Exotic Aquarium

Hello, Minnesota aquatic enthusiasts! If you're passionate about the vibrant world beneath the water's surface, or even if you're just starting your journey into the fascinating realm of fish keeping, you absolutely need to know about Exotic Aquarium in St. Paul. This charming local shop, while perhaps "small" in stature, is widely celebrated as a "hidden gem" and a favorite spot for fulfilling the aquatic hobby. As one delighted customer shared, after walking in "just for the fun of it," they walked out with a "handsome, beautiful beta" thanks to the incredibly "friendly and knowledgeable" staff member, Peter, who "hooked me up with a tank, rocks, food all for a reasonable price." Exotic Aquarium is dedicated to providing not just fish, but a complete, supportive experience for every customer.

Exotic Aquarium is located at 951 White Bear Ave, St Paul, MN 55106, USA. This St. Paul address places it conveniently for fish hobbyists throughout the Minnesota Twin Cities metropolitan area. White Bear Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in St. Paul, making the shop relatively easy to find for residents coming from various parts of the city and surrounding communities. While one reviewer noted that "parking isn't all that great," the accessibility of the main road generally compensates, ensuring that dedicated enthusiasts can reach their favorite spot. For those in St. Paul and the eastern metro, Exotic Aquarium provides a nearby, specialized resource for their aquatic needs, saving them a trip to larger, less personal establishments. The value of their selection and expertise makes the slight parking consideration well worth the visit for many local aquarists.

Exotic Aquarium specializes in providing a curated selection of healthy fish and essential aquarium supplies, coupled with personalized expert guidance.

• Diverse Fish Selection: The store is particularly noted for its "very decent" varieties of popular freshwater fish, including "gorgeous Betta fish," a good selection of "Cichlids," and healthy "Guppies." This focus ensures a consistent stock of popular and sought-after species.

• Healthy Livestock: Customers consistently praise the health of the fish. The review specifically mentions that the Betta, Ponyo, developed "quite the personality," indicating vitality. The fish are described as "healthy and well stocked" in the tanks, reflecting good husbandry practices.

• Aquarium Starter Kits: For new hobbyists or impulse purchases, the staff are adept at "hooking" customers up with complete starter kits, including tanks, rocks, and food, all at a "reasonable price," making it easy for beginners to jump into the hobby.

• Essential Aquarium Supplies: Beyond live fish, Exotic Aquarium provides the necessary accessories and products for setting up and maintaining aquariums, such as tanks, rocks (decorations/substrate), and fish food, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience.

• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: A significant service highlight is the expertise and approachability of the staff, particularly Peter, who is described as "very friendly and knowledgeable." They are ready to offer advice, guide customers through their first setup, and share insights into fish personality and care, making the experience less intimidating for newcomers and enriching for experienced hobbyists.

• Personalized Customer Service: The individualized attention, such as helping a customer "spur of minute" with a new Betta setup, underscores their commitment to personalized service, ensuring each customer's specific needs are met with care and understanding.

Exotic Aquarium distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that resonate strongly with Minnesota's aquatic community.

• Expert and Approachable Staff: The standout feature, repeatedly praised by customers, is the exceptional knowledge and friendliness of the staff, particularly Peter. His ability to provide comprehensive guidance for a "spur of minute" purchase, making it easy and affordable, highlights their dedication to customer success and enjoyment in the hobby. This personal connection fosters a welcoming environment for all.

• High-Quality and Healthy Livestock: Despite being a smaller shop, Exotic Aquarium maintains a reputation for healthy and well-stocked fish. The positive feedback on the vitality of their Bettas, Cichlids, and Guppies indicates a commitment to proper care and husbandry, which is crucial for reducing stress and ensuring the longevity of aquatic pets once they go home.

• Reasonable Pricing: The ability to "hook up" customers with a complete starter kit "all for a reasonable price" makes the hobby accessible and appealing. This commitment to fair pricing, combined with healthy livestock, provides excellent value for local aquarists.

• Specialized Selection: While it may be a "small" shop, its focus on popular and healthy freshwater species like Bettas, Cichlids, and Guppies means they are a reliable source for these particular types of fish, which are very common starting points for many hobbyists.

• "Hidden Gem" Appeal: The description of the shop as a "small little 'hole in the wall' but truly a hidden gem" creates a sense of discovery and insider knowledge among local hobbyists. This kind of reputation often indicates a highly valued, unique, and authentic shopping experience that larger chain stores cannot replicate.

• Passion for the Aquatic Hobby: Customers consistently refer to it as their "favorite spot when it comes to fulfilling my aquatic hobby," which speaks to the genuine passion of the staff and the overall positive atmosphere they create, making visits enjoyable and inspiring for fish keepers.

For those ready to explore the diverse aquatic life at Exotic Aquarium or seek expert advice for their tanks, here is their contact information:

Address: 951 White Bear Ave, St Paul, MN 55106, USA

Phone: (651) 500-4760

Mobile Phone: +1 651-500-4760

In conclusion, for Minnesota residents passionate about the aquatic hobby, particularly those in and around St. Paul, Exotic Aquarium stands out as an indispensable local resource. While its physical footprint may be modest, its impact on local fish keepers is anything but. The "very friendly and knowledgeable" staff, exemplified by Peter, provides invaluable guidance and ensures that even spontaneous purchases lead to successful and enjoyable experiences, as demonstrated by the thriving Betta, Ponyo. Their commitment to offering a decent variety of healthy Bettas, Cichlids, and Guppies at "reasonable prices" makes the joy of fish keeping accessible to all. Exotic Aquarium is truly a "hidden gem" that fosters a love for aquatic life through its expert advice, quality livestock, and personalized service. For any local Minnesotan looking to start or enhance their aquarium, this St. Paul shop is undoubtedly a suitable and highly recommended destination.

Exotic Aquarium

951 White Bear Ave, St Paul, MN 55106, USA