The Octopus's Garden

Have you been here recently? I read that they opened the store in 2003. Well anyway, the last time I was there was in the summer of 2006 and the set up was great and everything: clean, healthy fish, great variety. Now April 2007, I don't know whether he's remodeling or if business is slow but one fourth of the set up is closed. And the tanks started to look dirty. There are still some nice Malawi Cichlid and Marine setups, but the main point is I hope the owner can turn it around. There aren't too many fish stores like this anymore.
rich 04:54:06 4/07/2007
 

I agree with most everything people are saying here, except for that one very disgruntled person.

It's a pretty cool place! And yes, the owners, as well as all the hired help, are very very knowledgeable and friendly. But, that said, most times I go in I have to hunt down someone to help me. I agree with the comments that they seem understaffed at times.

It terms of prices...yes, they are a bit expensive. Don't expect to find any bargains here. In fact, sometimes I'd have to say they're the most expensive around - they ask for above market prices on some fish.

Not sure if its a matter of higher margins/expensive suppliers or if its just plain greed(?), but I guess you get what you pay for.....the quality of the fish is amazing and the selection of rarer breeds makes it even more interesting....even though it does take them some time to rotate their stock....there could be long spans with no new fish....speaking only of fresh water.

Selection: A-
Quality: A
Prices: B-/C+
Staff: A- (knowedgeable)/ B (need more customer service sometimes)
Parking: A- (small lot & easy off street)

alexdk 10:34:18 8/20/2006
 

This store is great! I don't even live in the area but it is a regular stop for me. The staff IS knowledgable, the owner is VERY knowledgable and not afraid to stock hard to find and rare cichlids and non cichlids as well as those Plecostomus you only see online or in the books. They also have a good selection of live plants. If they don't have an item in stock they can order it for you.
Two thumbs UP!
Mike 16:10:50 12/12/2005
 

1) Customer Service: I've always found it satisfactory or better. The Owner is quite knowledgeable. The rest of the staff's knowledge "depends" but is as good as all other area LFS and better than "box-stores." They do, sometimes, seem a bit understaffed for the moment's volume of customers.
2) Selection & Prices: Selection is tops, especially for variety of FW types (e.g., So. Am. & Dwarf (in addition to African Lake) Chiclids; Catfish; Rainbowfish; Killifish; & Anabantoids) and so called more "rare" species (e.g., within each of these types). Prices may be average to higher than average. As a FW only person, I can't speak for Marine.
3) Animals' Health: Not been a concern here.
4) Specialties: See Selection above. Also, although I'd agree that their in-store stock of equipment is not as much as some LFS, I've been able to get equipment through this store that other LFS have not been able to supply (& at a competitive price).
5) Other Notes: I've drawn upon and liked their suppliers, including his customers' broods, "mercy mission" fish (those no longer wanted by their owner), and even some not so available sources (local & out-of-area).
TommyBoy 11:43:14 12/12/2005
 

Count me as a fan. The owner has been more than helpful, the selection of rare and oddball fish can't be beat and the staff has always treated we well. One of only a couple of stores where I trust in the health of the fish.
Skip 12:06:36 11/10/2005
 

Good selection, O.K. prices. Freshwater section is pretty good and has a lot of fish. Saltwater section is slightly lacking and they do not carry high quality or much equipment. Staff is not very knowledgeable but very nice. Only common and hardy corals.
Miles 15:44:57 8/10/2005
 

They only close on Mondays !! Thsi is one of the best places in the Berkeley area- nto only do they have amayzing salt water but also lots of nice community and large fish. The owner is a great guy and the guys who work there know alot.
erwin 11:31:37 2/24/2005
 

store is often closed during open hours.
very incompetent staff. the terrible service i received convinced me not to give them any more business.
gabe sanders 17:38:19 2/21/2005
 

One of the bay areas best kept secret of rare fishes, man gots taste and very selective in what he carries and many choices, but is also one of the places that charge an arm and leg for! This place is only for the rich, desperate, or window shoppers.
kenji 18:47:39 9/29/2004