About
South Seas Aquatics sits in a San Antonio neighborhood where it's become the go-to destination for both saltwater reef keepers and freshwater planted tank enthusiasts. , David, Cody, and Andy are names that come up again and again in reviews — this store has built its reputation on genuinely healthy livestock and what many customers call the best coral selection in the city. Multiple reviewers single out the sheer variety and quality of corals, from affordable frags to premium pieces, and the saltwater side clearly draws hobbyists from across the region.
The freshwater department holds its own. Customers mention panda corydoras, guppies, rare hillstream loaches, cardinal plants, and a solid rotating inventory of freshwater plants and shrimp. At least one reviewer noted finding axolotls in stock, and the store will special order hard-to-find species and plants for dedicated hobbyists.
Hermit crab keepers have even found a bucket of shells waiting for them. Beyond retail, South Seas offers meaningful services. The team handles tank setups, deliveries of large aquariums (including a 150-gallon move without losing a single fish), and ongoing tank maintenance and cleaning.
Several reef keepers credit David and Gary with keeping their home tanks looking pristine on a regular schedule. Phone consultations on issues like bacterial blooms and ICH treatment are handled with patience and real expertise — they stock medications and aren't shy about walking customers through treatment protocols. The store atmosphere skews cozy and utilitarian rather than showroom-flashy.
A few reviewers have found the staff occasionally preoccupied, and pricing on certain livestock draws occasional criticism. But the overwhelming consensus is that livestock quality justifies the cost, and most customers describe staff interactions as genuinely helpful and unhurried. For San Antonio aquarists building anything from a first 39-gallon planted tank to a full reef system, South Seas Aquatics consistently delivers the stock, the knowledge, and the follow-through that keep people coming back.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Widely considered the best coral selection in San Antonio
- Family-run by Gary Sr., Gary Jr., David, Cody, and Andy with deep fishkeeping knowledge
- Full tank delivery and setup services — including large tanks moved without fish loss
- Ongoing tank maintenance and cleaning services for home aquariums
- Strong freshwater plant inventory with special ordering for hard-to-find species
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great service. Best coral options in San Antonio, very helpful if you are a new hobbyist or an experienced one. They do everything right!”
— Nate Hovelson5.02 weeks ago“El mejor lugar perfect”
— Marce Marquez5.0a month ago“My favorite place”
— Roxanne5.0a month ago“Wonderful staff :)”
— Faiz Jalia5.02 months ago“Price-wise it's overpriced. Specifically the axo which was small, about an inch and a half and was at $150 down to $100. Guppies also overpriced. Call around first to hunt.”
— Johann Santos3.05 months ago“Clean establishment and great staff very knowledgeable. I would recommend to friend and go back”
— David Montalvo5.05 months ago“Fantastic selection of corals!!”
— J L5.05 months ago“Its overpriced like 10 to 50 percent across the bored on everything. Have a fairly big selection but you can't afford most of it, cause absolutely everything has been priced higher then any other fish store in Texas. so it really doesnt matter. Store seems more of a hang out for a few people and they really dont like be bothered by customers or their questions. Like how dare you bother them at work. If you looking for a 70 dollar coral or fish and want to pay a 60 percent mark up, and have employees angered that you are trying to make the purchase, then this is your store. Parking is usually good....”
— DR.FLUFFINS MD2.05 months ago“Great setup 😀”
— cat team5.05 months ago“We were visiting from out of town, we aren't able to buy anything sadly due to being far from home and our plans. But wow! What a cute little shop thats worth checking out. The fish were all in healthy condition and the people working there were very kind to us.”
— Robin Lyons5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (210) 439-6909 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting South Seas Aquatics Inc..