Had a great experience here at father fish aquarium came to gain information about a deep sand bed aquarium and he answered all my questions and more. While I was there I purchased 2 clown fish That are doing great. Father fish is a wealth of information about forever tanks, tanks that dont need to be cared for every week or 2 weeks. I found out about Father fish Aquarium on his YouTube channel where he gives tons of information about caring for fish and the proper ways to feed them. And most of all he educate you on setting up a deep substrate fish tank which requires much less maintenance for people who travel or Want the healthiest environment for their fish! I also noticed when I wasat his aquarium shop that he sells used tank equipment. Highly recommend this place if you want to become a more natural fish keeper. Thank you father fish for all the information you gave me!

Recently I won a $25 gift card. I dont have fish or birds or any kind of that stuff. ALthough I was highly impressed upon going in at all the variety of birds, fish and variety of other little animals that you can buy there. There is a large selection of driftwood, Coral arrangements for aquariums, all the needs for putting these exotic aquariums together .I was truly trying to find something to buy with my gift card and the owner came up with a solution. Im so pleased with my purchase. It really does sound like wind chimes when its blowing in the Wind . very happy with my purchase and I highly recommend this little store

The store was a little warm and humid but the owner was very helpful and very knowledgeable we will definitely go back

Love Father Fish! He is warm and kind. His shop is filled with his love and immense experience of the Aquarium World.

The open sign said open. I had called in in advanced to find out if they were open the gentleman that seemed kind of rude on the phone said yes there open I drove 20 minutes to get there giving them the benefit of the doubt and pull on the door at 3:45 and the door was locked even tho the sign said closes at 4 and signs were still lit open I just wasted all of my time driving 20 minutes to try to give a local business my money will never make that mistake again.

Very interesting and has an antique feel to it.

If there was one without a star given, I would have gave none. Dont trust this place people. I went there and many of the items for sale was old, outdated, bad condition etc. Everything is so unorganized and just thrown everywhere. A good chunk of the fish was in poor condition such as sunken in bellies, stunted growth, fin rot and more. I had bought several fish from there that day and it was way overpriced for what can be offered at a local pet store. I also bought a product and it doesnt work as stated, probably was second hand. Even your local fish store such as Petco, PetSmart, and pet supermarket has many of the same fish for 1/3 the price, not to mention a better health condition. Now I know these local pet stores have a bad reputation with caring and keeping their fish healthy, but after visiting this Aquarium store, they definitely have a one up on them. So keep this in mind before visiting. Also had inside tip which he told me that many of the great star reviews on here was intentionally done by their own staff members. Its sad that a dirty, filthy place like this tries to overwhelm the truth with good reviews when the truth is actually all the negatives ones on here.

The store is filthy, the fish tanks and animals are extremely neglected. I cannot believe the county has not been notified yet. He has way too many animals for one person to take care of. I bought 3 fish from this place and it infected my entire tank with ick. Stay away from this place, if you value your fish, and care about this hobby. Check out WetPets in Sarasota.

Very interesting every time I go.

Hands down one of the coolest pet store Ive ever been to. The people that work there really know their stuff!!!!

Great old-school fish store! Definitely found some gems! Father Fish has a great selection! Drove all the way from Tampa!!

Father Fish knows what he is talking about. His planted tanks are beautiful and productive. I have learned so much from his YouTube videos. Check them out then go visit him.

Very knowledgeable and helpful, hundreds of beautiful fish, birds and turtles

This place is sad.. waooo I will not get nothing here all the tanks look nasty and you cant see the fish how dirty thy are .. i am scare to buy something here and kill all my fish.. is sad

Unreal that a place like this still exists these days. Great ownership and staff. I take my daughter there just to browse and were treated like absolute favorite guest. They usually get a bird or reptile for my girls to hold/touch and are extremely educational. Great work guys!

Very cool place to go

He is very knowledgeable. Has answers for all your fish questions. Has great fish.

Wow. This aquarium is amazing!!! Amazing variety of aquatic life and well knowledgeable owner. We are only visiting the area and luckily discovered this place. The outside is so beautiful and the inside is amazing as well! This will be a go to spot every times that we come down!!!

Lots of variety of fish and plants. His aquariums heavily utilize the walstad method. Not overly priced. Check out his YouTube videos for more information.

Father Fish knows his stuff. I prefer to spend my money supporting a small business where the owner does the work because he loves the work. It doesnt look like a showroom, but the fish are healthy and obviously well cared for.

Poorly run, father fish is a loose term for someone who says you dont have to do a water change on a betta tank as long as you put 2 inches of sand (which really makes no difference. If I could give 0 stars I would. Dead fish on the floor, Algae ridden tanks, fish in tanks to small for them, all reasons to go somewhere else for someone who actually knows something about fish.

Very nice guy. Very knowledgeable. Will be back.

Dark, dirty, smelly. Wouldnt put anything from here in my tank. Even after 6 months of quarantine. I felt sick after a few minutes and had to leave.....8 tanks and a hand built koi pond. I think im qualified to make this assessment....

It is not in the best location. It is not the easiest store to get to from traffic. The store is very cramped and there isnt anyone at the front of the store to help when customers come in. This makes customers have to search for the person who runs the business. I also felt that the interaction with him was awkward. The man was nice enough though. I would recommend that you buy or give your fish to him because there is a great variety and they are all well taken care of.

Incredible place! Not only do they carry a wide variety of Marine and freshwater fish (including many oddballs), they also carry a large variety of birds, the nicest selection of aquatic plants Ive ever seen & new and used lighting, pumps, filters, tanks (many sizes). Lou Foxwell (aka ”Father Fish”,) is the most knowledgeable aquarist Ive ever met. Its easily worth a trip from Tampa.

Amazing spot

I know its not the cleanest place nor the most organized place. I went there for a terrarium and he was trying to sell a aquarium for 45$ and it had a calcium buildup. I was told by multiple people that you cannot stick a lizard inside of aquarium after it has had fish or water in it. Im not sure if its true but its my first beardy and Im not killing him!!!!!

Loved it! The owner is the sweetest man youll ever meet and boy oh boy does he know his stuff! Highly recommend a trip to meet him and check out his awesome store.

There is always something unique or interesting for sale here, but most of the tanks are unlabeled and without prices. The staff will help you out if you have questions, but other than that you are on your own here. Some of the aquariums are in pretty poor condition, with low water levels and large algal buildup. They offer many species, from giant fish to tiny fish to birds to occasionally reptiles and amphibians.

Fathers fish store is run by the nicest man you will ever meet. Knowledgeable kind and caring this is a place for True fish enthusiastic come to find exactly what youre looking for not only is it a fish store but it is also an Aviary where you can find a multitude of different bird and lizard species come on in and talk to Father Fish about any questions that you have about fish lizards or birds and he will easily be able to answer your questions.

Great selection of fish to choose from. He carries a large variety of unique fish that you dont see anywhere else.

So nice to see a family pet store with character. The owner is a very nice, soft spoken, and incredibly knowledgeable man that really enjoys helping people. Prices very reasonable, always a nice selection of new and used aquarium lights, filters, and other accessories. Ive seen some incredible deals.

Owner is nice, prices r reasonable but store is sloppy like a garage sale. Not a fun place to shop but if u know exactly what u want u might be able to fi d it at a fair price.

This is the best fish store Ive been to in 10 years. I say this because the fish are all healthy, the plants are robust, and there are species Ive seen here that Ive only seen in books. The fish that belong in tannin stained water are, the ones that like heavily planted, are, the ones that get bit are in tanks that allow them to do so. Are the tanks spotless, no, are the fish, healthy happy, and thriving, yes. Every tank I looked at the fish were out and moving and watching me. This place is great. I will be making the 45 min trip to see it again soon.

Interesting & Fun place, knowledgable people, good experience getting a fish tank started!

It was amazing and I also got a gecko its so sweet

Ive never seen an aquarium shop/pet store like this. The owner is a very well educated individual when it comes to animals and he is a very nice gentleman to be around. They have AMAZING driftwood and sell everything from axolotls to hedgehogs. Absolutely love coming here

, I really love this place. He has very natural low-maintenance style aquariums with thick soil and heavily planted and a few fish and absolutely no maintenance at all its an incredible thing to see that he keeps his tanks the way that people should be keeping their tanks and his prices are reasonable and its a funky place to explore

A distinctly unique store. Very nice variety of salt and fresh water fish in a relaxed laid back space.

Its a bit of a drive for us, but worth it! Great variety of both salt and fresh water fish, plants - a real variety of all kinds of critters! And healthy...not like rolling the dice at some other retailers. Awesome place!

If you want to know anything about aquatic hobby this gentleman knows it hes been there done that he believes keeping tanks as close to nature as possible

Love father fish! Pop place will give the shirt off his back! Go in and say hi and find the neatest pets! With a smile and amazing knowledge!

I love the variety of birds here, some you cant find in commercial pet stores. I got my quails here and they are all in good health.

Unique pet store...something to see!

Absolutely Love this place the variety and knowledge this shop and owner offers is superb. Not only was I able to learn what I needed to know but also he has everything and more on site to supply my fish tanks needs.The owner is laid back and very pleasant to talk with and bring the family to experience the aquatic animals, plants and also a very cool bird set up. I will only shop this store for now on. No pressure in sales which I always appreciate from a store and rarely find.

Awesome aquarium with a large selection of fish

Wonderful place. Beautiful aquariums. As well as many other surprises

Very nice guy

The owner is very nice, trustworthy and helpful. I have gotten a hedgehog, and a sugar glider which have been handled with care. Very loving critters come from this establishment. I couldnt ask for a better mom and pop experience.

Always have everything I need

Love thid place my friend for yrs

Fun to walk around very commercial atmosphere

I’ve been going here for years. He has some decent fish and plants that other stores won’t have and that’s the only reason I would really go here. His store is very dirty and not well kept. He is over priced. I’ve been going to his store for years back when he use to be next to south county Honda, not because I like it but more because he had stuff that others didn’t. More than once I’ve asked for certain stuff and he’ll throw in extra fish and extra plants that I didn’t ask for and he’ll charge you for it! He is super passive aggressive and will gip you if you let him. He tried selling me two male Scarlet Badis telling me one was a female and the other is a male. I told him they were both males and politely said I didn’t want them, he then dumped the fish aggressively back into the tank, and went straight to his pizza and started eating and told me to get out and never come back again. I told him I wasn’t mad at all and told me I have no trust in him at all. For a local business you would think the customer service would be on point, but he’s just there strictly for the money and not the passion he claims.

I think father fish has gotten much better over the years.. i go there for all my fresh water tank needs and fish. Every fish we have gotten there was healthy and still alive to this day! He has a huge selection of beautiful fish.

Fantastic! Like the aquarium stores of my youth, Im 63! Lou, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable.Freshwater, saltwater fish, beautiful finches, cockatiels, parakeets. Juvenile tortoises and assorted reptiles.Well worth the time to stop by!

Knows his stuff and very helpful.

If you want to get an education Im fish this is the place to go

The best! A landmark of Venice

He was very nice and was very happy with his business

The owner is very knowledgeable and there is a wide variety of animals to choose from for good prices. I would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking to buy unique and healthy pets.

So much to see.

Honestly made my stomach turn to read all the comment about how great this place is, take a look at it the tanks are dirty the birds look extremely unhappy and unhealthy this is one of the most depressing places Ive even been and I was sick to my stomach to see the dirty small dark environment these animals are being held captive in u can put 17 birds big and small and a tortuous in a 4 by 6 foot change I watched the tortuous struggle to walk about his captivity this place should be shut down

This guy just LOVES FISH! Reasonably priced and wonderful place...i just love love love it! He is a fish whisperer....he can save any sick fish I swear

Always pleasant owner always helpful very unique shop. rare fish and wildlife.

His shop is crammed with too much stuff, cant hardly move through it. A lot of tanks were dirty. Could be really cool if he cleaned it up a bit

Was very disappointed this past visit. My wife spoke with the gentleman who owns/runs the establishment about trading a fish for store credit. We let him know it was about a 6 long leopard wrass and he said no problem bring it up and he would give us the store credit. We get to the store and he said dump the fish in this tank and we did. About 5 minutes later he says he cant give is any credit because no one will but that fish its too big. And Im just like well why didnt you say that before I drove 30 miles to your store and dumped my fish in this tank. Attached is a picture of the fish that no one would want.

When I went To Father Fish Aquarium, I loved it. They had hedgehogs, saltwater fish and all sorts of creatures you could think of! In fact he had animals that I had never even seen in a pet store before. Fancy Guppies and I am completely in love with them and they arent just the ones you get at Petco. The man working there was really knowledgeable and friendly.

Dirty tanks. I was under the impression kids would learn about about stuff not just see dirty tanks.

Everything you need for your aquatic needs, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable.

Great selection of fish. The owner is a little rough and doesnt ever seem to be happy. It can make the experience of being in this store disappointing. But the fish are all healthy and the prices are good.

Beautiful place! Very natural!

This place is disturbing. Very dirty, and creepy as hell.

So nice and very knowledgeable

Its a nice store with an old feel to it. The owners are really good guy.

This guys has Soo many tanks

This place is awesome!!! The owner knows his fish and has a lot and some you will never see in any chain store. Must see if in Florida.

Great guy father fish

Its the BEST! Father Fish is very nice and has good prices!

Horrible. Would give negative 10 stars if I could. I couldn’t even see half the fish due to black or green water. Don’t recommend.

Not a neat place. Tanks dirty. Had some big tanks.

I had first gone to Father Fish because I had a sick koi, he fixed it up for me I was so happy! Later Father Fish helped me set up my salt water tank, I had always wanted one but was under the impression that they where impossibly hard. He showed me that theyre really not! All suggestions and advice he gave me was golden and he got me set up with a tank and fish that need little to no maintenance. Ive had my salt water tank for years now and even moved with it, with his setup my little clown fish and corals have been alive and happy since day 1.I went in again recently to say hi and get some fish supplies I needed since I was in the area (hes in a new store since we set up my salt tank years ago) and the new store is AMAZING. Huge setup in the middle of the shop with birds and turtles and lizards and things living together. Hes always got some neat thing that someones requested or people brought in. Ive seen chameleons and a sugar glider and a bunny once, all kinds of things. Makes me want to bring home more then just fish but my cat would hate me if I did. I like to go in to his new shop even if its just to look if Im lucky enough to be in the area!

Moved to florida almost two years ago just started getting into the fish hobby found father fish place he has alot of cool fish never seen in some places and prices are fair compared to most..but theres always a downside first time in seeing the place a lot of dead fish In tanks some fish were dead outside of the tanks very nasty and poor conditions. There was a lady there she did ask if we needed help tould her just checking things out then asked her about a few fish she had no clue about them so we continued to look and left no good by have a day or anything from them ..secound trip back just a few days ago me and my wife walk in we wanted to give the place one more try since everyone says to buy local went in all the tanks still in poor conditions dead fish everywhere thought I was in Wal-Mart for a secound. the owner said hi asked if we needed help tould him just looking right now so he walked away. We continued to look around at the very wide variety of fish he has but seeing how they look would never buy them. So as we were leaving the store I tould the owner he had alot of nice fish all he did was smiled and waved at us never evan said thank you. at that point I new for sure I would not be giving them a 3rd chance he acted like we were wasting his time I have 11 tanks always looking for new fish..so when people tell me to buy local I will but will be at petco were there fish are healthy and staff is always nice not a big variety of fish but Ill go there for healthy fish and friendly staff any day....

I bought a hedgehog for him and it was the best purchase I ever made. Quality bred hedgehogs

Cool place, the store is a little of a mess, and his prices are sometimes a little high, but theres stuff here you cant find anywhere else.

Very friendly and great selection. I purchased several freshwater fish and they are doing great in my aquarium. I will visit again.

Awesome place for fish

Very helpful & kind.

Bought 2 fish and 2 spa colonys for my saltwater tank one fish I took back the next day acting very funny got a lawnmower blenny. And zoa colony to replace price of first fish. Zoa never opened up and blenny died within days anythi,g else iv e ever put in my tank has done wonderful from any other store all water levels were checked nothing wrong.

Went to father fish the other day with the intention of starting a planted brackish tank. I got two monos and an assortment of plants. Some people say he has high prices, I will admit they are a little steep, but every fish ive gotten here is absolutely beautiful. They are doing fantastic. he also gave me a ton of plants. I was able to plant about half my tank with $30 and i have a 160 gallon. Everytime i go to father fish i see something new and exotic that starts a battle within as to whether or not i should break down my existing tank for this new fish. Its always a pleasure to visit and if you listen, i bet you can learn more about fish in that store than at mote marine. Go in and have a look around. you will not be disappointed, this is the best aquarium shop between ft myers and tampa.

Very knowledgeable and friendly.

No good guarantee for the product sold.

This place is soul filling

Very pleasant and friendly to do business with.

Wonderful store with great staff.

This place is a winner for all your Aquarium needs plus more!

The best!

Awesome shop!

Love this place

Sanctuary

Nice man...lots of stuff..we like the walk in averary...parking is bad