Tucked into a modest storefront in Haltom City, Petworld ~ The Aquatic Place is one of those intensely personal fish stores that thrives because its owner, Darin, has poured decades of passion into it. Customers who've been shopping here for 30-plus years keep coming back, and newcomers routinely report staying over an hour on their first visit — browsing every corner, chatting about tanks, and discovering pieces they didn't know they needed. The driftwood selection is legendary.
An entire wall is dedicated to spider wood, manzanita, and other natural hardscape, with large statement pieces that are genuinely difficult to find elsewhere in the Fort Worth metro. Darin stocks a rotating variety of hardscape stones as well, and he'll help you build custom rock structures with hiding spots tailored to your tank's dimensions and inhabitants. One customer walked out with a fully customizable rock layout for a 29-gallon setup for just over $100.
Freshwater is the backbone here. Weekly shipments bring in healthy live plants — no yellowing, no damage — alongside fun oddball species like kuhli loaches, glass catfish, red spotted severums, pygmy corydoras, and micro crabs. The betta selection draws consistent praise, and the planted-tank community will appreciate that Darin regularly sources new and unusual plant varieties.
Saltwater is a growing part of the inventory, with corals and additional marine livestock being added as the store expands that side of the business. Every tank in the shop is crystal clear, which tells you everything about the care standards. Darin won't sell you a fish your tank can't support — multiple reviewers note he's talked them out of purchases that would have been bad for the animal, even at the cost of a sale.
If he doesn't have what you're looking for, he'll order it and call you when it arrives. The atmosphere is small-town and unhurried. There's no extra staff, no wasted space — just floor-to-ceiling aquatic inventory and an owner who answers his phone even after hours.
For anyone in the DFW area building a freshwater or saltwater setup, this is a store that earns loyalty the old-fashioned way.
sarah
5 reviews
The nicest people and a total small town vibe - you feel like you’re stepping into another world. It’s incredible the amount of inventory they fit into this wonderful little oasis. Very knowledgeable, very helpful! An outstanding selection of fish and amazing pieces of driftwood you won’t find easily.
Zachary Coleman
6 reviews
I stopped by today looking for aquatic plants and was seriously impressed. The selection and overall quality of the plants were excellent — everything looked healthy and well cared for. What stood out the most though was the owner, Darin. He was extremely friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. You can tell he cares about both the animals and the customers, and he took the time to answer questions without making me feel rushed. That kind of attitude makes a big difference. I’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend this shop to anyone into aquariums.
David Adams
3 reviews
Just wanna say I liked this place very much. Called ahead and talked to Darin, I was looking for a particular fish that he had, he was on the way to the store. Called him back and the Red Spotted Severum was perfect, and the tank clearing stuff he advised made my water clear as glass... 2 thumbs up!!!
Luke Hillard
9 reviews
Built an awesome new tank! They have an awesome selection of fish, lots of fun oddballs like kuhli loaches and glass catfish. The owner is super friendly and knowledgeable and will actually answer your phone calls outside of buisness hours!
Lauryn Najar
19 reviews
Employees were very helpful and answered my questions with ease!
Britany Van Winkle
5 reviews
Extremely helpful, wide variety of beautiful exotic aquatic animals definitely a go to place you won’t receive any better treatment!
Felicia Reyes
9 reviews
First time here and the owner was great! The store overall was great! I will be coming back again.
Ambriah Splawn
4 reviews
This is hands down my FAVORITE fish store in Fort Worth. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and genuinely helpful. I always end up staying way longer than I planned because we’re just chatting about tanks, plants, and fish. He always has new and unique plant varieties, an entire wall of driftwood to choose from, and both saltwater and freshwater fish. Every single tank is crystal clear, and the fish are visibly healthy and happy. What really sets this place apart is the service—if I ever ask for something specific, he orders it for me immediately and lets me know when it comes in. You can tell he truly cares about his store and his customers.
Rebecca Turner
15 reviews
Darin is amazing! Great customer service and great variety of products to pick from to make the aquarium top notch! We get many compliments on our tank. Have used him 30+years. Highly recommend!
Mikey Hernandez
9 reviews
The man working this place is very nice and informative. quality products and very great customer service that you really don't see too much these days. definitely will be back to this store soon!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (817) 577-1955 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Petworld ~ The Aquatic Place.
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2700 Carson St, Haltom City, TX 76117
February 7, 2026
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