Known as 'Goldfish Street' among locals, Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok offers the widest range of exotic aquatic creatures in town, as well as a host of other small mammals and reptiles. With wildlife somewhat lacking in urban Hong Kong, parents bring their children to Tung Choi Street for the 'live' aquarium and zoo experience at weekends.
Universal Aquarium (No 183, tel: 2394 0508) is the place to buy tropical fish such as the bright red and orange arowanas from South America which cost between $200 and $600. You can add interest to your display tank with a large sturgeon for $88, a small one for $68 or even opt for a skate, whose prices range from $1,280 to $980 according to size.
For brightly coloured reef fish, take your pick from the tanks at Yat Wong Aquarium (No 195, tel: 2380 9739). Clown anemone fish and Bali angels are $40 while the $4,000 Fuji sharks and the $500 large moray eels from the Philippines are options for the brave.
Rivulet Aquarium Centre (No 205, tel: 2787 0398) sells shellfish and insects. Baby blue-claw lobsters retail for only $68 each, $5 can buy two hermit crabs and three centipedes go for $100.
Fans of Japanese koi should make a pilgrimage to Harbour Koi Farm (No 164, tel: 2787 3928) which specialises in the transport and export of Japanese carp, the most expensive of which retail for about $12,000. The store's proprietor is also the president of the local carp association and owns Hong Kong's largest fish farm, in Sheung Shui.
Nippon Koi Centre (No 166, tel: 2393 0682) also specialises in Japanese carp and offers tank-maintenance, cleaning and even design services to hotels and other companies. The store owns farms in Yuen Long and Guangzhou, giving mainland offices a more convenient order and delivery option than Mong Kok.