probably smelling ammonia which is very unhealthy. Cat litter box they have there looks like it wasn't changed in month's. 2, there are roaches all over. 3, extremely unorganized. If I could suggest it would be to build aisles of one big stand for multiple same sized aquariums and a large one at the end of each aisle. Overall wide variety of fish but, extremely unprofessional and unpleasant for a customer. Also asked about a price one a big peice of texas holy rock they had and rock is sold per pound everywhere. There cleaning lady had to call them and ask about a price. She said they sell it as a whole. Umm.. of course but, it should be sold as a whole but per pound otherwise how is a customer supposed to know if there over or under paying. Again no offense to the owners. Overall this place gets 1 start because it is a very unorganized, extremely dirty and unsafe environment and also no customer service around to sell anything when ready to buy.”
— William Beaudoin1.0Edited a month ago“Great variety of fish, friendly and helpful”
— Dydretta Caruthers-Campbell5.02 months ago“I have received two pufferfish from this shop. The first time I was by myself and the second time I was with my girlfriend. The first time I went, they were nice and gave me my fish no problem. However, a week passed, and my pufferfish died. We had conditioned water and everything. So we went back. We bought another pufferfish. It took two days before the fish died. IN CONDITIONED WATER!”
— Forrest H1.02 months ago“We decided to try a place closer to home instead of our usual place in FW. This place is packed with tanks, stuff everywhere and not very clean. Most of the tanks are cloudy and in need of care. Their prices are crazy high. I don't know how this business is surviving. I found a BOGO deal and bought a couple of fish. I'm not sure how it's possible to avoid paying tax but if you pay with Zelle, CashApp or cash they don't charge tax. Think next time I will head to The Fish Place in FW.”
— Pam Fertig2.02 months ago“My husband went here to replace a certain type of fish, received some good information and came home with 4 fish of a different kind. He was happy with his experience and we are enjoying our new friends. Thank you”
— Emily F.5.03 months ago“Family Business is Always Better and Champions Proves It‼️Mona and Terri Thanks for ALL You Do and the Knowledge You Share‼️”
— Lisa’s K-9 Kids5.03 months ago“WOW! So excited I found a fish store that is very knowledgeable and experienced with the large variety of fish they offer. They were patient with my questions and extremely helpful with making the right selections. I give them 10+ stars!!”
— Cela Sanders5.04 months ago“They sold me a nice keliberi peacock bass and they had it at a great price for the size that it was”
— Melvin5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (682) 248-3686 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Champions Tropical Fish Room.