About
River City Aquatics has earned a devoted following among Austin's saltwater community, and one visit makes the reason obvious. Owned and operated by Jake — a name that surfaces in review after review with real affection — this clean, well-organized aquarium store is first and foremost a reef shop, and a seriously good one. The coral selection runs from beginner-friendly frags under $20 to premium colonies north of $300, with an ever-rotating mix of pulsing Xenia, green star polyps, and showpiece pieces that keep regulars dropping in weekly.
Saltwater fish are stocked deep, and the invertebrate section rivals shops twice its size, pairing practical cleanup crews with more exotic residents like seahorses and octopuses that delight kids and seasoned reefers alike. What sets the store apart is the patience behind the counter. New hobbyists describe Jake and his team — including a couple of "very nice young ladies" — walking them through cycling their first tanks, troubleshooting algae, and fielding endless questions without ever making them feel rushed.
Several credit the staff as the only reason their first saltwater or brackish setup survived, from clownfish to eels. Prices are clearly labeled throughout, a small touch shoppers repeatedly call out as genuinely helpful. Beyond livestock you'll find live rock, dry goods, and fish food, plus one Austin rarity — both saltwater and freshwater feeder shrimp under one roof.
If you're searching for healthy reef coral, saltwater fish, or invertebrates for sale in Austin, TX, this is the aquarium store near me that long-time hobbyists — some shopping here for over a decade — vouch for. Tanks are visibly well-maintained, livestock comes home eating, and the pricing stays fair. For Austin reef keepers who want quality coral and a shop that remembers your name and your tank's history, River City Aquatics delivers consistently.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at River City Aquatics in Austin, TX
River City Aquatics stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, shrimp, live rock, axolotls, clownfish and saltwater, freshwater & brackish fish for sale in Austin, TX. As an aquarium store serving Austin, TX, it also carries dry goods and fish food and offers aquarium setup, aquarium consultations and water testing.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Reef-focused coral selection from under-$20 frags to $300+ showpiece colonies, rotating weekly
- Owner Jake and staff known for patient, judgment-free guidance that helps beginners cycle their first saltwater tanks
- Deep invertebrate section with cleanup crews plus exotic seahorses and octopuses
- One of few Austin shops carrying both saltwater and freshwater feeder shrimp
- Healthy, fairly priced livestock vouched for by customers shopping here 10+ years
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing, large selection, kind staff”
— Lorraine Schvartz5.03 days ago“Clean with friendly staff service. Prices for stock were clearly labeled which was very helpful.”
— Ada Liaw-Martinez5.03 weeks ago“Come see this place! Worth the drive from any side of town. They have such amazing animals and coral, I was in-love!”
— Tiffany Larson5.0a month ago“Best prices in town! Amazing staff. Very helpful”
— Daniel Almendarez5.02 months ago“Fantastic saltwater aquarium store!! The entire staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They definitely know their stuff! This is my #1 store for anything and everything aquarium related.”
— Add Ninja5.0Edited 2 months ago“I really really love this place. I've spoken, AT LENGTH, with at least 3 different people who work there (two very nice young ladies and the owner) who not only were extremely helpful but whom never once have made me feel like I was an annoyance or too time consuming with my endless questions. I'm brand new into having any type of fish at all and their help, knowledge and guidance is the only reason why I have managed to successfully cycle two tanks, deal with a couple algea issue, and keep 3 fish and a shrimp alive so far. They are so so very friendly, and kind and make asking all the questions so you can try to do the best by your fish easy. Great place!”
— Kelli Liebe5.02 months ago“Love this place!!”
— Orlando Love5.02 months ago“My favorite salt water fish store to go to in the area!! Most of my fish and coral have came from here.”
— Miguel Ramirez5.03 months ago“The best customer service you will find in all Austin, for aquarium shops”
— Peter Dorkhom5.0Edited 4 months ago“Came in to visit this location as me and my significant other are trying to start a fish tank in our home. We came to find multiple dead fish in tanks with other fish that are dwelling at the bottom looking for a better home! If someone can please tell me why this place is still in business i would be shocked. Taking my business to petco over this place”
— Shotz.by.lbangs1.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (512) 219-7200 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting River City Aquatics.