








Texas Tropical & Marine has been a San Antonio staple for aquarium enthusiasts, carrying both freshwater and saltwater species alongside live corals and aquatic plants. The store underwent a significant interior renovation that regulars have noticed and praised — reorganized tank placement, improved conditions, and a refreshed layout that makes browsing more enjoyable. Two names come up repeatedly in reviews: Cody and Brandon.
Cody has earned a loyal following for his deep expertise in custom tank builds, including a jaw-dropping 1,000-gallon and 300-gallon dual setup he custom-plumbed from scratch for one customer. He's known for walking people through every step of saltwater tank setup, saving customers money where possible, and remaining available for ongoing advice on fish compatibility, feeding, disease control, and plant care. Brandon is equally praised for his willingness to special order fish and work with customers to find the right species for their specific setups.
The inventory spans a solid range — corals, saltwater fish, freshwater tropicals, live plants, shrimp, snails, Corydoras, guppies, and more exotic finds like bumblebee groupers and Jack Dempseys. One reviewer noted picking up plants while cycling a tank for a future shrimp colony and getting detailed tips for the process. The store also takes in rehomed fish, which not many local shops will do — a genuine community service for hobbyists who've outgrown their stock.
The shop also handled a Fluval 307 issue for one customer, suggesting they're comfortable with equipment troubleshooting beyond just livestock sales. Staff consistently earn praise for patience with newcomers — several first-time saltwater keepers describe being walked through complete setups and even having their fish held until tanks were ready. Texas Tropical & Marine isn't the flashiest shop in San Antonio, and some longtime customers have noted growing pains around ownership changes.
But for personalized service, healthy livestock, quality corals, and the kind of hands-on guidance that turns a first tank into a lasting hobby, it remains one of the city's most trusted aquarium destinations.
Dallas N
20 reviews
Cool fish shop lots of colorful selections!
Christopher Reyes
5 reviews
Have a goid variety of everything and has random cool stuff to buy!!
Marcus Murphy
Best experience we have had at any fish store we have been too. Cody is very knowledgeable and can talk you thru any new adventure you are wanting to take with any type of aquarium. Great prices on everything. And everyone is friendly and helpful.
Jerimiah Sagredo
Awesome place been my #gotofishstore
J M
89 reviews
What happened to texas tropical? This used to be the spot . Now 👎 . Sorry...
Tru Angel
They have what I need good prices and knowledgeable great place
Kenneth Zachary
6 reviews
Always a good tome at Texas Tropical Cody always welcoming
Nikki Fileta
102 reviews
Cody was a great help! This place is amazing they have a variety of fish and they are nice enough to take fish off your hands ! I remember taking an old Jack Dempsey here that we had to rehome. Not many places do this so I appreciate yall for it!!! You’re doing me a favor !!!
Gerald Newton
32 reviews
This is a great shop that has friendly and knowledgeable people. I highly recommend!
TJ
29 reviews
Love this place! Great selection and the dudes are always super helpful. Prep up cause your a.d.d is gonna go nuts with their fun fish selection.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (210) 341-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Texas Tropical & Marine.
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4034 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213
February 7, 2026
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