Aquarium of the Pacific: Species Spotlight & Home Aquarium Inspiration

Discovering the Wonders of the Aquarium of the Pacific – A Deep Dive for Exotic Fish Enthusiasts

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, isn’t just a tourist attraction — it’s a vibrant gateway into the diverse aquatic ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean. With over 12,000 animals and 100+ exhibits, it’s one of the top aquariums in the United States and a must-visit for anyone passionate about marine life, aquascaping, or exotic freshwater and saltwater species.

But while the Aquarium of the Pacific offers a breathtaking public experience, many private hobbyists dream of bringing some of that beauty into their own homes. At RobsAquatics.com, we make that dream a reality. Whether you’re fascinated by monster fish, rare cichlids, or freshwater predators, we supply the kind of exotic fish that would feel right at home in an advanced exhibit.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

  • A full overview of the Aquarium of the Pacific

  • The species you’ll find there — and where to buy similar ones for your own tank

  • Tips on caring for aquarium fish inspired by their world-class exhibits

  • How Rob's Aquatics brings the aquarium experience to your home

  • Answers to FAQs about fishkeeping and exotic species ownership


The Aquarium of the Pacific: An Oceanic Treasure on the West Coast

Located on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific spans over 5 acres of exhibit space. Its main galleries represent three major regions of the Pacific Ocean:

  • Southern California & Baja

  • Northern Pacific

  • Tropical Pacific

From kelp forests teeming with leopard sharks to colorful coral reefs alive with angelfish, the aquarium brings ocean biodiversity to life. But it's not just a visual spectacle — it's an educational hub and conservation center dedicated to marine preservation.

Signature Exhibits

  • Tropical Pacific Gallery: This vibrant section replicates the coral reefs of Micronesia, featuring clownfish, tangs, and wrasses.

  • Shark Lagoon: Home to over 150 sharks, including sand tigers and blacktip reef sharks.

  • June Keyes Penguin Habitat: Spot Magellanic penguins in a rocky coastal habitat.

  • Frogs: Dazzling and Disappearing: A unique exhibit featuring rare amphibians from around the world.

But for freshwater fish lovers, the “Diversity of Fish” and “Our Water Future” exhibits are especially inspiring — and they serve as a blueprint for building stunning freshwater tanks at home.


Bringing the Aquarium Experience Home with Exotic Fish from Rob’s Aquatics

You don’t need to live next to an ocean or visit the Aquarium of the Pacific to enjoy rare and vibrant aquatic species. At RobsAquatics.com, we specialize in delivering the rarest freshwater fish directly to your door.

Here’s how we bring the oceanic magic of the aquarium to your living room:

1. Monster Fish Like No Other

Ever seen a Piraiba catfish at a public aquarium and wished you could keep one? We regularly stock monster species like:

  • Albino Pacu

  • Peacock Bass (Temensis, Kelberi, Orinoco)

  • Tigrinus Catfish

  • Arapaima (available seasonally)

Shop all monster fish here:
👉 Shop Monster Fish at Rob’s Aquatics

2. Rare and Beautiful Cichlids

The Aquarium of the Pacific showcases African lake ecosystems, particularly Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika, where cichlids flourish. You can recreate that biotope in your tank with:

  • Red Frontosa

  • Green Terror Cichlids

  • Mayan Cichlids

  • Electric Blue Jack Dempseys

Explore our cichlid collection:
👉 Shop Cichlids on RobsAquatics.com

3. Unique Oddball Fish

Love the strange and unexpected? The aquarium’s exhibits highlight fish with incredible adaptations — we carry rare oddballs like:

  • Ropefish

  • Fly River Turtles

  • Polypterus Endlicheri

  • Elephant Nose Fish

  • Vampire Shrimp

Find exotic oddballs now:
👉 Browse Oddball Fish


How to Set Up an Aquarium Inspired by the Aquarium of the Pacific

If you’ve ever walked through the Tropical Pacific exhibit and thought, “I wish I had this at home,”— you can. With the right equipment, knowledge, and fish selection, you can build a biotope-style aquarium that mirrors real-world ecosystems.

Step 1: Choose Your Theme

Use one of these exhibits as inspiration:

Exhibit Theme Home Aquarium Idea
Coral Reefs Discus and Tetras in planted tank
Amazon Flooded Forest Arapaima, Peacock Bass, and Catfish
African Great Lakes Mbuna, Frontosa, and Tropheus Cichlids

Step 2: Build the Habitat

  • Filtration: Use canister filters or sumps for monster fish tanks.

  • Substrate: Sand or crushed coral depending on pH needs.

  • Decor: Use driftwood, rocks, and real plants (or replicas) for realism.

  • Water Parameters: Match the fish’s natural environment as closely as possible.

Step 3: Stock Responsibly

While it may be tempting to keep many species together, compatibility and tank size are key. Monster fish need room to grow, and aggressive species should not be housed with peaceful ones.

Need help deciding?
đź“© Reach out to us at RobsAquatics.com for custom stocking advice.


Rob’s Aquatics vs Aquarium of the Pacific: Public Education Meets Private Passion

Feature Aquarium of the Pacific RobsAquatics.com
Public Aquarium ✅ ❌
Rare Exotic Fish âś… âś…
Touch Exhibits ✅ ❌
Home Delivery ❌ ✅
Personal Aquarium Setup Support ❌ ✅

The Aquarium of the Pacific is unmatched in scale and public engagement, but Rob’s Aquatics lets you live the aquarium life every day. You don’t have to be a marine biologist or exhibit curator to enjoy rare fish — just a hobbyist with vision.


Why Choose Rob’s Aquatics?

  • âś… Live Arrival Guarantee

  • đźš› Fast, Secure Nationwide Shipping

  • 🔥 Weekly Rare Stock Updates

  • 🎥 YouTube & Instagram Showcasing Live Fish

Our fish aren’t just pictures — we show exact stock and update our customers weekly through YouTube and Instagram.


Aquarium of the Pacific-Inspired Species to Add to Your Tank

Here are some species you may have seen at the Aquarium and where to find their equivalents at Rob’s Aquatics:

Species at Aquarium Rob’s Aquatics Equivalent
Cownose Ray (Saltwater) Black Diamond Stingray (Freshwater - requires permit in FL)
Amazonian Arapaima Baby Arapaima
Electric Eel Polypterus Endlicheri (similar behavior & aesthetic)
Parrotfish Blood Parrot Cichlid
Tropical Tangs Peacock Bass (colorful predators for freshwater tanks)

Education and Responsibility: Learn Before You Buy

Just like the Aquarium of the Pacific educates about environmental impact, Rob’s Aquatics believes in responsible fishkeeping. Before buying:

  • Understand full-grown size of your species

  • Know their diet — many need live or frozen food

  • Plan tank upgrades ahead of time

  • Avoid releasing pets into the wild

Not sure if a fish is right for your setup?
📩 Ask us directly — we’ll help you make the right call.


Conclusion: Make Your Home Aquarium Just as Inspiring

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a national treasure for marine and freshwater lovers alike. It opens the door to appreciating aquatic biodiversity — but your journey doesn’t have to end when you walk out the exit.

With Rob’s Aquatics, you can:

  • Own exotic fish seen in world-class aquariums

  • Build show-stopping tanks in your own space

  • Access expert advice and responsible care guides

  • Enjoy the thrill of rare arrivals each week

đź”— Ready to start? Browse our rare fish selection today at RobsAquatics.com and bring the wonder of the Pacific into your home.

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