The fish are very healthy, and there is a wide variety of fish. Most of my fish from the chain stores were inbred and died. The fish here are not inbred, and John knows what he is doing. I have been purchasing fish from him for over 20 years! read more

Best fish store in town! John is the best!! I highly recommend him and his 25+ years of experience with breeding and choosing top-notch pets. He is always happy to share his information and his prices beat all others! read more

This is an excellent place for buying fish. John the owner, can tell you anything you need to know about what fish you can put together which ones you should not and more. Very nice selection of healthy fish and plants. Tanks and aquatic supplies available. You can add to existing tank or start a new one. Beautiful angel fish! read more

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS I was suggested to Houston Aquatics In The Heights by someone online. It's out of my way but I wanna come to support this business. VERY GOOD PRICES on the Angel fish, platys and guppies. The owner is 70 years old and just moved to this location due to 3x increase in his old location. The HOURS is a little hard for us to make it. No business signs or open sign (next to the SMOKE shop that I forget what it called) Come visit this place read more

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John knows EVERYTHING. About fish! 30+ years of experience. The place is a Hole-in-the-wall little strip center spot, but packed full of fish. His expertise is ANGEL fish and he has beautiful ones. Too bad that more people don't know about it. He's super quiet but will speak freely about all his knowledge and LOVE for fish. read more

Perfect place for knowledge and buying aquarium related stuff not to many small aquarium businesses with so much knowledge around

Closed! They have moved to a new location on Tidwell. The place was old and a bit shabby and cats roamed freely on the inside but they had some pretty good fish at reasonably prices. I hope the new location is successful. read more

Houston Aquatics has been in business for over 30 years. Sadly, this will likely be the last year he's in business. The owner John, is a very nice man and shares that the new property owners will be charging him 3x the current rent and he won't be able to make it. Yes, you'll read the store smells moldy and damp. But that's not a reflection of the quality and health of his fish. Fish look great and he has the largest selection of guppies in town. Prices are some of the best in town, not to mention it's in the inner loop. I bought some rainbowfish for $3 each, which are at least $10 anywhere else. If you are in need of some fish please check out this store and support them! Please help keep this old school pet store in business! read more

This is an update. After EBay became involved I was asked to return the shrimp. And I received a FULL refund. That was the resolution; in MY favor. Thanks EBAY for your buyer satisfaction guarantee! read more

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Looks like a tiny little place but they are legit. It's definitely a no-frills, humid old school aquarium stores with lots of variety and healthy fish and plants. We loved the resident cats the owners have rescued and now act as ambassadors to all the customers who come in. Says a lot about the owners. Bottom line: lots of healthy stock, variety and prices are competitive. Check them out. read more

Houston Aquatics - One of the resident store rescue kitties. - Pet Stores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Nice little pet shop in the Heights. I never knew this place was here. I just stumbled upon it leaving a late lunch. It's definitely an old moldy/ musty smelling building. Nothing glamorously cosmetic about it. There are tons of supplies and fresh water fish. Unlike most aquatic shops it has a warranty on the livestock. I love that. The staff mentioned that the owner breeds much of his own livestock. I think that's great for the hobby as well. The cats wandering the store was a nice touch to this store's character. I would buy livestock here if I lived in the Heights. No doubt about that. read more

Houston Aquatics - Aquatic Mural in front of the store. - Pet Stores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Been going here for years...Price is better than chain stores and John has forgotten more about fish than most experts know. Pricing is great...Presentation is less than stellar but it is family owned great pricing and knowledge. Don't judge a pet store by the smell! It smells likea pet store should! read more

Location has moved to E Tidwell. Great selection of fresh water fish, shrimp, frogs and live plants. Owner is very knowledgeable and can help direct you to the best fish to live together. There are even friendly cats to pet as you shop! Great mom and pop style shop! read more

Great pet store. Live pinkies are available at times, which my bearded dragon loves, and the staff has always been willing to barter with me on items I'm interested in. There is always a great selection of freshwater fish, salt water fish, and reptiles. They also have tarantulas and scorpions in from time to time. I also bought a Nigerian Uromastyx here, who is doing very well! shout out to Beth, an employee, who was willing to work with me on the price to find the guy a home. read more

Houston Aquatics - My Nigerian Uromastyx i bought here. - Pet Stores Near Me - Houston, Texas

Small store but had some nice fishes. They also sell koi fish. Very good prices on the fish. Hard to beat on these prices.

Ok, so the store isn't the prettiest. But the selection of fish is pretty good. Prices are reasonable as well. I've seen some reviews commenting on the owner being "weird". I can tell you in my experience he is on the quiet side, but has always been polite. read more

Ok, having recently finished setting up a tank intended for cichlids, and being on the hunt for a better mbuna cichlid source than the big-box pet stores, I just discovered this place last night. Oh my gracious, I'm in love... If you need to buy your common artificial-dye-injected fish out of prettily decorated tanks with photo price tags, on bright shiny shelves with elevator music playing softly in the background, go to Petsmart. You won't find those bells and whistles here. Instead, what you will find is an amazing selection of fish you can't find at chain stores. Their cichlid selection alone is jaw-dropping. Every mbuna I was looking for, plus a few I didn't even know I wanted yet. More peacock cichlid varieties than I knew existed. And omigosh, varieties of angelfish I haven't seen available in decades. This is a HOBBYIST'S fish store. Having a friendly cat or two following me around insisting on pets wasn't a disappointment, either. read more

I came with my mother to buy more fish for her tank. There was a nice Hispanic lady that was very knowledgeable and helped us the entire time. It was nice that she knew Spanish because I didn't have to translate to my mom every sentence. We spent close to a hundred but we bought replacement parts for our tank as well as fish and food. My mom has purchased from big name pet shops and she says that she has spent more money on less fish. The lady was also very honest about what we needed. She didn't try to upsell us. I always appreciate people that are just honest and not trying to make a quick buck. I rate her specifically a 5 on customer service. The shop is not the most eye pleasing. When we walked in there was two gentlemen standing around. They could have greeted us. They didn't. read more

The interior isn't going to win any awards, but all of the fish, invertebrates, and plants I've purchased from here have clearly been healthier than what I can get at a big-box pet store. Fish and invertebrates from here are healthy and happy enough to breed in your tank. Plants take off. I've never had a Petsmart/Petco plant thrive....ever. Watch out for snails though. read more

The prices are very good! I have shopped at a number of other fish stores in Houston and this place is by far the least expensive. The other reviewer's are correct it is a little funky and not the most glamorous store I've ever been in. I found however the owner and his assistant to be very friendly and helpful and once they's finished with another customer they talk to me and served my needs very quickly. We had a discussion about what was going on in my tank, I purchased six different cichlids and one Pleco and they are in the airbag in the tank getting acclimated right now. The store was less than half the price of what I have paid for some more fish before. read more

Katy's review is pretty spot on, except for a few things I disagree with. John, the owner, for instance, is quite rude on most occasions. His son is sometimes rude and unfriendly, but not so much as John. The man acts like he doesn't want to be bothered with questions and I swear it would kill him to smile. Why do you have a business if you can't even pretend to be welcoming and helpful? People don't want to shop at places that make them feel cruddy afterwards. HOWEVER, the reason I keep coming back is because they have the absolute best prices for feeder fish, plecos, food and lots of other fish. I've been to just about every fish store I can find in Houston and there is no other place where I can get like 20 feeder fish for $1 or the cichlid ball food things for just a few bucks. (The ball things are like 3 times as much at the Petsmart on S. Shepherd and the price for the medium feeder fish are $.13 a piece -ridiculous!) The only problem with selling feeders and ghost shrimp so cheap is that they seem to run out pretty fast. But they'll let you know when to expect more. They have a handful of tanks and stands in the back for sale, saltwater and freshwater fish (albeit, limited saltwater selection), cheap plants, tank decorations, frozen and dry food and additional supplies like nets and tubing. They sell other animals like kittens, iguanas, birds, snakes. Ones I don't see often (but have seen!) are rabbits, frogs and tarantulas. I can tell you the prices for the kittens and iguanas are generally around $20/25. I think Katy also mentioned coins? This is accurate. The collection of coins is up front in the glass to the side of the cash register. Yeah, the place is smelly, but come on. 50 fish tanks and the array of other animals in a small store is going to produce a bad, slightly overwhelming stench. You get used to it. Also, note that a lot of times there are puddles of water on the floor, so watch your step. Parking is shared in the strip center, but it is a major pain! Pot holes everywhere and drivers not paying attention when they back out. I was going to give Houston Aquatics 2 stars mostly due to the frequent unfriendliness, but truth is, even with that in consideration, I would be very sad if this place with all its deliciously affordable prices closed down. read more

It is really hard to judge this business. Yes, it is dark and hot and kinda dirty. Yes, the kittens and puppies are covered in fleas and need to be taken to the vet, but they are brought in off the street....or left at the front door in a box. I was fist kind of upset by the place. The tanks need more cleaning and the place is falling apart. Upon one of my first visits, the owner even ignored me and I felt out of place. But I really like local businesses and the feeder fish I kept buying at Petsmart kept dying on me. So I went back to this place, week after week, to buy feeder fish. What I noticed is that there are many layers to the owner. I think he is just sort of quiet and reserved, I don't think he is trying to ignore anyone or be rude. I'm also not sure if he has enough money to clean the place up. As the weeks went by, he got to know me better and really warmed up to me. He has three shop cats that are loose and we talk about our cats together all the time. Now he even knows what I'm looking for when I come in the door. I bought a 40 gal fish tank from him (the best price I've found on one in town), and he has been helpful in discussing fish with me since then. He also trades rare coins in his shop. In short, no, it isn't the cleanest pet shop or the nicest, but he always gives good deals and the owner is a nice guy at heart. read more

if life is ever just feeding you too many cherries and you need a serious plate of depression come and visit this atrocious excuse of a business. right when you walk in and look over to you right, you'll see tiny kitten in cages, maybe even a puppy or two. your knee-jerk reaction is to aww and coo, but then you realize how dirty their rusty cages are and how they seem a few weeks too young to be away from mommy. this place is just disgusting and dirty. i don't think it's ever seen a mop or window cleaner. it's so terrible that even the fish seem really f-ing sad to be there. i almost called the SPCA animal cruelty hotline. i had to fight tears when i left. dude, sorry to be such a bummer. read more

I'm fairly new to aquarium life and the owner John has been very helpful! I love my dwarf frogs, kuhli loaches, zebrafish, gouramis, neons and all the rest. Don't mistake his quiet nature. He is super helpful and really knows his craft. THANK YOU JOHN. read more

John & crew provide great value & expertise......do not expect a sterile Petsmart..but the prices reflect the low overhead. Good selection of aquatics, birds, some reptiles & rodents. 3 friendly cats patrol the store 4 escapees. read more

Both times I've come to this store and both times I've been highly displeased. I can't even get past the horrible customer service to even breach the fish tanks. I can only guess what's beyond those gates. I asked about sump tank supplies and the guy acted like I was speaking portugués read more

All 4 fish are still alive over a year later and in spite of my neglectful ways. Doesn't get much better in my book!

When you first walk into this store you are over whelmed by the intense heat and strong odor of uncleaned animal cages. If the smell isnt enough to make you turn around, the site of all the animals in such terrible health will. They have small kittens that look like they have been plucked from the street and tossed in the cages, no shots, nothing! This place should be shut down! its animal cruelty! read more

I was just here today.... Same awesome dude that owns its from when I was a kid and bought my first tank here with my babysitting money lol!!! Im 38 years old now so that tells you how long Ive been a customer read more

As the other reviewers stated, this place is pretty dank and old. However, all 14 of the fish I purchased are still alive and healthy. The prices are fantastic and although the owner isn't super cheery, he was definitely willing to give out some good tips and help me find what I needed. read more

This place has the widest assortment of fish for the best prices. The father and the son are both extremely helpful. My fish and live plants are growing big, strong and happy and I couldn't have done it without their guidance. I can always count on one of them being there to help me out. I appreciate that they aren't in your face when you walk in like visiting a chain shop. This store is locally owned and with that you get unique personalty and quality. if you want sterile floors, uniforms, name tags, rotating staff and over priced fish don't visit this shop. It is not for you and I'm tired of the complainers on YELP! This place is wonderful and it is the only place I shop for my fish, plants and fish tank. I highly recommend this place but I value an original experience and supporting local shops. read more

I have to agree with everyone on here about the store and it's conditions but the PRICES can't be beat and I have not had ONE fish die yet.. If I want ambiance I can go to other places and pay twice the price but when they get home they are the same fish!!! The owner is very very quiet and no one ever asks if you need anything which is good and bad. I hate pushy people, but I talk about his fish and the cats and now he is very talkative and i enjoy going there ...They have a GREAT selection of fish and new ones every Thursday I believe he said. He also breeds many himself in the back ..Just my two cents worth,,actually fixing to go today or tomorrow ... read more

Houston Aquatics is a great store. I get more than what I need regarding quality information from the owner and employees. I am actually quite appreciative of the non-flashy appearance of the store. That translates to lower prices for the customers which I appreciate. When there are a few customers there at once, it can seem as if the staff is unresponsive; but I believe that to be a good thing. They take their time in answering questions and providing information to help you make the best decision for you tank. Don't be so quick to judge customer service based on timeliness alone. I'd more than rather wait a few extra minutes to ask questions pertinent to the health of the fish in my tank rather than be rushed out of the way just to get people out. Overall, don't go looking for some fancy store like Fish Gallery when you come here. But DO plan on being well educated when you ask questions, when you buy equipment/maintenance items and when you purchase your fish or reptiles. read more

The fish looked healthy and taken care for except for a few tanks that had problems. Reviews about smell and being old were true. The women who helped me was nice and knew her fish. I bought a Pleco and the guarantee was 3 days. Little guy died after 5 :( Don't know why. read more

I drove from Austin to see my son and based on reviews, both pro and con, I wanted to visit a mom and pop shop. Yes, it is not the tidiest place, but for freshwater fish, this is what I wanted. VERY healthy and great prices. I have been raising fish for over 40 years and I know mom and pop shops get fish locally. They knew I was traveling back to Austin and put all my fish in large bags with fresh oxygen plus a styro crate. Very attentive. And yes, there are lots of kitties roaming around, but they are friendly. :-) I'll be back on my next visit for sure. read more

I've been both a Heights resident and aquarium owner for many, many years and although this store is not a showplace by any means, the owner is knowlegeable and the fish seem to live longer than those I purchase at Petco or Petsmart. He also stocks fish and aquarium equipment that they do not so I am grateful to find what I need in the neighborhood. I do have to say that my ball python would not touch the mice or rats I had purchased here. But, in times of need when I had to find equipment to keep my aquarium operating, this store always had what I needed so I'm glad it's there. read more

my father used to go there when he was around 16 through 18 he used to buy Giant Oscar's and clown knifes and many aggressive fish, so over the years he kept going and going and till today we still go to the little place and is still alive with many nice animals, of course the place might smell a little strong but nothing can beat cheap and affordable prices, and John the owner can be real silent but when you ask him a question he knows his fish species and and coins, and over the years I've been there I've always find great deals on exotic fish I just recently purchased a redtail catfish, shovel nose catfish, green terror which is real beautiful, super red dragon flower horn, 3 Oscar's 1 albino, tire track eel, pleco alge eater and more etc and they are still doing great I give this place a big ***** stars read more

i went there one time seems like they were in process of adding to the left side of the store but its been a while since i was there. I dont remember seeing any of the horror stories that people are writting all over the yahoo reveiw and on yelp about the story. BUT it has been a while since i was last there. The guy who was working was rude after i told him i was just looking around and i never ever returned. tanks were poorly maintained and fish were overpriced read more

The store isn't the fanciest, but definitely not the worst looking. I actually like how it isn't as nice as Petsmart or other chains. Anyway, they have a great variety of fish and the owner knows a lot. I read previous reviews saying he was mean, but that's not the case. He's just shy, which I can relate to! The fish I purchased are still alive and are doing great. He sells fish of great quality! Can't wait to go back! read more