From fin rot to water chemistry crises — we diagnose, treat, and prevent illness in exotic and ornamental fish with the same precision as a human physician.
Every fish is an individual patient. We provide thorough diagnostics, targeted treatments, and ongoing wellness programs tailored to your aquatic companion's species and needs.
Comprehensive physical examinations using magnification and specialized equipment to identify parasites, infections, and structural abnormalities.
Lab-grade testing of pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and dissolved minerals. We trace illness back to its environmental root cause — not just treat symptoms.
From tumor removal to fin reconstruction, we perform delicate aquatic surgeries with species-appropriate anesthesia and post-operative care protocols.
Acute trauma, gas bubble disease, rapid ammonia spikes — when minutes count, our urgent care protocols stabilize your fish and buy time for recovery.
Quarantine protocols, vaccination programs, and seasonal health assessments that catch problems before they become crises. Prevention is our first line of defense.
Start your tank right. We advise on filtration, livestock compatibility, and cycling protocols so your aquarium becomes a thriving ecosystem — not a disease incubator.
Most general veterinarians don't treat fish. At Fish Doctor, that's exactly what we do — exclusively. Pacifica's only dedicated aquatic veterinary practice has been serving the Bay Area's exotic fish owners for over a decade.
Whether you're navigating a mysterious outbreak in a community tank, preparing a new marine setup, or caring for a senior betta who needs gentle palliative support, we bring species-specific knowledge that general practices simply can't match.
Small changes in water parameters and feeding routines can prevent most common illnesses. Here are three evidence-based practices we recommend to every client.
A newly set up aquarium is a biological blank slate. The nitrogen cycle — where beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia into harmless nitrate — takes 4–8 weeks. Stocking too early is the single most common cause of fish loss in new tanks.
Test weekly. Wait until ammonia and nitrite read zero before adding livestock.
Even fish from seemingly healthy suppliers can carry hidden parasites or subclinical infections. A 30-day quarantine in a separate hospital tank lets you observe behavior, check for external signs of disease, and treat proactively before introducing new fish to your main display.
A 20-gallon hospital tank pays for itself in prevented outbreaks.
The earliest signs of illness — a fish lingering at the surface, a slight loss of color, a change in swimming pattern — are easy to miss if you're not looking closely. Make a habit of watching your tank for five minutes each day. Note anything that looks off, and you'll catch problems days or weeks earlier.
Early detection dramatically improves treatment success rates.
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Whether it's a sudden outbreak or a lingering condition that hasn't responded to over-the-counter treatments, we're here to help your aquatic pets thrive.
We welcome walk-ins for urgent cases, but appointments ensure the shortest wait. Reach out by phone, email, or stop by — we're happy to discuss your fish's needs.
1724B Palmetto Ave
Pacifica, CA 94044
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: By appointment only
Describe your fish's situation and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Thank you for reaching out. We'll respond within one business day. For emergencies, please call us directly.
