About
Tucked down a dirt road in Bucksport, Maine, Vance's Tropical Fish & Exotic feels like stumbling into a Caribbean outpost in rural New England. Owner Vance has built something truly special here — a packed, passionate fish shop where the parking lot fills up minutes after opening on a Sunday morning, and customers drive 45 minutes or more just to browse his latest arrivals. The store carries both freshwater and saltwater fish in impressive variety.
Reviewers mention everything from goldfish to clownfish to exotic species they'd never encountered in a store before, including a fascinating mud skipper tank that Vance keeps as one of his personal display setups. Corals, live rock, clams, and live plants round out the livestock selection, and Vance will place custom orders for anything he doesn't have in stock. One long-time customer proudly shared a giant clam purchase that made their 55-gallon saltwater tank pop.
What sets Vance's apart is the man himself. Customers describe him as endlessly patient, willing to multitask between helping a newcomer set up their first saltwater tank and assembling an order for a returning hobbyist — all while sharing decades of fishkeeping knowledge. He'll send you home with a bag of supplies and an open invitation to call with questions.
His fish arrive healthy and stay healthy, a point made repeatedly across reviews spanning years of purchases. The atmosphere is part of the draw. Vance's Hawaiian shirts match the tropical vibe inside, and vintage pinball machines sit alongside rows of stunning display tanks.
Multiple reviewers describe the feeling of being transported somewhere warm and exotic the moment they step through the door. It's a sensory experience that big-box pet stores simply cannot replicate. If you're anywhere in Maine and keeping an aquarium — freshwater or saltwater — Vance's is worth the drive.
Just double-check the hours before you go, as they occasionally shift without notice online.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner-operated specialist with decades of fishkeeping expertise
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, clams, and live rock
- Rare and exotic species not found in typical pet stores
- Unique display tanks including a mud skipper setup
- Custom fish and livestock orders available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We always get our fish here.”
— Dan Kenny5.0Edited a month ago“I have been going here since I was a kid for freshwater fish and now for saltwater fish always in great health never had any issues with fish from there, Vance is a very nice guy who take good care of his fish definitely recommended going here for your fish.”
— Kasperice Man5.0Edited 4 months ago“This place is amazing, a tropical paradise in Bucksport, Maine. Vance is an awesome and interesting guy, very friendly and knowledgeable. His fish all look healthy and are not overstocked; he has a wide selection of interesting fish as well as some really cool personal tanks you can check out. Looking forward to visiting again soon!”
— Travis Jorge5.06 months ago“Best fish place around!”
— Michael Arruda5.09 months ago“Excellent place !”
— Anthony Annese5.0a year ago“Vance takes time with all customers and shares his years of experience with everyone. He also has a mud skipper tank which is unique.”
— wm reed5.0a year ago“I arrived about three minutes after he opened on a Sunday. Being a tiny place off a dirt road in Bucksport, I was sure I’d be the first customer. I assumed he’d be barely unlocking the door when I arrived. To my surprise the lot was full, fortunately there was one spot left! Once inside, I realized just how busy they were. It is An amazing place with spectacular tanks everywhere. He always has something special to view. I have added a picture of today’s, look close. Vance was very helpful! Having a tank that was in danger of dying off I needed a lot of help. Vance multitasked, listening to my situation while getting an order together for another customer. I left with a bag of stuff and feeling hopeful I can bring the tank back. As I was leaving he said call if you have any questions. Thank you Vance, I will!!”
— Danielle Simons5.0a year ago“Very friendly and knowledgeable. Great prices....”
— Jennifer Winchester5.0a year ago“Best fish store in Maine!”
— Eric Belokostolsky5.0a year ago“A beautiful store. Vance is super knowledgeable and nice. If you're used to box pet stores, this place will blow your mind. He has some really exotic strange fish, right down to goldfish and clownfish. He takes great care of his fish and tanks. If he doesn't have what you need or want, he's willing to get it for you!”
— Angela Sager5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (207) 469-6310 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Vance's Tropical Fish & Exotic.