About

Long Island Tropical was founded by lifelong reef hobbyist Alex Escobar.

What started over 13 years ago as a single saltwater tank in a basement in Long Beach, New York slowly grew into something much bigger. Like many reef keepers, what began as curiosity quickly turned into a passion — learning the balance of water chemistry, building habitats, understanding fish behavior, and constantly striving to provide the best possible environment for the animals in our care.

Over time, that passion evolved into a deeper commitment: doing things the right way.

Long Island Tropical was created for hobbyists who value healthy, responsibly sourced livestock and who care about their aquariums as much as we do. Every fish we offer is handled with patience and respect. We take the time to properly condition, observe, and ensure each specimen is strong and healthy before it ever leaves our care.

Our goal has always been simple — to provide livestock that thrives, not just survives.

We understand that adding a fish to your aquarium isn’t just another purchase. It’s a new life becoming part of an ecosystem you’ve spent countless hours building and maintaining. That responsibility is something we take very seriously.

Today, Long Island Tropical remains a small, two-person operation. Being a small team allows us to stay hands-on with every aspect of the process — from livestock care and observation to packing orders and supporting our customers. Maintaining that level of attention and care is something we believe truly makes a difference.

Whether you’re setting up your first reef tank or managing a mature system, we’re here to support you with carefully selected livestock, honest communication, and a genuine passion for the hobby.

Thank you for supporting a hobbyist-built business dedicated to doing things the right way.

We’re grateful to be part of your reef-keeping journey.

— Alex Escobar