North Waco Tropical Fish LLC

North Waco Tropical Fish LLC has been a Waco institution since the 1960s, a family-owned shop that has outlasted trends, big-box competitors, and decades of change. Run by Neil, Melissa, and their dedicated staff, the store occupies a compact but well-organized space packed with freshwater, saltwater, and koi — a range that few independent shops attempt, let alone pull off. New stock arrives every Tuesday, keeping the tanks fresh and giving regulars a reason to swing by weekly.

The freshwater side impresses with cichlids, goldfish, shrimp (including blue dream neocaridina), and live plants, while the saltwater section features live rock and a rotating cast of marine species. Outdoor pond enthusiasts will find koi and pond supplies, and longtime customers have noted how easy it is to transition between hobbies with the store's guidance — several reviewers have gone from freshwater to salt to outdoor koi over the years, relying on the same family for stock and advice each time. What sets this shop apart is the staff's willingness to be honest rather than profitable.

Multiple customers mention that when medication is needed, the team recommends what's practical, not what has the highest margin. They'll test your water, walk you through problems big and small, and tell you what you might not want to hear — a refreshing contrast to the scripted upselling at chain stores. Prices are consistently praised as the best in McLennan County, and the fish are visibly healthy and well-maintained in clean tanks.

The store draws customers from over an hour away, some visiting twice a month for high-quality food and fish they can't find elsewhere. Families love bringing their kids — stickers for the little ones and patient conversations are part of the charm. For Waco-area fishkeepers, North Waco Tropical Fish isn't just a store; it's a multi-generational community anchor with real expertise behind the counter.