Waterbury Aquarium

Tucked into Waterbury, Connecticut, Waterbury Aquarium is a compact but well-stocked local fish store that punches above its weight in variety. The shop carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, giving hobbyists in the area a reliable destination without having to drive to bigger cities. What stands out immediately is the store's clean and organized layout — tanks are well-maintained, and the fish look healthy, which tells you a lot about how seriously the staff takes their husbandry.

One of the more exciting recent developments is their newly built plant and shrimp room, a dedicated space that signals the store's commitment to the growing planted tank and ornamental shrimp hobbies. Alongside livestock, they stock aquarium plants, rocks, and driftwood — the essential building blocks for anyone working on an aquascape or naturalistic setup. If you're shopping for a new tank, they carry a range of aquarium sizes and can help you match the right setup to your vision.

The store also caters to anglers, selling shiners, worms, bait, and feeder fish — a practical touch that broadens its appeal beyond the aquarium hobby. Staff are generally described as knowledgeable and willing to help customers pick out the right fish and equipment, though the small team means that during busy times, individual attention can be limited. Pricing is a point where opinions vary.

Many customers find the prices fair, especially given the quality and selection available in a smaller shop format. Others feel some items run on the higher side. That said, the consensus leans toward good value for what you're getting — live, healthy fish and a curated selection of supplies in a store that clearly cares about the hobby.

For aquarium enthusiasts in the greater Waterbury area, this shop offers a solid local alternative with real personality and an expanding inventory that keeps regulars coming back to see what's new.