Underwater World

Underwater World is a wholesale supplier of exotic and rare marine fish, corals and invertebrates imported from tropical seas. Established in 1975, it sells to more than 600 tropical fish retailers, wholesalers, importers and public aquariums across the United States and abroad. Most of its stock comes from an overseas network of collecting stations it works with over the long term.

Fish are held in a 75,000-gallon solar-powered facility next to Los Angeles International Airport, where a trained crew checks each specimen before packing. Shipments are packed to keep fish alive for at least 48 hours in transit. The business is wholesale only and not open to the public, so buyers open an account and work with a personal sales representative. Hours are Monday through Thursday and Friday mornings.