About
Aquatek Tropical Fish has been an Austin institution for decades, and longtime regulars are quick to point out that even after changing locations over the years, it remains locally owned and run by people who genuinely love the hobby. Step inside and a large marine display tank near the entrance sets the tone — this is an aquarium store that takes its tanks seriously, with rows of meticulously maintained displays packed with both freshwater and saltwater livestock. The selection is what keeps people driving across town.
Hobbyists come for cichlids, threadfin rainbows, bettas, and a deep bench of live aquatic plants for planted community tanks, while the saltwater side draws reef keepers looking at corals and marine fish. Shrimp, snails, and crabs round out the inverts, and Aquatek is widely known as the one store in Austin carrying axolotls — if you want axolotls for sale in Austin, TX, this is the spot regulars name first. Freshwater and saltwater fish are available in Austin, TX across a range from beginner-friendly community species to harder-to-find specimens worth special-ordering.
The staff earns as much praise as the livestock. Kate, called "Kate the Great" by regulars, is repeatedly singled out for her plant knowledge and patience with newcomers, while Dani has become a go-to for first-time saltwater setups and Danny for walking customers through tank troubleshooting. More than one reviewer mentions leaving "excited and confident" after a first visit.
Beyond fish, the store stocks tanks, aquascaping materials, décor, water treatments, fish food, lighting, and gear, and frequently has gently used tanks and stands at roughly half the cost of new. A membership program is considered worthwhile by frequent shoppers. Selection and prices run higher than big-box chains, but for central Texas aquarists who want healthy stock and real expertise in person, Aquatek remains a top pick.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Aquatek Tropical Fish in Austin, TX
Aquatek Tropical Fish stocks cichlids, axolotls, shrimp, invertebrates, betta fish, corals, rare and hard-to-find species, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Austin, TX. As an aquarium store serving Austin, TX, it also carries aquarium equipment, dry goods and fish food and offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Live PlantsCichlidsAxolotlsShrimpInvertebratesBettasCoralsPlanted TanksRare SpeciesAquarium EquipmentDry GoodsFish Food
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Widely cited as the one store in Austin carrying axolotls
- Deep selection of both freshwater and saltwater livestock, anchored by a large marine display tank at the entrance
- Staff Kate ("Kate the Great"), Dani, and Danny praised for plant knowledge, saltwater setups, and tank troubleshooting
- Strong live plant and aquascaping inventory for planted community tanks, plus shrimp, snails, and crabs
- Gently used tanks and stands at roughly half the price of new, plus a worthwhile membership program
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Awesome staff, crazy good variety of fish, shrimp, & crabs”
— Tweak5.0a week ago“💕fish💕”
— Sandra Strakosch5.0a week ago“Cool shit for restarting tanks”
— HughMan Doom4.03 weeks ago“Great selection of fishes both freshwater and saltwater”
— Alyondp Canales5.0a month ago“Great service and excellent quality.”
— Matthew Singer5.0a month ago“I have been going to Aquatek for decades. It's changed locations and owners over the years but it's still locally owned and great! I went today to buy a replacement light for my aquarium. They were so helpful, professional and friendly. I'm so glad they are still there.”
— Betty Cooper5.0a month ago“Well stocked store.”
— S H5.0a month ago“Incredible customer service, excellent selection of fish and supplies. Wherever you are in austin, it's worth the trip if you have an aquarium. Great people all around!”
— Eric Krantz5.0a month ago“The staff was not welcoming. We walked past four employees. And no one said anything to us. Not hello, How are you doing? Can I help you?”
— Charles Jordan1.0a month ago“I’ve come here many times for freshwater fish and plants as well as shrimp and snails. They have a great selection and friendly knowledgeable staff. I enjoy looking at all the different tanks when I come in with my kid.”
— Rosemary Villegas5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (512) 450-0182 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatek Tropical Fish.