About
Slither & Swim is a combination tropical fish and reptile shop tucked into Phipps Plaza in West Haven, CT, and for local fishkeepers it has quietly become the kind of independent fish store worth the drive — some customers travel well over an hour each way for a specific animal. The aquarium side is what surprises people most: one recent visitor called it "the most incredible assortment of freshwater fish I've seen anywhere," and the tanks run deep enough that there's almost always something unexpected swimming in the show tanks. If you're hunting for freshwater fish for sale in West Haven, CT, this is a genuine local option rather than a big-box compromise.
The stock leans freshwater, with a rotating mix that has included African cichlids and South American species alongside community staples, plus the dry goods, filters, and aquarium equipment to set a tank up properly. Staff are the recurring highlight in review after review — names like Art, Shaina, and Shae come up again and again for walking customers through gear choices and answering questions patiently, whether you're choosing a first filter or adding to an established setup. One longtime regular noted that his entire batch of inexpensive freshwater fish survived the move home, which says a lot about how the livestock is kept.
Beyond the tanks, the shop is a dependable source for live feed — worms, feeders, and more — and it offers boarding, an uncommon perk if you need someone to watch your animals while you travel. If they don't have what you're after, the team has a reputation for tracking it down and ordering it in for in-store pickup. The space itself is small and packed tight, and a few visitors mention it can feel cluttered, so go in expecting a dense, hands-on little shop rather than a polished showroom.
For West Haven aquarists who value knowledgeable, in-person help and a freshwater selection you can actually browse before you buy, Slither & Swim has earned loyal repeat visitors.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Slither & Swim in West Haven, CT
Slither & Swim stocks cichlids, African cichlids and freshwater fish for sale in West Haven, CT. As a fish store serving West Haven, CT, it also carries dry goods and aquarium equipment and offers fish boarding.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Fish Boarding
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Deep freshwater fish selection, called one of the best assortments visitors have seen anywhere
- Knowledgeable named staff (Art, Shaina, Shae) help with equipment and livestock choices
- African cichlids and South American species among the rotating freshwater stock
- Carries dry goods, filters, aquarium equipment, and a steady supply of live feed
- Animal boarding available; staff will special-order hard-to-find animals for in-store pickup
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very knowledgeable staff in a big selection of fish and reptiles”
— Carla Meehan5.02 weeks ago“Love this place!! Small but soo cool!! The people inside are knowledgeable and friendly. Awesome spot!”
— Tammy S5.0a month ago“I’ve been coming here for my bearded dragon for almost three years now and I can say with confidence that this is better than any petco or chain pet store ever. They take amazing care of their animals and they have a huge selection. You can absolutely tell the employees truly care about those animals and it’s so heartwarming to see. I’ve worked with Shaina most often as I’ve known her since I first started coming here, and she’s absolutely wonderful. She’s very friendly and knowledgeable and very patient. Chloe has an awesome personality and is very passionate. I forgot the blonde girl employee’s name but she’s absolutely lovely. Nothing but good things all around. It is a small space yes, but don’t let that fool you. It’s such an amazing store and it’s a lovely atmosphere.”
— Magnolia Jane5.0a month ago“A great place to buy critters. The most incredible assortment of freshwater fish I've seen anywhere. Art is very knowledgeable and easy to work with! Highly recommended.”
— Saam Greenman5.0a month ago“Incredible selection. Knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend this shop”
— James F5.02 months ago“Great pet shop if you're looking for unique fish or any other thing that crawls or swims!! HUGH selection! If they don't have it,then they'll order it for you! Great staff!”
— James Magri5.0Edited 3 months ago“Great store with a great knowledgeable staff. I believe family owned/ could be wrong. Been a customer for over 25 years. I've bought a variety of pets from fish, iguanas & a snake. Great store with reasonable prices. Should absolutely be supported”
— Tommy Joyner5.04 months ago“I had a great time coming in everyone was extremely helpful . I saw beautiful bio active tanks for geckos . So many snakes have had their tanks redone . I even was here to see a vet treat a boa . What a great experience seeing everything and educated from the staff”
— Abby Smith5.04 months ago“Nice store but some animals are in too small cages like bearded dragons it is dirty in there like there are bugs on the ground and alive One even went on my clothes and I did not know in till I got home and sat down I saw something moving I look and it was a bug. But Over all I do like the store but it is dirty”
— Unknown3.04 months ago“Amazing store with a lot of knowledge and selection”
— Raymond Rose5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (203) 932-9436 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Slither & Swim.