Atlantis Aquarium and Pets Centre

Atlantis Aquarium and Pets Centre is the largest aquatic pets store in Taiping, located along Jalan Muzium Hulu, opposite St. George’s primary school. The store also goes by the name Ya Chow Aquatic and Pets Centre. The store is one of the oldest pet stores in Taiping, now run by the second generation of the family.

The store has a huge collection of tropical freshwater fish for sale, as well as a small collection of saltwater fish. Most are typical aquarium pets: guppies, swordtails, gouramis, cichlids, angel fish, goldfish, oscars, and many others. There is a variety of Japanese carp/ koi here, too, all separated by the grade of the breed.

Some rare fish can be found here on occasion. Various exotic catfish species can be found here, as well as other freshwater predators like gars, dragonfish, flowerhorns, bettas, and different snakehead species. There are large habitats where tortoises are kept for sale.

Freshwater prawns and lobsters are also available for sale.

The more interesting facets of this store compared to others are the presence of a fishing pond, and a mini petting zoo. There is a large pond to the rear of the store where you can pay a small fee to fish prawns, lobsters, and other freshwater fish. Bait in the form of mealworms, fry, and small frogs can be purchased to be used in the pond here or at your own leisure when fishing elsewhere.

The petting zoo is a large koi pond where you can purchase a bag of food at the counter for RM2.50 (approximately USD0.60 at the time of writing) to feed the fish.

Aquariums, aquarium accessories, and supplies are also available. A large collection of glass and plastic tanks, pumps and filters, fish food, and aquatic pet health supplies can be seen as soon as you enter the store. Fiberglass tanks can be purchased here too, and for different sizes, talk to the store minders to discuss your requirements so a tank can be made to your specifications. They are very helpful and ready to advise on the proper pump and filtration systems for all tank sizes.

Mammals are sold here on occasion. Sugar gliders, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are sometimes available, mostly at the request of a specific buyer. The store does stock habitats, food, bedding, enrichment tools, and other products for the care of small mammals but these are not as abundant as can be found in stores more focused on the care of small mammals.

Atlantis Aquarium and Pets Centre (or Ya Chow Aquatic and Pets Centre) is open daily from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm, except on Mondays when they open from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm. The guy at the counter is named Kelvin. Discuss specific requirements with Kelvin or the other store minders and they will be able to advise you if they can procure the items or animals you need if not already available in-store.