Fintique Tropical Fish Pet Store

Fintique Tropical Fish has been a San Antonio institution for close to fifty years, and the loyalty it commands is remarkable — some customers trace their patronage back to the early 1970s, while others grew up tagging along with their parents and now bring their own families. The draw is straightforward: an enormous freshwater fish selection at prices that consistently undercut every other shop in town, often by half or more. One regular reported walking out with nine schools of fish, a pleco, and two bags of Fluorite substrate for $140.

Albino corys go three for the price one competitor charges for a single fish. Buy five or more of a species and the bulk discounts kick in, making Fintique especially appealing for stocking community tanks with tetras, livebearers, and other schooling fish. The fish room runs warm — multiple reviewers note it feels like a sauna — but that tropical heat keeps the livestock healthy.

Customers report fish purchased here surviving a decade or longer, a testament to the store's sourcing and care. Beyond fish, Fintique stocks neocaridina shrimp at reasonable prices, a solid selection of aquarium plants, goldfish varieties, hardscape materials at some of the best prices in the area, rimless tanks, filters, and fish food. Staff members like Jamie and Joseph are frequently called out by name for their deep hobbyist knowledge and willingness to walk customers through stocking plans, compatibility questions, and tank setup advice.

Freshwater fish restocks happen every other Wednesday, so regulars time their visits accordingly. The store also carries saltwater fish, though its freshwater selection is what draws the most praise. The layout is old-school and a little eccentric — this is not a sleek showroom — but that lived-in character is part of the appeal for a family-owned shop that has outlasted every trend in the hobby.

For San Antonio aquarium keepers who value selection, affordability, and genuine expertise over polish, Fintique remains the benchmark.