About
Salty Aquatics & Fish — affectionately known as Salty AF — has established itself as Corpus Christi's go-to destination for saltwater hobbyists. Walk through the door and the first thing you'll notice is how immaculately clean everything is. Tanks gleam, corals look vibrant and healthy, and the livestock displays are genuinely impressive.
Multiple reviewers describe it as one of the cleanest fish stores they've ever visited, and that attention to detail extends to the care of every frag and fish in the building. The coral selection is the store's clear crown jewel. Regulars report that there's always something new and interesting on the frag racks, from common staples to exotic pieces that draw collectors from over an hour away.
Beyond corals, the shop stocks a solid variety of saltwater fish, anemones, invertebrates, fish food, and aquarium equipment — essentially a one-stop shop for reef tank keepers. They also carry RO/DI water and premixed saltwater, which is a genuine convenience for anyone running a reef system at home. What sets Salty Aquatics apart from a simple retail operation is the service side of the business.
Staff members like OB, Brandon, Julie, George, Eli, and Lee are frequently called out by name in reviews for their willingness to troubleshoot tank problems, recommend compatible livestock, and walk newcomers through the intimidating early stages of saltwater keeping. OB in particular has earned a reputation for hands-on tank work, including sump replacements, doser installations, and even remote monitoring of client tanks. The store offers professional tank setup, ongoing maintenance contracts, and consultations that draw on years of reef-keeping expertise.
The business moved into a newer, larger facility that allowed for expanded inventory and better displays. Pricing is consistently described as fair, and special orders are available for fish they don't have in stock. For anyone in the Corpus Christi area serious about saltwater — or just getting started — Salty Aquatics delivers the combination of healthy livestock, knowledgeable guidance, and reliable service that keeps customers coming back.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive and ever-rotating coral selection with vibrant, healthy frags
- Professional tank maintenance and setup services including remote monitoring
- RO/DI water and premixed saltwater available for convenient pickup or delivery
- Immaculately clean store with well-maintained display and livestock tanks
- Knowledgeable named staff (OB, Brandon, Julie, Eli, Lee) who provide personalized guidance
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This place was so amazing!!! Brandan was incredibly helpful and made sure I left with everything I needed🫶🏽”
— brenda cantu5.0a month ago“My husband and I had been here approximately 2 years ago and were very disappointed with the service and environment. We decided to go back since we heard it was under new management. We most definitely see positive changes and were very pleased with Ob and Brandon's vast knowledge in the business of their products and fish. They were friendly and professional and we will definitely be returning.”
— Diana Adame5.02 months ago“OB is the best in the business. He came in got my tanks right, added a doser and can now remotely handle my issues from afar. The best idea ever!!!”
— Fausto Delgado III5.03 months ago“I called these guys when I need a sump replaced and I must say very reliable helpful and timely got the part ordered and installed without a n issue I’ve been a loyal customer over the years and must say I have never been disappointed to this day they come out a service my tank and I never have any concerns thank you all at Salty aquatics ….”
— Edward Lozano5.03 months ago“Very great service.”
— lelani sturgeon5.07 months ago“Pretty groovy spot for fish and reef enthusiasts. Great customer service and deals. 10/10 recommend 👍🏼”
— Alfredo DeRusse5.011 months ago“I've been a very frequent customer with this, place they have a very wide variety of corals. Excellent service, very knowledgeable and very friendly. When it comes to corals, they always have something interesting. I'll definitely continue to shop at this store for all my salt water. Needs”
— Brandan Cortez5.0a year ago“What's the point of me putting a request down for a fish, getting a call from management that they are putting in the order for it, being told shipments are on Tuesday, and then when I call on Tuesday, I'm told both of the fish were sold on Sunday? I get all excited, wait patiently, and even get confirmation of the order happening, but then the fish is sold. I get you are a business and don't "hold" because people are people and may not buy when they said they would. However, after all the conversations, I don't even get a call that the fish has arrived to even get a chance at getting it. Update: Management called me back and made it right. Just some wired crossed. Appreciated the quick turnaround on the recovery (day of review)! Thank you!”
— Zach5.0a year ago“Everytime ive been here or called ive always been treated poorly by the staff. The other local stores are much friendly and fair priced. I know a lot of people that has stopped going since o.b. the manager has been in charge. He is very rude. Edited: they try and bully and ridicule customers. See how they take offense to a review. Next time I'm in town I will literally stop by and we can have a man to man like they did in the good Ole days papa”
— Bobby Valentine1.0a year ago“Very rude eveytime I call over the phone. The workers aren't knowledgeable about the products they are selling”
— Bobby1.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (361) 993-4300 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Salty Aquatics & Fish.