Been coming here now for a few years. And still love coming back. We mainly use them for beta fish and accessories. But they have so much to offer from all types of aquariums to snake and reptile enclosures. You name it they probably will have it or get it. We have gotten a few koi beta fish, they look so beautiful. We have also gotten 2 2 gallon open glass tanks, added a water heater and light above. Tossed in some duck weed they also sell here and gotten a few small snails. Think they are a razor or horn type.. they breed like crazy so we only got a few but have a dozen or so. Also we get some of the almond leaves for the tank, gives them almost a natural looking home habitat. The prices are on point with the big box stores and for stuff online as well. Definitely a business Worth checking out of your a novice or really into it, they can Help you start out or add on. read more

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Extremely disappointing experience I very rarely leave reviews like this, but unfortunately I feel other fishkeepers should know about my experience with Exotic Aquarium. The problems began before the fish even shipped. After I placed and paid for my order, I was informed that fish I had purchased were not actually in stock, despite the website clearly showing them as in stock when I ordered. That immediately made the transaction frustrating and raised concerns about how accurately their inventory was being represented. Unfortunately, things only got worse from there. I ordered multiple fish and, despite immediately placing them in a dedicated quarantine tank with carefully monitored and maintained water parameters, I lost all but one fish from the order. The fish developed what appeared to be parasites, an infection, or some other illness, and despite my efforts, none of the affected fish made it through quarantine. I have been keeping fish for years and have purchased livestock from numerous online retailers. I have never experienced losses like this from a single order. My quarantine tank was maintained with excellent water parameters, and these fish were never introduced into my established aquariums. What made the experience considerably more disappointing was how the situation was handled afterward. I contacted the owner about what happened and was refused any sort of refund or replacement. When nearly an entire order of livestock is lost during quarantine, especially following an order that had problems from the very beginning, I would expect a reputable seller to at least make a meaningful effort to work with the customer. I completely understand that shipping live fish carries inherent risks and that no retailer can guarantee the long-term health of every animal it sells. But there are countless reliable online fish sellers that genuinely value customer satisfaction, accurately represent what they have available, and fully stand behind the livestock they sell when legitimate problems arise. In my experience, Exotic Aquarium did the exact opposite. Between being told after payment that fish advertised as in stock were actually unavailable, losing all but one fish from the order, and then receiving no meaningful resolution from the owner, I simply cannot recommend Exotic Aquarium. I genuinely wanted this to be another retailer I could trust and continue purchasing from, which makes the experience even more disappointing. Based on what happened to me, I would stay far away and spend my money with one of the many established, reliable online fish retailers that actually stand behind what they sell and value their customers. You have nearly just as many 1 star reviews as you do good reviews, that should certainly be a prime indicator. You offered a $15 credit and offered to look at my water parameters, that was it. You still didn't speak to having false inventory advertised and that your entire shipment of fish passed away. Unfortunately, I will never purchase from Exotic Aquarium again. read more

Well, this is my very first YELP review of an aquariun store. Today I went to Exotic Aquarium at 6643 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823, as my grandaughter is fascinated by fish and has a 55 gallon, 37 gallon, 10 gallon, and 5 gallon tank (over 20 different fish). The best way to describe this store is like going to a museum. No cats, dogs, or other pets for sale. They do have rats, mice and crickets for feeding purposes. If you are looking for fish, lobster, turtle, you came to the right place. A warehouse full of any type of fish you could possibly want. I do want to address the mention of sick fish. I've bought fish from other stores and yes, they died 3 days later. I really like the idea of a quarantine tank, especially if your going to introduce it to an established habitat. This is not a discount store so expect to pay a bit more for high quality brand name tanks, food, fish, and supplies. All the employees are friendly and willing to answer questions. The store is kept very clean and the wall murals are really nice. A lot of effort goes into maintaining this store and well worth visiting if in the Sacramento area. read more

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I was absolutely stunned!! In the best way possible. The outside is a worm of art but the real magic happens as soon as you walk in. I have never seen such a large aquarium store anywhere. As soon as you walk in, to your right you have rows and rows of beautiful blue tanks I thought I stepped into avatar for a second To the left you have everything you could possible need to take care or fish and reptiles. The staff is also so amazing and incredibly knowledgeable!! I was looking for some plants to go in my tank and a staff member who I swear has to have a PhD in aquatic plants because I learned so much and left with exactly the plants that would thrive in my style of tank instead of selling my something that would die. I will definitely be back for all my future purchases read more

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We had a nice sales person but the owner was abrupt and was rude to his staff and is. Note: He would not give his name and said he was the owner- an Asian man. His employee was helping my daughter decide on a reptile and we needed goldfish for her pond. We wanted to see them. He said they were 3 for$1.00. We went to the back with him and asked for 2-tone. The owner came back and was obviously upset. The owner said we shouldn't be back there. When he saw we were picking out colors -he said aggressively that they would be $1.00 rack and not 3 for a $1.00 that we were initially told. He was so aggressive and obviously mad about the whole situation. This could have been handled so differently. His employee was new - reprimanding him in-front of us is uncalled for. Being mad and then telling us the price was higher was uncalled for. He has lost a future customer and when we were old him that- it was okay with him. read more

Just wanna say David is always super cool and nice. Been coming here for years, but only got into the aquascaping and the tank hobby for 2 years, and he's always helpful when I come by. Thanks David! I'll show you proof of my tank work next time ! read more

DO NOT PURCHASE FISH HERE I recently visited the store and was appalled and disheartened to see so many sick, dying, malformed, and malnourished fish. I bought from Exotic Aquarium months before my second visit and every single fish died in my quarantine. They were diseased and resistant to medication. I wanted to give them the benefit of doubt and visited again because of the selection, but it was apparent that their husbandry, wholesale supplier, and quarantine process is NOT up to the standard that we should be holding local fish stores to. So many beautiful species just trashed at this store. DO NOT SUPPORT this treatment. Your fish will die and the store holds no responsibility. We hobbyists need to hold fish stores to a higher standard. This place is not that. BEWARE! read more

Came by to see their selection of salt water fishes - not much to see here, very disappointing since they have a large selection of fresh water fishes. Not many people to help out or offer any services. Wasted our time to come. read more

Fish are way too expensive. It would be nice if they would reduce their prices. Staff are nice though.

Super big selection of items with lots of things to look at as you find what you need! All of the staff is knowledgeable, especially the younger guy with the glasses in the front (I believe his name was Jen?). Be friendly and everyone will be friendly back! read more

Exotic Aquarium - Mantis shrimp - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Update, all but two of the fish I purchased at exotic have died and now I have an aquatic mite problem from the plants I purchased there as well. Super disappointed. read more

Exotic Aquarium - Mites - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Spent $150 on 3 shrimp and plants substrate Sand just for the plants to die after being carefully introduce to the aquariums. Trust me, I did my research and the plant still died. They gave me floaters that were already dead. The shrimp died within a day mind you the guy that gave them to me gave me some that were already looking weird. I asked the owner and he just brushed me off.. it's actually I spent almost $150 on bullshit don't recommend they barely even help you. read more

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Came here randomly while in the area and left with some Rainbow shiners to add to my school. They immediately colored-up and it's clear they are more vibrant and of a better quality than the rest of the group from other stores. They had a huge selection of fish; rows and rows of tanks. Especially smaller, schooling freshwater fish there was a large selection and prices are pretty good/fair. All tanks were clean and fish were well-taken care of. read more

Exotic Aquarium - Rainbow shiners - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

There was a worker name Katie that work in the front cashier.I went with me grandparents to buy food for my fish and they have a gecko and they need to buy crickets. So we brought our stuff and but they have to go to the back room to get the crickets. I waited there to get the crickets and then they come out. Her coworker give to her ( props to him. We brought a fish and he was so nice. He has shoulder length hair with a beard/ mustache). So Katie look at me and her right hand move back. So I was like what in the world ( in my head)/ stare out her because she is crazy of not giving it to me. She absolutely saw me with them. So she was looking at them and I didn't say anything because she is not going to give me it. Then she can't wait anymore, so she walk around where she work and bring the bag to my grandparents. read more

This is a wonderful place for Aquarists. They have packed more wonderful options than you would think of. Wonderful staff! read more

The father and son duo that run this aquarium shop have helped me on my journey of a saltwater tank. Jen, the son, is always there to help. Thank you so much for all your help. sincerely Tim read more

Fantastic Q&A service before coming to the store, very knowledgeable, friendly. Jed is amazing, so knowledegable and a personal greeting when you walk through the door picking just the right person to help me. Chloe stepped in and helped me with every purchase from aquarium, fish, shrimp, plants, food, fun activities for my new pets. Thank you so much for everything. I found the prices to be excellent. read more

Hey what's up everybody just showing some love to exotic aquarium. Came across this gem on Jun 24th and decided to walk in, was surprised by the setup. They had all kinds of reptiles, had aisles of fish. Don't worry foos and ladies youll definitely leave with a few by the end of your visit. The workers there were real cool and laid back, informative. They just opened up recently so definitely give them some love and check them out. EXOTIC AQUARIUM will be having a hard opening on July 13th, more fish and reat deals. Also food trucks. So come check these guys out!! don't be a fool. I came out of here with 20 fish, I was just supposed to be looking. Picked up some long fin Cory's cute Lil dudes. They are partnered up with Dubi Deli for all your pet food needs. read more

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Great selection! Huge store and super knowledgeable staff. Go check it out. Incredible place to find fish marine and fresh

Most of their fishes need serious quarantine. Bought a bubble eye gold fish from them after one month later it kill all of my gold fish from my tank. Total garbage! That is what happened when you tried to give small businesses a chance...shifting blames ?! my other gold fishes were 2 years old and I maintain my tank's cleanliness once a week. What you really need to do is to fix all of the one star comments from here and hopefully not go under. People need to really examine this manager's snarky attitude doubling down talking smack by selling sick ick fishes before this place will seriously go under bleeding capital. Big chain like petco fishes has no issues with guarantee protection and protocols in place. read more

This place is huge. John was amazing and super knowledgeable! I needed help with plants and a new tank that I got and he answered all of my questions. The prices are fair too. Def worth checking out! read more

Drove by a few times and finally took the opportunity to check it out. I was quite surprised and impressed by the size of the store, reminded me of the glory days of old when aquarium stores were more prevalent. They had a large array of fish species and some unique oddball ones you would not find often in other stores. They essentially sell everything you would need to get set up, tanks, decor, equipment etc . Even though I was only browsing I looked at the prices and felt they were quite competitive with what's out in the market. I feel this store has a lot of potential, it's definitely no frills and could work on sprucing up the ambiance but no denying it's impressive. read more

Exotic Aquarium is conveniently located off of Franklin Boulevard and has plenty of parking. They sell amphibians, freshwater fish, plants, and saltwater fish. They have all of the supplies you could ever ask for from aquariums to food to maintenance supplies, medication, and salt or water. They'll test your water for free with any purchase of $10 or more or for $5 without a purchase. They carry everything from frogs to geckos to snakes and tortoises. Everything looked like they were pretty well taken care of. It's a fun and educational place to take your children to. They can see snakes molting, fish being rehabilitated, and the occasional fishy friend who have crossed the rainbow bridge into their next life. Some people unfortunately associate dead fish with poor maintenance and upkeep, but the reality is some just don't make it for a variety of reasons since they're oftentimes shipped to the vendors. Sometimes they're just bullied, eaten, or sick. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I was pleased to find my dream aquarium I've been eyeing online and I hope to make it a reality in the near future. If you're disabled as I am or have little ones in tow, beware that the aquarium area floors are a tad bit wet, particularly on delivery days when the fish they've received are being acclimated to their new homes. My daughters loved looking at everything from the African cichlids to the Japanese koi, mbunas, and snakes. If your little ones love Disney films, don't forget to look for Dory and Nemo! The saltwater corals and plants are very fun to check out as well. You can have a fantastic time in the store if you devote 30-45 minutes to scope things out. Have fun exploring and it's a wonderful way to support local businesses versus the big box stores if you have or would like to acquire amphibians or fish of any type. read more

I came here in search of aquatic plants, drift wood, and exotic mystery snails for my 20 gallon tank planted tank. Let me start off by saying this place is massive and the fish are obviously beautiful and so well taken care of which is well worth 4 starts right away. I have heard amazing things about this store through a local plant group that I'm active in called '916 plants BUY/SELL/TRADE', so of course I had to check it out and show a local business support. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was for the lack of communication and interaction from the workers-it's almost impossible to get help physically on the floor the workers are busy cleaning tanks, feeding fish or in their conversations with other workers. I went up to the front counter and the main guy was easily able to get someone to grab a few things from tanks for me. read more

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I'm not thrilled about this place. Although their prices are cheaper beware they will sell you fish that's are unwell or not what you asked for. I asked for 5 black emperor tetras and it seems they only had 4 so they sold me a regular emperor tetra which later got killed by the others because it was "different." I asked for a bottom feeder for my 30gal tank and the dude try to sell me a Chinese algae eater which gets upwards to 8inches long. They are not accurate, they won't guarantee their products and they will sell you whatever just to make the sale. Butter beware. read more

I go to this location a lot, it's close by to me. They do have a good selection of fish. The employees are friendly but I do go in almost every week. The only thing that's an issue is a lot of their fish are sick or have something going on. Specially the feeder fish. The issue is they don't let you know. Buying feeder fish that are sick can literally kill all the healthy fish in your tank that you're feeding them to. Luckily I noticed before purchasing. Their female betta selection is terrible. Overall you just need to pay attention to what you're purchasing. read more

Fish are not the best, if you decide to purchase here make sure to medicate and quarantine. My whole tank got ich and the 3 fish I bought died. My tank fish are alive but are being treated. These fish are weak and are prone to disease. Do not put them in your main tank. Ich is annoying but treatable but their immune systems couldn't even handle it. No refunds as-well, so if I did quarentine they still would have died. So stick to cheap fish only if you have a separate tank. Good price and selection but not worth the hassle. read more

Great place. Amazing fish. I have been here plenty of times over the last year and a half. Very helpful staff, and I will add the gentleman with the round glasses might be awkward to approach (referring to previous review- he's the best in my opinion) but he knows his business. I've taken my kids 1 & 3yrs old and nothing but respect. Thank you guys for the help and guidance. You have been a great help and guidance upon my journey as a new fish keeper and I hope you guys keep it up. Thank you for your dedication to the hobby and the health of the fish you supply. read more

Exotic Aquarium - Jack Dempsey - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Super cool place. We have never been here before but we will be back! So much to look at, the have everything. David was a great help and very friendly! read more

The pictures on yelp doesn't do justice for this place. I'm new to the fish hobby and I was amazed here. If you like being left alone and a variety of fish to truly think about. This is the place!! Great prices and bundle deals. Make this the first shop to go! I was so impressed! read more

Exotic Aquarium - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Do not use sales associates for fish related questions use AI, you will get much more reliable answers. And never listen to them when they tell you to step away from the fish you are buying. They do this so they can select the absolute smallest fish in the tank. Like ones that you could argue aren't even adult size yet. This is not a friendly store. read more

So many different plants and fish! They have nano fish which is what I like to go for! A variety of neocaradina too, love this place read more

Exotic Aquarium - Part of their plant selection! - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Meh. I keep betta fish and I was really disappointed with how they keep their bettas. It was sad. Going through their tanks, every aisle had at least two sick fish in tanks that were not marked as quarantine, so I don't think I'd be comfortable getting fish here. Good plant selection and amazing supply selection. I might go back in a pinch, but I don't like patronizing LFS that keep bettas in tiny cups like that. read more

They have an amazing selection of plants, fish, decor wood and rocks! Lots of tanks to choose from as well they really have it all. The service was great too there's always someone willing to help I like that they're not always asking and following you around the store you actually have to go up to them if you need help! Prices are reasonable a bit pricey but you're getting what you pay for! read more

Fun shop with great options. Bought 5 fish from here. 3 died within 2 weeks, 2 of them were living in water that was yellow. No return policy on the fish. Bought similar fish from Petco and they are all healthy and alive. I would love to support local businesses over the corporations but how when then quality is low and their policies don't allow for them to make it right for the customer. Won't be shopping here again. read more

This store is amazing, it's always well kept and live stock are happy and thriving. The staff is very nice and friendly, always willing to help, answer any questions you have, and give advice. The prices are great as well. Highly recommend! read more

Great place great prices on equipment. Lots of freshwater fish to choose from and friendly helpful staff.

Store is amazing but sold me a sick fish. It was a small goldfish that was in solo tank and we had to ask multiple employees to make sure the fish is healthy. After going through four employee, she said it's healthy and has been fine for a few months. Took home the goldfish gave it the benefit of the doubt which was a mistake on our part. Turns out new goldfish had a parasite. Now my whole tank got sick. I would not recommend buying from here, if you do set up a quarantine tank just to be safe. Never ever buying a fish again here. This was my favorite store not anymore. So hurt my older fish has to go through all this. This fish had lice. read more

Must stop aquarium shopping. Large selection, good prices. Not sure of the lower rating but has always been a great place for me to swing by and get what I needed for years. All my fish died except one during a move but starting over and guess where I went first? 5 read more

Exotic Aquarium - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California

What an awesome fish store. Has a lot of different fish and tank options. They don't raise the prices from what I've seen. You are getting lights and such at the same price you would online read more

Exotic Aquarium - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Sacramento, California