Your Complete Saltwater & Freshwater Aquarium Destination
From stunning reef fish and live coral to jumbo bettas, African cichlids, and lush aquatic plants — discover Boca Raton's most complete aquarium store with expert services for every hobbyist.
Saltwater & Freshwater Experts
Whether you're building a vibrant reef system or a lush planted freshwater tank, The Barrier Reef has the livestock, plants, and expertise to make it happen.
Reef Fish, Live Coral & Marine Invertebrates
Hand-selected clownfish, tangs, wrasses, angelfish, and rare marine species. Plus SPS, LPS, and soft corals from trusted aquaculture sources. Every specimen quarantined for health.
Explore Saltwater
Tropical Fish, Cichlids, Bettas & Live Plants
From African cichlids and jumbo bettas to community fish, aquatic plants, and aquascaping supplies. South Florida's most complete freshwater selection under one roof.
Explore Freshwater
Jumbo Bettas & Premium Betta Collection
Our betta selection is one of the best in South Florida — and our jumbo bettas are truly in a class of their own. These oversized specimens feature flowing fins, brilliant colors, and commanding presence that you simply won't find at chain pet stores.
We carry halfmoon, plakat, crown tail, and giant varieties in stunning colors from deep blues and reds to rare multicolor patterns. Each betta is individually housed and hand-selected for health, fin quality, and color vibrancy. Whether you're a first-time fishkeeper or a seasoned collector, our staff will help you choose the perfect specimen.
African Cichlids & Cichlid Collection
Our cichlid tanks are packed with some of the most vibrant, healthy specimens in South Florida. From electric blue Ahli and OB Peacocks to fiery Red Zebras and Frontosa, we carry an extensive selection of African cichlids sourced from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria.
We also stock South American cichlids, dwarf cichlids, and angelfish. Our team can help you build the perfect cichlid community — whether you're setting up an all-male show tank or a breeding colony. Cichlids are one of our highest-demand categories, so new shipments arrive frequently.
African Cichlids
Peacocks, Mbuna, Haps
South American
Oscars, Green Terrors
Dwarf Cichlids
Rams, Apistos, Kribs
Angelfish
Multiple Varieties
A Store Full of Surprises
Beyond our signature bettas and cichlids, The Barrier Reef is home to an incredible variety of aquatic life — from captive-bred seahorses to fancy goldfish and everything in between.
Seahorses
Our dedicated seahorse habitat showcases captive-bred seahorses in a specially designed environment. A stunning centerpiece for any marine setup.
Live Coral
SPS, LPS, and soft corals — from neon zoanthids to branching acropora. Hand-picked frags and colonies from trusted aquaculture sources.
Fancy Goldfish
Premium Orandas, Ranchus, and Ryukins. These elegant fish bring timeless beauty and charm to any freshwater aquarium setup.
Aquatic Plants
One of the best plant selections in South Florida — from easy-care java ferns to demanding carpeting plants and rare stem species.
We also carry axolotls and discus fish. Our axolotl tank is a favorite with visitors, and our discus collection features stunning varieties in turquoise, red, and golden patterns. Ask our staff about current availability.
Aquarium Installation & Maintenance
Whether you're dreaming of a stunning reef aquarium in your living room, a calming freshwater display in your office, or a show-stopping built-in aquarium for your restaurant or medical practice — our professional team handles every detail from design to ongoing maintenance.
Custom Aquarium Design & Installation
From concept to completion, we design and build custom aquarium systems for homes and businesses across Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond.
Ongoing Maintenance Programs
Regular water testing, cleaning, equipment checks, and livestock health assessments. We keep your aquarium thriving so you can simply enjoy it.
Aquarium Relocation & Upgrades
Moving? Upgrading your tank? Our team safely relocates aquariums and transitions livestock with minimal stress.
New Arrivals & Featured Species
Fresh shipments arrive weekly. Here's what's generating buzz in our Boca Raton showroom right now.
Jumbo Bettas
Oversized bettas in halfmoon, plakat, and crown tail varieties — bigger and more colorful than anything at chain stores.
African Cichlids
Electric blues, peacocks, mbuna, and haps — vibrant, healthy specimens from Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika.
Live Coral Frags
Fresh zoanthid, mushroom, torch, and acropora frags just in. Hand-picked for color and health from our trusted suppliers.
Aquatic Plants
Java ferns, anubias, carpeting plants, and rare stem species. Everything you need for a stunning planted aquarium.
Stock changes weekly — call or visit for the latest availability
Call for Current StockTrusted by South Florida's Aquarium Community
Don't just take our word for it — here's what our customers are saying about The Barrier Reef on Google and Yelp.
Michael R.
Google · 2 months ago
"Absolutely the best fish store in South Florida. The new owners have done an incredible job renovating the place. Both the saltwater and freshwater selections are amazing — healthy fish, beautiful corals, and the staff actually knows what they're talking about. I drive from Fort Lauderdale just to shop here."
Sarah T.
Google · 1 month ago
"My kids love visiting the seahorse tank and the axolotls! The store is clean, well-organized, and the fish all look healthy. The staff helped me set up my first planted tank and walked me through everything. Can't recommend this place enough."
David K.
Yelp · 3 weeks ago
"I've been coming to Barrier Reef since the 90s and the new ownership has taken it to another level. The cichlid selection is incredible — tons of African cichlids in amazing colors. They also installed a custom aquarium in my office and maintain it monthly. True professionals."
Jennifer M.
Google · 1 month ago
"Found this gem while looking for jumbo bettas and was not disappointed. They had the most beautiful bettas I've ever seen — way bigger than anything at the chain stores. The staff was patient and helped me pick the perfect one. Will definitely be back!"
Carlos P.
Google · 3 months ago
"Best reef store in Palm Beach County, hands down. Their coral frag selection is insane — gorgeous zoanthids, torches, and acros at fair prices. The quarantine process gives me confidence that I'm bringing home healthy livestock. A+ experience every time."
Amanda L.
Yelp · 2 months ago
"We hired Barrier Reef to install a 200-gallon reef aquarium in our dental practice waiting room. From design to installation to monthly maintenance — everything has been flawless. Our patients love it and it's become a real conversation piece. Highly recommend their services!"
50+ Years of Aquatic Excellence
Since 1975, The Barrier Reef has been the trusted aquarium destination for hobbyists, collectors, and businesses throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County.
Expert Staff
Our team of experienced aquarists provides personalized guidance for every skill level — from first-time fishkeepers to advanced reef hobbyists.
Balanced Selection
Equal expertise in saltwater and freshwater. Whether you're building a reef or a planted tank, we have the livestock, plants, and knowledge.
Full-Service
Beyond retail, we offer professional aquarium design, installation, and maintenance services for homes and businesses across South Florida.
Local Legacy
Over five decades serving Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and all of Palm Beach County. We're your neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about visiting The Barrier Reef. Can't find your answer? Give us a call.
(561) 859-8131Absolutely! We're equally committed to both worlds. Our saltwater department features reef fish, live coral, and marine invertebrates, while our freshwater department offers everything from African cichlids and jumbo bettas to community fish, aquatic plants, and aquascaping supplies.
We carry standard bettas as well as jumbo (giant) bettas that are significantly larger than what you'll find at chain pet stores. Our selection includes halfmoon, plakat, crown tail, and rare color varieties — each individually housed and hand-selected for fin quality and color vibrancy.
Currently, we are an in-store-only operation. We believe in hand-selecting healthy specimens and providing face-to-face care guidance. Visit our Boca Raton showroom at 1921 NW Boca Raton Blvd to browse our full selection.
We're open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. We're located at 1921 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 — just off I-95.
Yes! We provide professional aquarium maintenance, cleaning, and water testing services for both residential and commercial clients throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County. We handle both saltwater and freshwater systems. Call us to schedule a consultation.
Our cichlid collection is one of the largest in South Florida. We carry African Cichlids from Lake Malawi and Tanganyika (peacocks, mbuna, haps), South American species (oscars, green terrors), dwarf cichlids (rams, apistos), and angelfish. New shipments arrive frequently — cichlids are one of our highest-demand categories.
Follow Us on Instagram
See what's swimming in the store today. New arrivals, tank setups, and behind-the-scenes content posted daily.
Ready to Start Your Aquarium Journey?
Visit our newly renovated showroom in Boca Raton and experience South Florida's finest aquarium store — saltwater and freshwater, all under one roof. Our expert staff is ready to help you create something extraordinary.