About
North Waco Tropical Fish LLC has been a Waco institution since the 1960s — a family-owned aquarium store that has outlasted trends, big-box chains, and decades of change. Run by Neil, Melissa, and their longtime staff, this compact, well-organized shop packs freshwater, saltwater, and pond livestock into one space, a range few independent stores in Central Texas attempt. Fresh stock arrives every Tuesday, so regulars have a reason to swing by weekly.
On the freshwater side, you'll find cichlids, goldfish, and freshwater shrimp (including blue dream neocaridina) for sale in Waco, alongside healthy live aquarium plants and driftwood that reviewers note are priced well below the commercial pet stores. The saltwater section stocks live rock and a rotating cast of marine fish, while outdoor pond keepers can pick up koi and pond supplies. Whatever direction your tanks take, the same family has the stock and the answers — several customers have moved from freshwater to reef to backyard koi over the years without ever changing stores.
Beyond livestock, North Waco carries fish food, aquarium equipment, tanks, and accessories, plus the fish medications you actually need — and the team is known for recommending what's practical rather than what's most profitable. Free water testing and honest, budget-minded consultation come standard, a refreshing contrast to the scripted upselling at the chains. Prices are repeatedly called the best in McLennan County, and the fish are visibly healthy in clean tanks.
7 stars across 100 reviews, the shop draws dedicated fishkeepers from over an hour away for quality fish and food they can't find elsewhere. Families love bringing the kids — stickers for the little ones and patient, no-pressure conversation are part of the charm. If you're searching for a fish store in Waco, TX with real expertise behind the counter, North Waco Tropical Fish is a multi-generational community anchor worth the drive.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at North Waco Tropical Fish LLC in Waco, TX
North Waco Tropical Fish LLC stocks cichlids, goldfish, koi, shrimp, live rock, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Waco, TX. As an aquarium store serving Waco, TX, it also carries fish food, aquarium equipment and fish medications and offers water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned and operating continuously since the 1960s
- Stocks freshwater, saltwater, and koi with new arrivals every Tuesday
- Free water testing and honest, budget-conscious advice on medications and care
- Best fish prices in McLennan County according to numerous customers
- Draws dedicated customers from over an hour away for quality fish and food
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great place”
— john thompson5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Fish looked healthy, but place just seemed run down. No one greeted us, one of the owners? was sitting in a chair reading as we walked by... Didn't even acknowledge us. A younger girl was helping someone get fish and she seemed helpful but was obviously already busy. All the tanks looked like they were the originals and not much being done with them. Lighting was funky and the smell was more funky than the seafood section of an asian market... Just seemed like maybe they were tired of running the business. I think we'll find somewhere else to buy. We drove an hour to this place.”
— Tom W2.03 weeks ago“Get lots of fish there and they know their stuff”
— mary quinn5.0a month ago“Love this place very helpful”
— Lynn Leach5.02 months ago“First visit of hopefully many. We visited on a Sunday and I guess everyone had the same idea because it was cramped and busy. Employees were still very helpful and attentive. On this trip we weren't able to ask questions like we planned due to them being busy. No worries though because we will return.”
— Dominique McKinley5.02 months ago“Had to leave a review for North Waco Tropical Fish because this place is dangerous… in the best way. Staff was awesome—super helpful, actually know what they’re talking about, and not pushy at all. You can tell they care about the fish and not just making a sale. The selection is insane too. Everything looked healthy, active, and way better than most stores I’ve seen. I walked in telling myself, “just looking.” Yeah… that lasted about 3 minutes. Left with 4 more Corydoras (because apparently I have no self-control) and a beautiful yellow angelfish that I absolutely did not plan on buying—but here we are. If you’re into aquariums at all, this place is 100% worth it. Just be prepared to leave with more fish than you intended. 10/10 would accidentally spend money here again.”
— Addison Dunn5.02 months ago“Love North Tropical. Awesome selection and great atmosphere 🐟”
— Chelsea Hickerson5.02 months ago“Great people, great advice, even better selection of fish and supplies.”
— Rena Burleson Jr.5.02 months ago“This is an excellent store, very knowledgeable and they always have species that are hard to find anywhere else! I’ve had nothing but good experiences with North Waco Tropical Fish over the years”
— Silas Ramsey5.03 months ago“Best fish, and best fish keeping advice in the hobby! These guys stand by their work, and have always treated me fairly!! Can't recommend enough!”
— Dowell Downes5.06 days ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (254) 754-2718 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting North Waco Tropical Fish LLC.