About
Austin Aqua-Dome is a beloved Austin, TX institution — a multi-level, dome-shaped landmark that locals describe as feeling more like a mini aquarium than a retail stop. Hobbyists drive in from an hour or more away, and families wander the tanks just to look, which is part of why this independent aquarium store stays busy (regulars warn that weekends get packed). The draw is selection: a genuinely deep freshwater lineup and a saltwater floor that reviewers call a destination of its own.
On the freshwater side, shoppers point to African cichlids stocked "out the wazoo," alongside tetras, platies, plecos and algae eaters, fancy goldfish, and harder-to-find specialty fish like arowanas. One regular lists green and red-spotted severums, an electric blue cichlid, and several Geophagus — winemilleri and jurupari among them — all thriving months after purchase. " If you're hunting for live plants and planted-tank substrate near me, the Dome reliably stocks both when other Austin shops run out.
Upstairs is the reef and saltwater section, where soft corals, mushrooms, long-tentacle anemones, and a blue-spotted stingray tank fill the room. Hunter has a devoted following for patient, detailed guidance on anemone care and first-coral purchases, and Doug and Carson earn the same praise for walking newcomers through species, coral, and tank setup. Out back you'll find an outdoor koi, turtle, and pond-plant area along with pond gear.
Reviewers consistently agree the fish are healthy and well cared for, with each tank separately filtered, and free water testing is available when you bring in a sample. Sassy, the resident cat, greets visitors on slow mornings. Corals, cichlids, and saltwater fish for sale in Austin, TX — it's an authentic, passion-run shop rooted deep in the city's aquarium hobby.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Austin Aqua-Dome in Austin, TX
Austin Aqua-Dome stocks corals, reef fish, African cichlids, cichlids, anemones, plecos, arowanas, goldfish, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Austin, TX. As an aquarium store serving Austin, TX, it also carries aquarium equipment and dry goods and offers water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefAfrican CichlidsCichlidsAnemonesLive PlantsPlanted TanksPlecosArowanasGoldfishKoiAngelfishTetrasLivebearersPuffersInvertebratesShrimpAquarium EquipmentDry Goods
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- African cichlids stocked "out the wazoo," plus tetras, plecos, arowanas, and fancy goldfish
- Upstairs reef floor with soft corals, mushrooms, long-tentacle anemones, and a blue-spotted stingray tank
- Saltwater experts Hunter, Doug, and Carson praised for patient, detailed reef and tank guidance
- Outdoor koi, turtle, and pond-plant area, plus dependable live plants and planted-tank substrate
- Healthy, individually filtered tanks and free water testing when you bring in a sample
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great store with knowledgeable staff! It is the best fish store in Austin!!! Best fish. Friendly staff”
— Linda Sexton5.0Edited 2 hours ago“this place has a great selection of everything you could want for your next home aquarium! super friendly staff, especially doug! he was very knowledgeable on all the different types of species, coral, anemone, etc. highly recommend checking this place out!”
— Alyssa Salvato5.03 days ago“Beautiful place with beautiful fish”
— Vanesa Surtzy5.0a week ago“10/10 experience - spent THREE HOURS touring the store - Hunter and Doug answered ALL of our endless questions - a great business to check out and support! Knowledgeable and friendly - a place you'll want to visit again and again! Thank y'all so much for hosting us today!”
— Anna Celeste Harrer5.0a week ago“Nice place a lot of different fish saltwater freshwater anything you looking for you'll find it there”
— Terrance Atkins5.0a week ago“Very knowledgeable staff, excellent selection, good prices”
— Doug5.0Edited a week ago“Can't believe I hadn't been to this place after living in Austin for almost 20 years, it is a local business with friendly and knowledgeable staff! They have an amazing selection of fish and aquatic animals to choose from. Sassy the cat is the best greeter on a slow morning and Hunter is happy to answer all your mom's silly questions about puffer fish. What an Austin gem!”
— Lexi Nines5.02 weeks ago“Love the dome - don’t go on a weekend if you are an actual customer. Not built to handle recent foot traffic”
— Bradley Fitzgerald4.02 weeks ago“2nd time being here and 2nd time being disrespected by the staff ... Drove 2 hrs to come get a fish i was really wanting I have a 30 gal tank and the lady refused to sell me the fish beacuse" it would eventually need a 50 gallon" ... even after telling her it was a temporary tank she walked out my face smh what a waste of time obviously if im buying a high priced fish im going to do my part to accommodate the fish im buying”
— Courtney Ledford1.02 weeks ago“This is the best Fish supply store in Austin. They take such amazing care of the fish and plants they sell. I always come in just to see the fishy’s!!”
— Brandon C5.04 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (512) 442-1400 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Austin Aqua-Dome.