I still love this place, and despite being significantly further from home than other pet stores, I still find myself making time for it. The fish selections continue to be amazing, and I have awesome interactions with the staff. Most recently, one had a Majora's Mask tattoo so we just HAD to have a full conversation about fish with a side of Zelda. Video game jokes aside, whenever I have a question about the fish, or even if it's not a question and it's just one I know I want, the staff are always upbeat, enthusiastic, and you can tell that this aquarium life is their thing. They give advice and basically hype your selections haha. For anyone in the state of Maryland who is into aquariums, I recommend stopping by this store. It's well worth the visit. You can either park on the back where the store is, or on the front side which has a lot more stores and the parking lot is bigger, but it stays busy and fills up quickly. Pick your challenge! read more

It's so nice to go into a store and the employees actually know a lot about what they are selling. I had problems with a pond pump. After years of buying pumps that lasted less than a year, they provided me with one that worked for 4 years and were then able to †hen provide me with a new part. They have saved me so much money and so many headaches. They also have an incredible variety of critters to put in aquariums and ponds. The owner is very careful about getting fish, etc., that have gone through the proper channels so they are not carrying diseases. read more

Many fish are in tanks that are visibly dirty and/or have little to no places to hide or other forms of enrichment, the beta fish are kept in tiny empty glass vases. Unfortunate to see. read more

2024, Update. All the same great service and fish selection. My "go to" fish store. Recently this spring I have begun a patio pond. My plant water hyacinth has grown and my "feeder" fish are thriving. Pond is still a work in progress read more

Congressional Aquarium - Garden pond - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

Definitely the BEST fish store in the area. The staff are amazing, facility is amazing, and the selection is vast. I recommend 10 times out of 10! read more

They have an unparalleled supply of nice fish. It's too bad they don't have staff to help customers and leave customers waiting for long periods of time. read more

You can definitely tell the difference between the big department stores and this place. Everyone looked knowledgeable and the fish were well taken care of! There were no deceased fish or animals in any of the crystal clear tanks! read more

This place is not the typical pet store aquarium section. It caters only to fish and aquariums. Beacuse they specialize in fish and aquarium needs you can rest in knowledge of their staff and the health of their fish. I love strolling down isles and taking in the beauty of their fish. read more

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Visited Congressional Aquarium for the first time today and WOW what a great experience! They're open from 12-6 everyday, so I decided to visit on a Saturday around 12:30; the place was already packed. They have an extremely wide variety of fish for every sort of aquarium. Their fresh water collection is outstanding - they have 6 rows worth of fresh water fish including community fish, cichlids, angels, goldfish, and koi for ponds. For most fish they have both juvenile and mature fish (set at two different price points of course). I was shopping for rainbows specifically; they had 5-7 different species of rainbows including the neon dwarf species I was looking for. I enjoyed walking through their salt water selections as well; I'm not a salt water tank owner but they had more options in one store than I've seen before! They also had a small section with reptiles to include snakes, lizards, and the supplies to care for them. And of course, they have all the supplies you could ever need. Tank setups, filters, food, chemicals for water treatment - if you need it, they have it. Their level of service and knowledge about the fish hobby is the absolute best; though the store was crowded there were several staff members who came by to ask if I had questions and make recommendations based on the types of fish I was most interested in. Talked to a couple of folks for a few minutes who really helped me match two species of fish to build my awesome rainbow tank. My only suggestion would be for staff to wear a uniform - put everyone in a store tshirt so customers can find folks to assist them. There were 1-2 occasions where I noticed guests were looking for help and couldn't tell who was a patron and who was a staff member. Overall, really fun store to visit. I spent a little over an hour meandering the isles and admiring the fish. Found some great fish that already look great in my home aquarium - will 100% be back. Pro tips: 1) They have a few great sales - look for BOGO or 50% off stickers on the tanks 2) Fish stocking day is Wednesday - so come later in the week for the best selection and variety read more

Great store with tons of saltwater and freshwater fish and turtles, too! We've come here twice now and are impressed with the knowledge, friendliness, and efficiency of the staff. The prices are reasonable, and they frequently run promotions to boost sales and drive customer purchases. If buying fish here, hold off an an aquarium and get it from the Petsmart in Nicholson Lane in Rockville. Better price and comes as a kit! Reliable and recommended. read more

I love this place so much. Employee took the time to let my autistic nephew pet a bearded dragon! Won't forget that! I be come here for many years always great selection and prices! read more

Small and Local Business, If you are in the hobby must support. Lot's to choose from and friendly.

I wish I had researched this place more before buying. I'm definitely more of a beginner fish keeper, so I went here and just asked advice from the salespeople. Most of what they told me was not very accurate when I finally did my own research. I think I got lucky with the kuhli loaches I bought there. I have 5 and all are healthy and happy. I bought 2 African dwarf frogs that lasted less than a month. Theyre frogs definitely have some type of disease, but I don't know what. One of them died the first week, the other lasted 3 weeks. But they both got really lethargic and stopped eating. I didn't bother going back for replacements. I ended up going to petsmart and the frogs I got are much healthier. I don't think I'll be getting anymore fish here. read more

amazing! This place is extremely clean with very helpful employees. David was especially helpful. Our fish are still happy and healthy. This place only specializes in fish and the employees know a ton about fish. Recommend going to Congressional Aquarium. read more

I want to like this place. I really do. This area needs local fish stores and Congressional Aquarium is the only show in town... ...but this place somehow manages to leave me with less confidence than the nearby Petco. First, and most importantly, it is really hard to get past all of the dead fish. I have been there during the week, on weekends, immediately after they open, shortly before they close. And there are always dead fish in the tanks. A lot of them! All different kinds of fish across many tanks. Assuming they don't all drop dead upon my entrance due to my odor or appearance, one has to wonder why they are dying, why they aren't being removed in a timely manner, and how their continued presence impacts their surviving tankmates (the answer to this last question may inform the first, and around and around we go). The whole deal with local fish stores is pretty straightforward. As compared to Petco and PetSmart, they offer us fish that are better sourced and cared for, and we pay a whole lot more for them. We are holding up our part of the arrangement. Congressional Aquarium is not holding up theirs. Which leads me to: Second, the prices are really high. Really high. High prices wouldn't alone be a deal breaker but, as I explain here, it isn't clear what is being provided in exchange for the added premium. Third, it can be very frustrating to get assistance from staff. I hesitate to include this because I don't get the sense that they aren't working hard, it is a more systematic problem. But the bottom line is it can be hard to even identify staff in the fish room, let alone get their attention and assistance. Purchases here can take a very long time from start to finish. Fourth, although I've found the staff to be friendly, the expertise is not what you would expect from this type of place. When it comes to the fish room staff, the ones most likely to be fielding questions, knowledge (and/or willingness to share it) can really be hit or miss. Put it this way: I've never felt like I got value-add in terms of expertise. Fifth, they are only open 12 to 6. That is not convenient for most (or at least this) customer. So why two instead of zero stars? In this area they have the largest selection by a healthy margin. That ain't nothing. One last note. When my daughters were younger I used to take them here to look at all the fish. Now they never want to go because it is "the dead fish place." UPDATE: Despite all this I foolishly bought some fish here, and even more foolishly didn't do a full quarantine, and they ruined my tank with columnaris. Nightmare. read more

Cleanest tanks in town! The employees are very kind and have a high level of interest in the hobby. I saw a one star comment from a young frustrated lady.. if your pH is six you got problems and you're putting animals through unnecessary toxic stress... if you come into a store, asking a specific question, they have constructive answers regarding treatment and the fundamental need-to-know in order to allow for the best quality life our little friends deserve. pH fluctuates with water changes and tanks fluctuate in other ways chemically depending on nutrients in the water column, nitrogen levels, and even how often the substrate is vacuumed. This aquarium store knows exactly how to get you in the right spot! Five stars only because I cannot put six Some customers can be neurodiverse, but I absolutely adore the atmosphere it is so calming and therapeutic!! if you're looking to incorporate a fundamental element of calm in your home, look no further than a tank from Congressional aquarium to put next to your banzai tree read more

Within five months of purchase, two more of the harlequins died unexpectedly about three weeks apart. I suspect that they died due to deformities - one of the remaining three has gotten progressively more crooked over the year I've had it and none of the other fish (or invertebrates) in my aquarium have been ill or exhibited any issues once so ever... As an aside: I've had great luck with the online company Aquatic Arts. I've ordered fish, snails, shrimp, and loads of plants from them and have been very pleased with the quality of their livestock, prices, and customer service. read more

Congressional Aquarium - The fish positioned highest in the frame was purchased from CA and is deformed. Three of its CA buddies have already died. - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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Be careful - these guys are scam artists. They sold me these genetically deformed fish. I didn't realize they were deformed until an expert told me. The top fin shouldn't be split - it's a sign of inbreeding. The expert said the aquarium shouldn't have even had them for sale. When I went back, they refused to give me a refund or even allow an exchange. Avoid these scam artists. No real aquarium would sell these genetically deformed fish. read more

Congressional Aquarium - Deformed fish they had for sale. The top fins should not be split. They sell inbred fish. - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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I have been to so many fish and reptiles store but this particular store does stand out. They have extremely big selection of fish, literally huge selection.. This place is one of very few places that sells reptiles but since covid 19 they haven't had much there, i really hope within a few weeks when i check back i will find what i am looking for.. Over all front desk are helpful and put in time explaining thing to you.. read more

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Great local fish store willing to answer questions, help you find a tank if you need it, will test your water for you and will help make recommendations on what fish will work well together! I have been coming here in some shape or way for over 20 years! read more

Last Saturday I came in the store looking around and hoping to find the right fish for my fish tank. I walked towards this lady who works there that had short Burnett hair and black glasses and ask her if these fish can survive in a pH of 6.4. She rudely said to me " why is your tank that ph". I said that the fish in my tank are doing fine. She made me feel like an idiot and made me decide not to come back to this place again. I did not know why she had that rude attitude towards me but she had no right to treat a customer that rudely. read more

I found the sales people to be informative and knowledgeable. I do wish they would expand their hours more--at least on Thursday evenings until 7 or 8? read more

BP and I have been to the Congressional Aquarium a few times, mostly just to look around. Maybe that's why the staff isn't too excited to see people walk in? Most people do not make purchases.Just don't expect a welcoming staff. I have no doubt that the staff is informative or will answer questions... It's just that they don't smile. I have never seen the store dirty or seen any dead fish. I think it looks great and the selection of fish is also great. I hope they bring back the Piranhas :). I also like their variety of reptiles (bearded dragons, snakes, tortoise, red-eared slider turtles) as well as the coral and aquarium supplies (water cleanser, fish-friendly decor) On our last visit, I bought a small turtle dock for $15.95 and with tax it was a little over $16.00. I asked on the return policy on this item because I had concerns about the fit and I was informed that for returns, they would require the receipt along with the product within one week of purchase. Out of curiosity, I went to Petco to see how much the dock would cost there and it was $14.95. I was happy to support a local small business, but I personally know now things can be more expensive here by at least $1. read more

Congressional Aquarium - Hellooo! - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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My 5 year old wanted a beta fish. Carter was so helpful and nice in explaining what we needed and how to take care of the fish. We felt really comfortable and confident with "Derrick," my son's new beta. Now it's in our kitchen and the kids love it. read more

Amazing staff and David was outstanding! Knowledge of fish and tanks is hard to find no a days. Definitely shopping only here for all of my aquarium supplies. read more

Large selection, questionable quality. Multiple tanks with rotting bodies, incompatible fish in tanks and fish species scattered throughout multiple tanks so when you ask if something's in stock they'll say no when you just saw it in two wrong tanks. They have so many tanks but don't quarantine anything due to 'space'. When I mentioned the carcasses that were so decomposed you couldn't even TELL what it used to be I got brushed off with "so, are you buying anything?" A few upsides... the female bettas are in display tanks, not those stupid cups. The boys are in small bowls, not cups. The water in the tanks Look clean. read more

Went in there for a first-time purchase. Stood for 35 mins. There were three young men running the place. One of them said he would come back to help me. Never returned. He finished another sale and began helping other folks. Terrible! read more

Knowledgeable with large variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. Many years in business. Local owners.

I recently started an aquarium for my school and have had a wonderful experience shopping for my fish at the Congressional Aquarium. David helped me to navigate this large store and advise me on starting the tank responsibly with the right species and quantity of fish to get the aquarium going. It's nice to support a local business that I've been going to since I was a youngster when my dad kept aquariums. read more

Decided to give them a try and were pleasantly surprised! They had a nice selection of fish (both fresh and saltwater), aquatic plants, and reptiles as well as some food options and other supplies. My boyfriend, daughter, and I really enjoyed looking at all the critters! (Especially the giant placo for me) Dave assisted us and was very friendly and helpful. I'm not sure why there are so many reviews speaking negatively about the pricing...some things were a little high but honestly felt it was pretty comparable to major pet store chain prices (and worth whatever difference-if any- for the service, selection and cleanliness found at this store) We have a variety of pets so they don't carry our main (feeding and otherwise) supplies needed for everyone and for this reason we might not go every time we need to make a pet store run, but if we are looking for a new fish or reptilian family member (or just in need of items we are able to get there) we will definitely go there first! read more

Bad customer service. They have the "You need us, we don't need you" attitude. Jacked up prices with sick fish. Nobody buys fish here, so buy at ur own risks and expenses. read more

How, in the world, does this store have such a "low" 3.5 rating? This fish hobby store is amazing! I was awestruck coming here. The whole store is very clean, and all the tanks are squeaky clean. Everything seems well organized. But what really took my breath away was the display tanks were so beautifully aquascaped. While the House of Tropical seems to have a broader selection of fish, supplies, and accessories, Congressional still has a very complete and ample selection. I would have full confidence buying live fish from Congressional. They seem very serious about their business from the impression I get. Have a look at my photos and see if you get the same impressions. read more

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This is an amazing fish store!!! But the published hours are wrong. Should be 12 noon to 6 pm.

Just donated like 30 baby Cory Catfish fry in one of those fry nets in a plastic bucket. Told one of the staff, an older gentleman with red hair, to be very careful because there were lots of small fry. I went through a lot of effort to care for their safety. I also called ahead of time to see if they took donations too. Anyway, the guy was very careless. It seems he just dumped the box of fish somewhere quickly and came back. He left a few stragglers behind to suffocate. Completely careless. Next time I will not donate here nor will I support this store. I don't think fish should be treated like inventory. read more

I've only been here for small, quick purchases so it's hard for me to give this place a bad review. I've always had good service and for what I come to buy, the prices aren't bad. I do like the fact that it's in a great location; I usually stop by Whole Foods to do some grocery shopping and sometimes even treat myself to a smoothie at Robek's right around the corner. Back to the store; I think the selection is good. I think it really depends on what you're buying. I would consider the other reviews; check out other places if you're not sure this store will meet your needs. read more

So cuuute and so many options of fish and supplies, it was a surprisingly large space, I liked the small pond they made for the koi fish and also a round tank they had that enlarged the fish inside hehe, I came in looking for floater plants and the employee was very quick and kind read more

I bought 60$ worth of fish from this store. To start off, I have a shrimp tank. When I went in I bought a couple more shrimp and told the workers I wanted to buy fish that could be in a tank with shrimp. I was showed a couple fish that I could pair with the shrimp. I bought 4 fish and 2 shrimp. The fish ATE the shrimp I bought. I called the store to tell them that a day later the fish I bought ate and obviously killed my shrimp to which they said "sounds like you have bad luck." And did not offer a refund for the shrimp that got ate by fish they told me would be safe in the same tank. read more

I was happy to see clean tanks and healthy looking fish. Nice selection of unusual tanks for sale. I had to buy some food for hatchlings, the staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. Will definitely be back! read more

This place is a true aquarium. Big selection of aquatic life. I don't have an aquarium but have been in the market and am looking to buy from some where local. These guys have clean tanks, variety of salt water, coral and fresh water systems. The folks are nice and attentive. read more

I started a tank from the beginning and everything here was so helpful and instructive from day one. They have everything i needed including things I didn't know I needed. They have a very generous policy on fish returns (i bought a bad batch of tetras and was refunded those that didnt make it within 3 days.) My favorite part of this place is that everyone is so knowledgeable and personally experienced in the hobby. A+ read more