Inspired by LI Aquarium? Here Are 8 Exotic Fish You Can Actually Keep at Home
Share
Inspired by LI Aquarium? Here Are 8 Exotic Fish You Can Actually Keep at Home
If you’ve visited the Long Island Aquarium (LI Aquarium) in Riverhead, NY, you know the thrill of seeing a wall-sized reef tank, predator exhibits, and species you never imagined existed. But what if you could recreate that feeling at home — not just with a fish tank, but with rare, show-stopping fish you won’t find at your local pet store?
That’s the idea behind RobsAquatics.com — an online fish shop that brings the exotic, the monstrous, and the downright spectacular to your front door. We ship rare freshwater species safely, with a live arrival guarantee and a rotating lineup that rivals any public exhibit.
Let’s dive into 8 fish species currently available at Rob’s that look like they came straight out of the LI Aquarium.
Why LI Aquarium Leaves a Lasting Impression
The Long Island Aquarium is one of the top aquatic attractions in the Northeast. With its 120,000-gallon shark tank, Amazon rainforest habitats, and interactive touch pools, it's a family-friendly destination that also inspires lifelong fishkeepers.
Key highlights include:
-
The massive Lost City of Atlantis shark tank
-
Colorful cichlid and discus displays
-
Unique plecos and armored catfish
-
Amazon-themed blackwater exhibits
-
Stunning marine and freshwater hybrids
If you left LI Aquarium wondering how you could build something even 10% as cool — keep reading.
8 Exotic Fish Inspired by LI Aquarium — All Available at RobsAquatics.com
Each of these fish is currently in stock and ready to ship. None have appeared in previous blog posts, ensuring a fresh and exciting recommendation lineup.
1. ☀️ L-253 Sunshine Yellow Pleco 9–11”
Massive, vibrant, and incredibly rare — the Sunshine Yellow Pleco brings serious color and personality to large tanks. This is the kind of pleco that stops people in their tracks, perfect for a tank inspired by LI Aquarium’s Amazon River exhibit.
2. 🐟 1" Redtail Catfish
Start small with this legendary monster fish. Known for growing over 3 feet long, Redtail Catfish are mainstays in large predator tanks and feature prominently in aquarium displays worldwide.
3. 🎨 Blue Marble Angelfish
With swirling patterns and vivid blue hues, these angelfish are ideal for planted tanks or discus-style aquascapes. They pair visual elegance with low-maintenance care.
4. 💎 L-146 RUBBERLIP PLECOSTOMUS
These algae-eating plecos are known for their unique snub noses and high activity level. At LI Aquarium, you’ll often spot similar species in community tanks or as cleanup crews in big biotope exhibits.
5. ⚪ Albino Pacu
A striking white version of a massive fish. Albino Pacus have the presence of a predator but the temperament of a peaceful vegetarian. They're popular in public exhibits and ideal for large custom tanks or ponds.
6. 🐆 MARBLE ACHARA CATFISH
This stunning predator is covered in leopard-like markings and grows to impressive sizes. Best suited for monster tanks, the Marble Achara Catfish is a great nod to LI Aquarium’s predatory catfish collection.
7. 🟠 L-398 TANKEI TIGER PLECO
Another exotic pleco that shines in natural tanks. The Tankei Tiger Pleco features bold stripes and thrives in driftwood-heavy setups. Perfect for mimicking South American habitats you’d see at LI Aquarium.
8. 🔄 Assorted Haps and Peacock (2–2.5”)
Looking to recreate a colorful African cichlid display? This assorted pack gives you a head start. Each fish brings its own flair, mirroring the high-energy cichlid tanks seen in public aquarium exhibits.
Build a Tank Worthy of the Public Eye
Inspired by the LI Aquarium’s visual storytelling? Here’s how to bring that vibe home:
Tank Size Recommendations
-
For plecos and cichlids: 75–125 gallons
-
For catfish, pacu, and peacocks: 180–300+ gallons
-
Ensure strong filtration, UV sterilizers, and oversized sump systems for high bioload setups
Decor & Aquascaping
-
Driftwood, spiderwood, and large rocks
-
Fine gravel or sand substrates
-
Natural leaf litter for blackwater realism
-
Dim lighting for nocturnal and Amazonian species
Lighting & Filtration
-
LED lighting with dawn/dusk simulation
-
Strong current for river species
-
Double canister or sump setups with bio-media
Why RobsAquatics.com Is the Top Online Alternative
We’re not a chain store. We’re hobbyists, YouTubers, and monster fish specialists who’ve helped thousands of aquarists source their dream fish.
What Sets Us Apart:
-
✅ Exact fish shown — no stock photos
-
📦 Shipped with insulated boxes + heat/cold packs
-
📹 Weekly YouTube stock videos and behind-the-scenes updates
-
💬 Real customer service from people who actually keep fish
-
💯 Live arrival guarantee
Real Customer Quote
“After visiting the LI Aquarium, I wanted a Sunshine Pleco and a big catfish like they had. Rob’s Aquatics had both — and the packaging was unreal. My fish arrived alive, healthy, and ready to go.”
— Marc D., Queens, NY
Conclusion: LI Aquarium Is Just the Beginning
The Long Island Aquarium is incredible — but it’s just the start of your fishkeeping journey. With RobsAquatics.com, you can create a home tank that rivals anything you’ve seen on public display.
Whether you’re into giant catfish, armored plecos, or vibrant African cichlids, we’ve got the stock, the experience, and the service to help you get there.