About
Tucked away in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Alpha Aquatic Arts (formerly The Purrfect Aquarium) has built a loyal following as one of the state's standout local fish stores. Owner Ernie runs a tight ship — literally. Reviewers consistently single out the shop's cleanliness, calling it possibly the cleanest local fish store they've encountered.
That attention to detail extends to the livestock: fish are kept in well-established tanks tailored to the specific needs of each species, and the bettas are housed in proper tanks rather than the sad cups you'll find at chain retailers. The store stocks a solid variety across both freshwater and saltwater sections. Freshwater enthusiasts will find nano fish, Corydoras, glo fish, and a nice selection of live plants, while the marine side offers enough to keep saltwater hobbyists browsing.
The shop also carries aquarium supplies and dry goods — one customer stopped in specifically for fish transport bags, which big-box stores mysteriously don't carry, and walked out with three bags gifted for free. Ernie's willingness to share knowledge without pressure is a recurring theme in reviews. One customer in the early research phase of setting up a new tank described how Ernie patiently answered questions about substrate choices, live versus artificial plants, and how different setups interact with fish coloration — all while encouraging independent research rather than pushing a quick sale.
That consultative approach, meeting hobbyists where they are, is what keeps people coming back. That said, one first-time fishkeeper reported being sold a school of Corydoras without proper guidance on tank cycling, resulting in losses and additional chemical costs. It's a reminder that even well-regarded shops can have off days, though the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests this was an outlier.
7 rating through genuinely healthy livestock, a spotless environment, and the kind of personalized guidance that makes supporting a small local shop worthwhile. If you're in southeastern Connecticut and tired of the big-box experience, Ernie's door is open.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Alpha Aquatic Arts (formerly The Purrfect aquarium) in Old Lyme, CT
Alpha Aquatic Arts (formerly The Purrfect aquarium) stocks betta fish, catfish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Old Lyme, CT. As an aquarium store serving Old Lyme, CT, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptionally clean shop with well-maintained species-specific tanks
- Bettas housed in proper tanks rather than cups
- Good variety of freshwater nano fish and live plants
- Owner Ernie offers patient, no-pressure consultation for new setups
- Both freshwater and saltwater livestock sections
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Best fish store in CT”
— Jamie Sacilowski5.05 months ago“Absolutely a wonderful store! All the staff is extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and they won’t steer you wrong. The fish are kept healthy in well established tanks with the specific needs of each specie kept in mind.”
— Eliah Nolin5.06 months ago“Owner is nice and the shop is well kept and clean, however when I went in he sold me a school of Corydoras and told me I didn't need to have my tank cycled before adding them, which is just not at all true. This is my first time setting up a tank, so I took his advice (and paid him about $50 for livestock that HE recommended). A week later I've lost three of the Corydoras and I've had to shell out another $50 for chemicals to balance the ammonia in the water to try and save the other fish in the tank.”
— Fox1.0Edited 7 months ago“This is the place to purchase your aquarium supplies and stock. Plenty of variety both fresh and marine. Very clean shop and tanks. Owners friendly and very knowledgeable from years of experience. Time to get away from big box corporate stores and shop small and local.”
— Kathy Gifford5.08 months ago“I’m in the market for a new tank after not having one for the last decade. I’m still in the research phase so popped in here to obtain more information after reading other reviews. Ernie was fantastic about answering my questions and encouraged me to continue my research. At this point I’m on the fence on if I want live or artificial plants, which he explained changes the substrate and the color of glo fish I am interested in. However, he included suggestions on how those two can work together. Overall I was really impressed by the knowledge and care given to these wild life creatures. Thank you Ernie, for allowing me to me to explore at ny own pace and for sharing your knowledge with me! I’ll be back once I’ve decided which direction I want to head and look forward to any guidance you’re willing to offer as I rekindle this passion.”
— April Meyers5.011 months ago“Very clean shop, probably the cleanest local fish store I've seen so far. Good variety of freshwater fish and nano fish. There was also a nice saltwater section, but I don't know much about saltwater. The Bettas were all in proper tanks just like the other stock, which was nice to see. All the fish looked very healthy and active. There was also a nice variety of live plants. Stopped in looking for fish bags since the big chain retailers don't carry fish transport items for some reason. The man at the counter was kind enough to give me three bags for free. If I wasn't moving I'd definitely come back to buy some livestock from here!”
— Mia Lachack5.011 months ago“I love seeing a fish store so close to home, and I am super excited for a fish tank to come in and buy some freshwater fish.”
— Hamster Dad5.0a year ago“I love this place. Not only is the quality of what they offer great, but the staff is helpful and friendly!”
— Marissa Detlor5.0a year ago“Wow what a hidden gem . My husband and I have been planning on a large tank in the future after our home is built and with it being a rainy day wanted to check some fish out and came across this store on google . Holy cow ! It is beautiful, the fish are so well cared for and the owner is extremely knowledgeable. Even the comets “feeder fish” were in a clean nice tank . I’ve never been to a pet store and seen thriving betta fish . We are planning a large guppy/planted tank in acouple months after my husband is done building the stand and we got some excellent ideas . I highly recommend to anyone in the hobby new or life long . The owner even told us he does a program that gives free tanks to children . How wonderful . Looking forward to being frequent customers of this shop and will refer all of our friends”
— Paige Esposito5.0a year ago“I recently went to Alfa searching for a Honey Gourami as a show fish for my 15 gallon planted tank. I found the most colorful, energetic, playful honey I’ve ever seen. He’s super healthy and has such a beautiful pattern to him - this is the first time I’ve ever seen one with reddish fins! He’s got a great little personality, and was zooming around checking out my shrimp and Cory cats as soon as I released him. When I come in the room he comes to the front of the tank and will follow me around the sides as if to say, “Look at me!!!” Overall great experience, reasonably priced, kind staff and super healthy fish. 07/25/24 Update!!! Once again super friendly, knowledgeable staff. I went back to get some juli corydoras, and these guys are so lively!!! Adding a picture of them having their first family dinner while the Honey monitors them.”
— Bethany Crum5.0Edited a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (860) 598-9914 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Alpha Aquatic Arts (formerly The Purrfect aquarium).