Aquatic Jewels

Negative experience: To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to share an unfortunate and disappointing experience I had with Aquatic Jewels, located in Dania Beach, Florida. I feel it is important to provide feedback for both the business and potential customers, especially those who are new to the saltwater and reef aquarium hobby. As a beginner, I entered the store seeking guidance and support in building a healthy and sustainable reef tank. The owner himself assisted me and recommended the purchase of a clown tang and a Desjardini sailfin tang, both of which I was told were appropriate additions to my newly cycled tank. I explained that my tank was still in its early stages, with only three fish added as part of a controlled startup process to ensure proper cycling and acclimation. Despite this, I was advised to purchase these fish along with live coral, under the assurance that they would thrive together. However, within a short period of time, the Desjardini tang exhibited extremely aggressive behavior—ultimately killing the clown tang and consuming the coral. This level of aggression and incompatibility is well-documented among experienced aquarists, and it is troubling that such a recommendation would come from a professional retailer. I reached out multiple times via text to explain the situation and seek resolution. While I initially received vague responses suggesting the issue would be addressed, the communication eventually turned accusatory, with the owner implying that I was being dishonest—an unnecessary and unprofessional reaction, especially considering I was transparent and respectful throughout. To compound the matter, during our early interactions, the owner casually mentioned his desire to sell the business—an odd and disconcerting comment to make to a first-time customer who was trusting the business for expert advice and long-term support. In the end, I’ve taken this experience as a lesson learned, but I feel compelled to caution other potential customers—especially those new to the hobby. The advice I received from Aquatic Jewels in Dania Beach did not reflect the level of professionalism or integrity I would expect from a specialty store in this space. Misinformation, lack of accountability, and poor customer service should not be the standard for any business, especially one that holds influence over living ecosystems and customer trust. Sincerely, David

Fantastic experience: Aquatic Jewels is a really good place to shop if you have a salt water aquarium really nice corals too

Fantastic experience: Great little shop! Everything was clean and you could tell the folks working here are both knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby. Great selection of corals at reasonable prices and some very nice display tanks! Also stocked with quality non live goods like Red Sea and Hanna and Julian Sprung stuff. Sebastian was very helpful and shared great knowledge/advice to make my own tank better. Some other shops in the area often seem dirty/neglected and filled with miserable vibes, so I’m happy to have found this shop! Good vibes!

Fantastic experience: I wanted to see the store since there is a new owner..I found the most welcoming puppy dog then the owner helped me very kindly to make my choice,I was thrilled..I will go back , I highly recommend this store..I bought 2 gorgeous white clowns,I had never seen white clowns before...thank you very much I will be back.., i also want to ad i bought a banded shrimp and a orchid dotty back,,also with the kind help of the gentleman there

Negative experience: Don't buy fish from this place they have sick fish 1, fish my son n law bought and all the expensive fish all died lost $400, shame on you piece of crap and don't message back you will be embarrassed to make yourself look good

Negative experience: Update 4/5/25 There must be new ownership or at least new management bc the quality of the livestock and overall store condition has gone dramatically downhill. The staff is now the opposite of helpful, and if they are knowledgeable, I can't tell bc they don't interact with customers, or do so resentfully. The saltwater I would regularly purchase for water changes now results in lots of diatoms in my own aquarium, which I noticed in the aquariums at the store as well. It makes me wonder about the quality of their R/O water. Their livestock looks unhealthy and lots of dead or dying fish left in display tanks, and the corals are shrinking and dying! There is a brown film all over everything...it's sooo sad to see. It's like the love of the hobby left this place. I'm looking for a new aquarium store. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful (looking at you Billy), the aquariums are clean, livestock is healthy and well cared for. Prices are fair and location is convenient. I highly recommend this place for beginners (lots of quality supplies available to get up and running) or experts looking for a reliable spot for water, livestock and excellent service. This shop isn't big in size but it's huge in quality.

Fantastic experience: Very patient and kind people. Took time to talk to me about setting up a saltwater tank and answered my questions. No pressure, just helpful education. I have a lot of experience with freshwater aquariums for 30+ years but my one attempt at a saltwater tank decades ago didn't go well. The staff helped me understand today's systems and techniques and gave me some confidence to try saltwater again. Their fish are beautiful and healthy looking.

Negative experience: Went there to pick up some hermit crabs late before they closed, asked the lone employee there if they have specific ones, he made a face like didn’t know what I was talking about than I asked a question bout the tanks that have “copper” in them cause I wanted to buy a fish from that tank. Just responded with a “no” to my question. Rude employee. Don’t like your job just quit.

Negative experience: Bought a fish got home realize the fish was swimming weird .I realize his tail was missing called and left a voicemail. No response after a couple of days fish died. Manager said do you have the fish? I said no I don’t wanna infect the other fish in my tank. You could tell because the tail had a little bit of redness in it. And instead of him saying oh, I can give you another one or a refund is the best I could do is 30% off so unless you wanna lose all your fish in your tank because of a disease fish go somewhere else. He didn’t care imagine if I left it in the tank and lost thousands. After reading the reviews there know for this.

Fantastic experience: Very clean and the staff’s super knowledgeable and helpful!

Positive experience: Nice selection of corals and invertebrates. NoT a whole lot of fish.

Fantastic experience: Great service and amazing prices on all coral and fish!

Fantastic experience: Really nice place to buy fish and Coral, super clean and all workers are very friendly go and Ask for Stephe the Manager and see the difference between them and other places

Fantastic experience: Great shop. Full of a cool unique variety that most shops don’t offer. Definitely a suggested shop for anyone from beginner to expert. And you pull around the back and fill up water so you don’t have to carry your jugs through the shop. 10/10

Fantastic experience: The place is super clean and they have some really cool pieces that I’ve never seen before. Ask for Chino! He was helpful and gave us great advice for the tank. He even took the time to explain some coral pieces and show us the setup for his personal tank. We look forward to coming back. -Gabriella & Anthony

Fantastic experience: Lovely place. Very very clean but zero freshwater selection.

Fantastic experience: Excellent service and they have variety of fish and very clean the place

Fantastic experience: Absolutely stunning display of fish and corals. I checked them out on my vacation to Florida. They were very helpful and friendly. I wanted to purchase some corals and have them shipped to me. One of the guys told me I could take it on the plane with me which saved me about $100+ for shipping. And their prices are very reasonable as well. I was gonna get a scoly I believe and he recommended against it which I appreciate the honesty instead of just trying to get a buck out of everybody. I brought home a beautiful torch for $70 and he packaged it and had it ready for me the next morning to take onto my flight with me

Negative experience: I've spent over $500 this month on corals and fish from this place. Last week I bought a blue tang and when I got home I realized it was covered in itch. I isolated it so it wouldn't ruin my tank since I've never had that before. The tang died on day 2. I called saying I have pictures of it covered when I got it and didn't realize. They could not care less. Said my tank gave it to him (even though I have proof it already had it). I can not believe how unfriendly they were over the situation. They basically told me to go f myself. I will never be returning to them after this horrible customer service. I would have been happy with any kind of store credit considering they clearly sold me a sick fish with no heads up and could potentially ruin my whole 55 gallon system. **** 3 months later**** Every fish in my tank got sick and died. I truly have no words for these people for selling me a sick fish and not having a care in the world about it. I lost over $800 in fish. Hate this place with a passion. Ruined my whole tank that took years to get set.

Fantastic experience: This place is pretty cool beautiful Carl friendly help the owners are really cool people you guys should try I recommend highly

Fantastic experience: Best Place to get all your saltwater fish needs, Super nice people and helped me with my first tank

Fantastic experience: Very nice and knowledgeable staff. Great healthy selection and prices. Mathew and Logan are THE BEST at providing maintenance, and Krystel is amazing in the store, super knowledgeable, and eager to help you build your dream tank while being conscious of the wellbeing of these amazing little creatures!! A+++

Fantastic experience: Best assortment of fish and coral

Negative experience: Purchased $400 worth of fish from this place and the fish were sick. Ended up killing all the fish in my tank and when I call to see if they can offer store credit towards new fish they told me no. Very disappointed in this place. I’ll never buy anything here again. I’d be VERY careful purchasing from them and putting your tank at risk.

Fantastic experience: One of the best LFS's in South FL.

Fantastic experience: Where do I start. Walked in the other day I dealt with a nice guy. He helped us pick out a clown fish and a coral with me n my girlfriend. He was very useful, and knew he stuff. I highly recommend this aquarium without a doubt.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful store! Excellent service. Billy was incredibly helpful. This is our new go to for all of our salt water aquarium needs.

Fantastic experience: Great communication, corals were well packaged- arrived healthy and ready to go. A+++!

Fantastic experience: First time in the store the other day and super nice place, prices were good and super helpful. Guy with the Guatemala hat was great to deal with and ask questions. Will be my main store since I am new to the hobby, thanks guys!!!

Fantastic experience: Andre was a huge help! Love the store!

Fantastic experience: Great place and the vibe is there i love this place will be one of my go to LPS to go the coral prices are great and the store is really well taking care of. I End up Picking up a Yellow Hammer, and Turbo Snail. Very helpful with my needs.

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium store. Good products and knowledgeable staff. Lots of selection of coral and marine products

Fantastic experience: Great place I loved how friendly they were and they were very helpful.

Negative experience: Beware, sold me a $100 fish with Ich. Please don't buy livestock here. We were fortunate their parasitic livestock didn't take out an entire tank of beautiful beings but it could easily happen to you. When we moved to Florida, I had them set up our 100 gallon tank, and purchased a few firefish and a Flame Angel from the shop 6 weeks later when the tank had cycled. Overall ~$1600. Within 2 days of bringing the Angel home, it showed signs of ich - the dreaded white spots. It's a fact that the parasite came from them; it's a brand new tank and everything in it came from this store. Several days later the Angel was worse. We had to remove all live rock and turn the tank upside down to get the fish out to quarantine. Called twice to plead with the team there as I watched this beautiful creature die a horrible death before my eyes, they gave me line about copper in the tanks etc - but again, there is no where the Ich could have come from besides there. Asked for the owner to call me, no reply. No offer for a maintenance visit, medication or even a partial refund. Poor little Angel died the next day.

Negative experience: They are most unethical business around overcharge by double for there fish compared to most other stores. To make matters worse they overcharged me by 55 dollars and have the nerve to say i left that as a tip. Are they crazy who leaves tips at a fish store? They won't reimburse or even give me a store credit. Unbelievable they say the kid that scammed me for 55 bucks already spent the money its his and hung up saying sorry nothing we can do. She says she gets 55 dollar tips all the time what a lie. I am amazed how this business operates, go anywhere else and pay half for same fish without a disease and without getting robbed! To update this review the credit card company looked into and reimbursed me the 55 dollars citing the company for fraud.

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing experience with the staff at Aquatic Jewels. I ordered a shark egg and was a bit afraid of ordering one and it not being viable. However, I received it and it was packaged very well. Big thick bag with lots of water, shipped in a cooler and packed with foam peanuts. I put a light to it and it was alive and kicking. I can even see the tail moving and the stripes along the body. I couldn’t be more impressed with the professionalism that was shown while ordering. Everyone was nice and helpful. I would more than recommend this company. Thank you all so much!

Negative experience: Stopped by with my husband. Beautiful place but terrible customer service. The lady in there was uncomfortable and rude.

Fantastic experience: The store is great for all experience levels. The staff is knowledgeable, patient, and great to work with. Matthew was so helpful in picking out additions for our specific tank.

Positive experience: Best selection of corals in S. Fla

Fantastic experience: This place is great!! The workers are are nice and patient. And so helpful. I just moved from NY and took a slight loss. I was able to go there and get what I wanted to rebuild my tank. Also they are honest with prices and weather or not something you are interested in will be a good fit for your tank size and so on. Definitely recommend anyone to go this reef store.

Fantastic experience: October 2021 update. I gave them a second chance and the difference is huge, don't know if they are under new management or what but the actual employees are great. Really good prices and great selection compared to others in the area. I bought my last 6 corals at Aquatic Jewels !!! Sayonara Beverly Pet !!! 2019 *New location* Poor customer service, employees don't acknowledge your presence. When you ask they give you half the answer. Floor is always wet with no caution sign, the store is small and full of hoses making it harder to walk. Prices are not that great, the only good thing is the corals selection.

Fantastic experience: Great selection of some very nice coral and an amazing staff. Would definitely recommend shopping there!!

Fantastic experience: Very beautiful family-owned and operated business, absolutely loved the vibes at this store, super knowledgeable and always willing to help and answer any questions. Highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Huge selection. The pygmy sea horses where Soo cute!

Fantastic experience: Beautiful well maintained aquariums, unusual fish and coral and friendly staff!

Fantastic experience: Very nice store! Everything is well kept and clean. Beautiful fish, coral, etc... The best part of all, honestly, was the customer service. Matt was one of the most helpful sales people I've ever met. Very knowledgeable, friendly, but not in an annoying ,pushy way. Great experience. I will be back.

Fantastic experience: I started working to support this store back 4 years ago and I'm never giving up on this job.

Fantastic experience: Very healthy corals and fish, Matt is the best and very knowledgeable and helpful with helping me run my tank. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Wow! This is one of the nicest LFSs I've ever seen in South Florida. I used to go to their old location on occasion but it was nothing to write home about. The new location is impressive. They have an enormous selection of saltwater fish, corals, zoas, your name it...even giant clams which I've never seen before in a LFS. This place is a must see for any aquarium enthusiast.

Fantastic experience: Stopped by with my husband. Amazing variety and beautiful corals and fish. Friendly staff and very knowledgeable and helpful. Cant wait to go back!

Fantastic experience: Very helpful and a beautiful selection. Thank you for my clients black storm!

Fantastic experience: By far one of the best if not the Best aquarium store in So. Florida! Great prices and selection With the most knowledgeable and helpful employees in my opinion. Always willing to spend the extra time to answer your questions. A huge shout out to Ashley and Andre

Fantastic experience: Hi, I really enjoyed my visit! Ty very much for the help and knowledge Ashley!

Negative experience: They wouldn't let me in because I don't look Eighteen I even had my ID on me, I'm pretty upset about it. I took the time to get to Aquatic Jews with an friend on bike which took us half a hour just to be told you can't come in.

Fantastic experience: Cleanest shop with the biggest variety of corals in South florida. Prices are competitive. Great selection of fish too. Matt's the guy to help you out. Thanks.

Fantastic experience: They are good team. Thank you Matthew for always attended us.

Fantastic experience: Blew me away. Been to a lot of places but never seen corals like this. And the display cases... great job guys. Finally something eye level.

Fantastic experience: Great salt water fish store!!! I go there with my husband and my sons, we’ve been customers for a few months now and they are amazing. Always very friendly and helpful. They are our go to fish store. Nice setup inside as well.

Fantastic experience: I have now been a happy customer of Aquatic Jewels for a few months now, and I can honestly say I have continued to go there, and will continue to buy all my salt water marine needs there because they are by far the best around. I’ve purchased fish, crabs, rocks, corals, anemones, supplies and more and I’ve been happy with every purchase made. The staff is always very friendly and also knowledgeable. I highly recommend. Their store setup is also amazing! My sons love going there no matter how many times we’ve been. Two thumbs up!! Here are some pictures of my aquarium that I was able to put together, thanks to Aquatic Jewels.

Fantastic experience: Awsome place to find fish and full colony corals. They do have frags but carry very nice colonies of corals. Also if you are looking for big fish they always have some of the biggest I've seen. Knowledge staff and fun to hangout. Keep up the good work guys!

Fantastic experience: They have an amazing selection of all things marine (fish, corals, inverts) as well as tanks, supplies, pumps etc. the staff are awesome and always willing to help, even for the newbies who are just starting their reef tanks. They have helped me tremendously over the years.

Fantastic experience: Been going here for a long time. Must say the selection is good, and customer service is great!

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff. Great selection of fish and corals

Fantastic experience: Great selection of fish & corals, colonies and frags. Very good dry goods and equipment as well!

Negative experience: Everytime I buy fish from this place they are dead 24 hours later. Went yesterday bought a diamond golby & 3 purple and yellow athis . Dripped them in my tank for 1 hour . Got home from work today all fish dead. Will not be returning to this store. Tried to give them another chance. Tired of spending money here. When I buy from the other store that I buy from fish dont my tank is a full reef tank . Disappointed once again .

Fantastic experience: Great place go there often they have the best water refilling setup.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic healthy specimens, truly a, "jewel" of a coral store. Excellent prices for smaller frags. Biggest lobos I've ever seen.

Fantastic experience: Super beautiful fish, nice presentation and amazingly wide selection. Friendly staff also !!

Fantastic experience: Honest, friendly if they don't have it they will get it. Reasonable, what else could you ask for?

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, clean and health tanks.

Negative experience: What the heck happened to this place they used to specialize in African cichlids and other rare freshwater fish now it's all way overpriced saltwater fish and coral I'm into salt too but there's no way to buy something for my saltwater customers without ripping them off. I would talk anyone out of starting up a saltwater aquarium at these prices you HAVE to be a millionaire.

Fantastic experience: Great customer service and awesome pricing.

Fantastic experience: My favorite Saltwater Fish and Coral shop in South Florida. I’ve been in the hobby for 20 years in South Florida and I’ve Been to them all, no one has the quality fish and collector grade corals like Aquatic Jewels! Owners Mathew & Fidel, along with their staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. It’s hard to find a quality coral retailer that can even compare. World Wide Corals like quality and a massive variety of beautiful fish, corals and inverts! If you’re looking for the Top Collector Quality Fish and Corals in South Florida, save yourself time and head over to Aquatic Jewels.

Fantastic experience: Some of the best selection in Florida

Fantastic experience: Great customer service from Steven will only shop here. Great selection.

Fantastic experience: Great store. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable on all kinds of fish and corals.

Fantastic experience: Wow! Very impressed, beautiful Corals, good prices, and always a courteous welcome!

Fantastic experience: Great selections and prices!! Staff is knowledgeable and friendly

Fantastic experience: Honestly the best place to come and buy corals and fish the staff is extremely helpful and gives their honest opinion.matt and Andre will take care of you and any questions extremely helpful

Positive experience: Pros: The set up is Nicer than it was in the old location Con: Set up is a little unorganized Pro: Always a nice set up of corals Con: Not enough fish Finally I came into the store on Sunday, driving in from Miramar West, because I loved their corals and options before in the old location. Unfortunately, when I walked in, though I was greeted, no one came up to me to see how they can help me, to ask if it were my first time at the new location, what kind of tank I had, or what I was looking for. I was walking around the shop for about 15 minutes, and though the set up was nice, I didn't know prices on anything, nor was I offered any. Finally when I left, it wasn't until I had a foot out the door that someone said have a good day. This is what happens when the owner of the location is not present. Maybe he was off on Sunday, but not sure if it was worth my 35 minute drive to find out I gave 3 stars because I know that this place could be so much better. Train your team to be better representatives of your shop.

Fantastic experience: Ask for Matt, provided great service and helped me start the hobby

Fantastic experience: Best local Saltwater aquarium store around with the Largest selection of corals! Friendly staff and good service! When We first went in my husband brought a water sample and wanted to buy a bunch of corals. His water parameters were off and the staff advised him to go get his water parameters right before buying corals. Instead of just selling him a couple hundred dollars in corals that day they got a loyal long term customer!

Fantastic experience: The nicest LFS in ALL OF S. FL!!! I’ve been going to them for about two years and receive the best service and inventory. The owner, Matt, goes above and beyond to meet my needs. He held a fish for me for over three days, refusing many offers, because he’s as good as his word. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fantastic experience: Very clean, with nice staff and new location

Fantastic experience: We are from Miami looking for a great place with knowledge on salt water and I tell you we are glad we found this jewel. Matthew besides reminding us of Jamie Fox has superb customer service and his ref knowledge it was and is worth the drive. His son Logan is awesome, we met another employee there which we totally did not get his name but was very helpful. Kuddos to this place they are an aquatic jewel.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful setup! Excellent customer service & a great selection. Highly recommended! Love the new store!

Fantastic experience: Very nice store awesome customer service very nice selection. Very reasonable prices one of my new favorite stores. Drove from palm beach SUPER NICE STORE

Fantastic experience: Great service and wonderful facility. Very quality fish and coral.

Fantastic experience: A lot of beautiful Acan corals, friendly and attentive staff. They offered 20 % discount for the purchase 100 and above. Recommend this shop

Negative experience: Please stop asking me for my e-mail, i don't want to give it out! thanks UPDATE: Why did you move?? I cannot find your place. I called and no one answered.

Fantastic experience: Friendly welcoming service, with a nice selection of fish/inverts at good prices. The man working there was very helpful and knowledgeable. The best part was that the 3 fish and coral-banded shrimp I bought all survived and are thriving. Highly recommended and will return again.

Positive experience: Great place for corals with great prices. Talk to Matt, very helpful and personal.

Fantastic experience: Great place for saltwater fish and corals

Fantastic experience: Great place for fish and coral very friendly staff and great prices

Fantastic experience: Great selection of healthy looking corals. Friendly staff, good prices but I wish the prices were displayed on the glass vs having to ask the staff. I think it would help the customer select various pieces within their price range or budget.

Positive experience: Awesome staff and knowledgeable. Mat is very patient and resourceful. You can order whatever you need with him and he’ll get it.

Fantastic experience: Great place to get your tank going. The people here tend to your needs and help in anyway and if they don't know the answer they won't give you a fake one. These people have ordered things I asked for they didn't have to accommodate his customer. All ways has Saltwater and R/O those who don't know will after visiting this well rounded shop with a great selection of Corals and Fish.

Fantastic experience: A lot of a wide variety of corals, invertebrates, and fish. The owner Matt has natural charm and allows you to observe without feeling pressured to purchase anything. In addition if you have an item your specifically looking for, Matt will make sure to ordered it for you ASAP

Fantastic experience: Shop here regularly, love the staff, great fish, what more to ask for.

Fantastic experience: Great selections and friendly staff!