The Aquarium Company

Known to many Austin aquarists as The Fish Gallery before rebranding, The Aquarium Company built a devoted following by combining a stunning retail showroom with full-service aquarium design and maintenance. Under the leadership of Jaime and his team, the company earned a reputation for going far beyond what most fish stores offer — designing custom dream tanks for homes, moving delicate 70-gallon Red Sea saltwater setups across Texas, and even driving eight hours round-trip to Houston for a replacement tank when a hairline crack appeared during a move, all at no extra charge to the customer. The Austin showroom itself was an experience.

Reviewers consistently marveled at the spectacular display aquariums — including a signature parrot fish dome that let visitors view fish from below through a bubble. A dedicated kids' coloring room and lounge seating area made it feel more like an aquarium exhibit than a retail shop. One customer picked up a Fluval Chi aquarium at a price that beat Amazon, while others came specifically for the live plant section, which multiple reviewers called the best in Austin.

The livestock selection leaned heavily freshwater, with a huge variety of healthy, affordable fish and aquatic plants, plus a respectable saltwater section with eye-catching specimens like zebra eels. Crawfish lurked in a back tank at a dollar apiece — officially feeder stock, but a favorite hack for parents looking for a short-term kid's pet. Equipment and filtration systems lined the walls, and special orders were readily accommodated.

Service calls were a strong suit: prompt filter repairs, ongoing tank maintenance for residential clients, and the kind of personalized consultation that had customers driving up from San Antonio and Georgetown. Staff were consistently described as passionate and attentive without being pushy. Note: Multiple recent reviews suggest the Austin brick-and-mortar location may have permanently closed, with the Houston location still operating.

Prospective visitors should confirm current status before making the trip.