








Tucked into downtown New Canaan, Connecticut, Life Aquatic is a compact but vibrant fish store that punches well above its square footage. Owner Randy and his team—Mike among them—have built a loyal following through deep expertise in saltwater reef keeping and genuine enthusiasm for the hobby at every level. The store's two 300-gallon display tanks are showstoppers, packed with unique aquaculture that customers describe staring at for hours.
The livestock on the sales floor leans heavily toward reef and saltwater species—royal grammas, bicolor blennies, cleaner shrimp, corals, and eels have all passed through—alongside a solid freshwater selection that includes bettas, guppies, and community tank staples. Live plants are well-maintained, and the coral selection draws hobbyists from as far as New Milford who've grown frustrated with less reliable shops. What truly defines Life Aquatic is the consultative approach.
" Others mention water testing guidance, tank cycling advice, and willingness to special-order livestock not currently in stock. The store sells tanks, dry goods, and equipment alongside its livestock, and a membership plan offers ongoing discounts for regulars. Several reviewers note the selection can feel limited given the boutique footprint, but the trade-off is a beautifully designed space with healthy, well-cared-for animals.
Life Aquatic also participates in community events—one reviewer won a fish at a New Canaan sidewalk sale and was walked through proper care before taking it home. It's that kind of personal investment that keeps families, seasoned hobbyists, and first-time tank owners driving back week after week. For reef enthusiasts in Fairfield County, this is a store worth building a relationship with.
Alaina O'Connor
11 reviews
Such friendly, knowledgeable and amazing staff! Came in for a betta for my son, fully expecting to be oversold on buying a ton of stuff, and both gentleman helping us were so kind, helped us stayed within a budget, and even gave my kids a tour around the store. We will be back for another betta for my daughter soon. Love the customer service here!
Audrey Cook
69 reviews
Fantastic store. I'm a newish aquarium owner and have been coming here once every week or two for a few months as I slowly build my community tank. The gentlemen who work here are incredibly professional and helpful. Even if I just call to ask a question, they're always willing to answer and help me out. All of my fish have been healthy and are thriving. And when I accidentally bought a female guppy instead of a male, they let me return her and pick out a male. Top tier place!
Shaun Wolfson
6 reviews
Super cool store. Staff has been so helpful getting our tank set up and water to where is should be. Nicest staff, so knowledgeable. My daughters fav shop to visit and dream about the next tank she’s going to put together
Isaac
8 reviews
Absolutely amazing aquarium store. Fish are well taken care of and happy. The plants are also healthy and vibrant, this store takes amazing care of all the fish and plants there
Harry Kaufman
13 reviews
I came to Randy five months ago, knowing almost nothing about saltwater aquariums. He has guided me through the setup of my tank and the inevitable issues that arise. He and Mike have unlimited patience in answering my questions and emails. Five months in, I still have questions and rely on Randy and Mike for guidance. Everyone at the store clearly loves what they do and is knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge.
Steven Yee
117 reviews
Cool local fish store, just a really small selection (most likely due to size of the store itself) They have cool exhibit tanks though!
Jen White Paterson
11 reviews
The owner behaves unethically in my experience. Their billing processes are disorganized. I wouldn’t recommend leaving your credit card on file with this business. I recently got a bill that was supposedly for service over 2 years prior (it’s extremely hard to tell if an invoice is legitimate when you’re billed 2 years after the service date(s) and their process was never systematic). Instead of the owner taking responsibility for a “software error” and owning the fact that invoicing someone 2 years after service date(s) is terrible business practice, he instead threatened to sue me, said such lawsuit “won’t be good for my credit score” AND threatened my personal reputation as a local business owner (for “not paying my bills” I guess when I questioned the bill/timing?) I have a credit score of 820 as I always pay my bills immediately. As a trusted local business owner myself, I would never even CONSIDER charging someone 2 years later for my own company’s error. Not only would I take personal responsibility, but I’d never put my clients through having to dig through years of records to try and figure out if charges are legitimate from two years prior.
House of Warmth
45 reviews
I’ve always wanted a reef tank so recently set one up but had some issues with buying health fish at other stores local to me. I was very happy I went to Live Aquatic in New Canaan. It is further away from me (I live in New Milford) but I found their selection to be great and their fish looked super healthy! I will go out of my way to purchase fish from here going forward. I met Randy the owner who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his business. I was amazed at the display aquariums too and the unique aquaculture inside of them. It was fascinating and fun to look around. I purchased a royal gramma, a bicolor blenny and a cleaner shrimp…all are doing great!!
Lily Hott
213 reviews
I love the team and the fish here! They’re very nice and I come in here every time I go to town!
Nicholas Grandin
7 reviews
Great service at a great price
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (203) 972-1200 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Life Aquatic.
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94 Park St, New Canaan, CT 06840
February 7, 2026
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