Coastal Aquarium

Tucked into Richmond Hill, Georgia, Coastal Aquarium is a compact local fish store that punches well above its weight class. Run by owner Marcy and her sister Tiffany, the shop carries both saltwater and freshwater livestock alongside a solid coral selection, including a well-maintained frag tank that catches the eye of reef hobbyists. Customers regularly drive close to an hour just to shop here — and they keep coming back.

The freshwater side stocks live plants, cherry shrimp, discus, angelfish, bettas, pictus catfish, corydoras, and even koi. Bettas here get proper glass holders rather than the sad plastic cups found at big-box stores, and multiple reviewers note how active and healthy the fish look across clean, well-maintained tanks. The saltwater section draws in reef enthusiasts with corals, reef supplies, and equipment — one customer even received free coral during a visit.

If something specific isn't in stock, Marcy is known for placing special orders without hesitation. What truly sets Coastal Aquarium apart is the hands-on expertise. Marcy and her team take genuine time with customers, answering detailed questions about tank setups, water chemistry, and fish health.

Multiple first-time fishkeepers credit the staff with walking them through everything from betta care to starting their first saltwater system. The store also offers water testing services for both fresh and salt water. The shop is on the smaller side — reviewers are upfront about that — but the trade-off is a curated, well-cared-for inventory rather than overcrowded, neglected tanks.

Prices are consistently described as fair to excellent. And yes, there's a beloved store cat (sometimes called Brat) who greets visitors at the door, adding a layer of charm that the chain stores simply can't replicate. For aquarium hobbyists in the Richmond Hill and greater Savannah area, Coastal Aquarium delivers the personalized service and healthy livestock that make a local fish store worth supporting.