Southside Aquatics

Southside Aquatics has been a fixture on San Antonio's south side for over two decades, earning the loyalty of customers who drive from miles away for its old-school, mom-and-pop charm. This is a neighborhood pet shop in the truest sense — a compact, densely stocked store where you'll find everything from freshwater fish to ball pythons, parakeets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and feeder mice all under one roof. The fish selection is the store's namesake draw.

Reviewers report well-maintained tanks holding gouramis in multiple color varieties, rope fish, neon tetras, mollies, angelfish, tiger fish, and goldfish. One customer noted that despite the modest size of the shop, the tanks were impressively clean and the fish looked healthy — a detail that matters more than square footage. A staff member helped one customer get their 175-gallon tank looking sharp, suggesting the team has hands-on aquarium knowledge beyond just selling livestock.

But Southside Aquatics is more than a fish store. It's a one-stop shop for reptile keepers who come in weekly for feeder mice, pinkies, superworms, and snake supplies. Dog and cat owners swear by the store for carrying specific food brands they can't find elsewhere without resorting to online subscriptions.

The shop also stocks flea and tick prevention medication, lawn care pest treatments, and basic pet health supplies at prices that undercut veterinary office visits. Prices are a recurring theme in reviews — customers consistently call them reasonable and affordable. The atmosphere is no-frills: merchandise stacked high in a small space, but the staff makes up for it with genuine helpfulness and product knowledge.

The owner has been singled out for his kindness and professionalism. Southside Aquatics is closed Mondays and closes at 4 PM on Sundays, so plan accordingly. Cash is recommended, as the store charges a surcharge on card transactions.

For San Antonio's south side community, this place isn't just a pet store — it's a 20-year institution.