Tucked away in Tinley Park, Illinois, Nation Wide Aquatics has built a devoted following among fishkeepers who crave livestock they simply can't find anywhere else. Run by Jorge (also referred to as George by some customers) and Ashley, this family-operated shop specializes in rare and exotic freshwater species — the kind of oddballs and imports that make hobbyists drive an hour or more just to browse the tanks. The selection of plecos alone sets the store apart.
Customers rave about picking up blue eye plecos and watermelon plecos they've never encountered at any other shop, and every visit seems to bring new species onto the racks. Puffer enthusiasts will find serious inventory here too — Congo spotted puffers, Congo potato puffers, and hairy puffers have all been stocked, with Jorge personally importing and deworming fish before they hit the sales floor. One customer walked out with a tiger moray eel — their dream species — and reported it eating the same day it arrived home.
Bichirs, shrimp, snails, and a rotating cast of unusual freshwater livestock round out the offerings, alongside a solid selection of driftwood for aquascaping. Nation Wide Aquatics also ships fish nationally through platforms like AquaBid, and the packaging quality is a point customers specifically praise — triple-bagged with heat packs and insulation. Even when shipping delays struck during a Tetraodon MBU (giant puffer) delivery, Jorge and the team stayed in constant communication, going above and beyond to help the buyer track and retrieve their fish.
While freshwater rarities are the main draw, the store also carries saltwater species. Jorge's depth of knowledge is a consistent theme across reviews — he'll walk you through compatibility, care requirements, and the origin story of his imports. Customers note they've never lost a fish purchased here, a testament to the health of the livestock.
Nation Wide Aquatics is the kind of shop that rewards the drive. If you're chasing a specific oddball species in the Chicagoland area, this is where you start.
ken olivo
24 reviews
Jorge is one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry and he always has a great selection of rare fish! Ive spent over 1k in fish at his store and never lost 1.
Wonderfully Rooted Salon & Spa
This shop is by far the best Aquatic store I’ve ever been to. All fish are Imported from great places and healthy. Amazing and unique selection. Jorge was very knowledgeable and kind I will only be purchasing from this store from here on out!! I live about an hour away and the drive was so worth it.
Da Gecko
23 reviews
Killer selection of rare and hard to find freshwater livestock!
Antonio Lasalvia
4 reviews
George answered the phone for me even when he was closed to help me out with my fish related questions. Thank you very much
A Fritz
12 reviews
Good selection of both salt and freshwater species
Theresa Frazier
37 reviews
I love this place and the family responsible for making this place filled with love, every fish I’ve ever bought I still have, and I love it.
Colby Cluck
5 reviews
We purchased a Tetraodon MBU (Giant MBU) through aquabid from Nation Wide Aquatics. Great reviews over there as well, just for reference! We overnighted the fish of course, but due to severe weather it was delayed after landing in Kansas City for a thunderstorm....(mind you, we live 15 minutes north of KC MO). They worked and worked along with us to try and allow us to go pick up the fish at the UPS location for several hours but nothing came of it. Anyone ordering a rare fish knows the gasping of a shipment delay of a live fish! So the fish sat overnight at the UPS location, and inevitably was DELAYED AGAIN for 6+ hours past it's delivery scheduled time the next day. The driver handed me the box and I was relieved, i could feel the fish ramming the box, very very unhappy little fella! He was packaged VERY well, triple bagged with heat backs and insulation! He acclimated to the water great and is BEAUTIFUL! The customer service provided was TOP NOTCH! I will absolutely be back, you can't ask for much more than they did! Effort matters! Thank you!
Mason Mcgraw
2 reviews
Great guy very knowledgeable. Couldn't find a hairy puffer anywhere he made sure to make it happen.
Rolex Watch23
10 reviews
Bought a blue eye pleco and watermelon pleco both 10/10 fish come here if you want super rare plecos never seen at any other pet shops
Mike Hardman
Very knowledgeable, great selection, and healthy fish. One of the only places I have been that have all different size fish of multiple species for a great price! Thank you for the awesome service!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (708) 420-0145 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Nation Wide Aquatics.
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(708) 420-0145Address
17034 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
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17034 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
February 7, 2026
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