About
Tucked into Milford, Connecticut, Exotic Fish & Corals has built a loyal following over nearly two decades under the ownership of Bob, a hands-on aquarist whose deep knowledge of both freshwater and saltwater systems draws hobbyists from across the state—some driving from as far as Bristol. The store carries a rotating selection of saltwater fish, including clownfish, tangs, and anthias, alongside a strong coral inventory and dry rock that regulars describe as some of the nicest in Connecticut. On the freshwater side, they stock tropicals, bettas, and even axolotls, with staff like Dillon and Amanda providing patient, detailed guidance on tank setup and livestock care.
What sets Exotic Fish & Corals apart is the depth of service. Bob and his team don't just sell fish—they plumb saltwater systems, build aquascapes for tanks as large as 72 gallons, configure Apex controllers, and troubleshoot sick fish over the phone. Water testing is available in-store, and the staff takes time to educate customers on proper acclimation and maintenance rather than rushing a sale.
Multiple reviewers note that Bob has talked them out of unnecessary purchases, prioritizing the health of their tanks over a bigger receipt. The shop floor is clean and well-organized, with healthy-looking displays that double as inspiration for your own setup. Livestock quality gets high marks from reef keepers who report that their purchases—from stubby clownfish to sexy shrimp—acclimate smoothly and thrive long-term.
Pricing across fish, coral, food, and supplies consistently earns praise as fair, especially compared to big-box alternatives and online retailers. For anyone maintaining a reef tank or starting their first freshwater setup in the greater Milford area, Exotic Fish & Corals offers the rare combination of serious expertise, genuine care for the animals, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps hobbyists coming back for years.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Bob has 15+ years of hands-on experience building and maintaining saltwater systems
- Full tank setup services including plumbing, aquascaping, and Apex system configuration
- Strong rotating selection of saltwater fish, corals, and dry rock
- In-store water testing and detailed livestock care guidance
- Freshwater inventory includes tropicals, bettas, and axolotls
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great store friendly staff , knowledgeable in starting to have a lot of tropicals”
— Mike Katz5.0a week ago“Awesome experience all around. Picked up a pair of stubby clownfish and they’re absolutely amazing healthy, active, and clearly well cared for. The store itself is super clean and well set up, with a great selection and a chill atmosphere. Bob was super knowledgeable and easy to talk to, which made the whole visit even better. Couldn’t resist leaving with two sexy shrimp as well, both acclimated great and look amazing. Definitely a shop I’ll be coming back to. Highly recommend!”
— jaxson Langley5.0a week ago“Bob is so helpful and knowledgeable!”
— Christine Quinn5.03 weeks ago“What a place!! The owner Bob is the such a true genuine man!!”
— Alan Lounsbury, Jr.5.0a month ago“Support small business! The owner has gone out of his way to be helpful and compassionate.”
— Ash P5.0a month ago“Simply exceptional service. The team at Exotic Fish & Corals is extremely polite, attentive, and very knowledgeable. They are always willing to help, answer questions, and provide guidance without any rush or pressure. You can truly tell they care about their customers and their animals. Top-level store — highly recommended.”
— Joel Oliveira5.0a month ago“Love this place! Better quality fish and equipment and the advice they give is accurate 95% of the time, unlike the let's just say mainstream pet stores.”
— Xavier Santana5.02 months ago“Excellent selection. Knowledgeable staff.”
— Lewis Shippy5.02 months ago“Nice people”
— johnny malakieh5.02 months ago“Excellent store!! Bob is the best!!”
— Don Hayden5.0Edited 3 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (203) 701-0300 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Exotic Fish & Corals.