Uncle Ned's Fish Factory

Uncle Ned's Fish Factory in Millis, Massachusetts is a family-owned tropical fish store run by brothers who have clearly poured decades into the freshwater hobby. Walking inside on a cold New England day, the warm, humid air and rows upon rows of clean tanks create an immediate sense of escape. This isn't a sterile retail experience — it's an old-school fish shop where the owners have forgotten more about fishkeeping than most of us will ever learn.

The freshwater selection is genuinely impressive and arguably the best in Massachusetts. Cichlid enthusiasts will find everything from large peacock cichlids to small apistos, while community tank keepers can browse through schools of cardinal tetras, strawberry rasboras, pygmy corydoras, skunk corys, and guppies. Nano fish lovers are well served here too, with enough variety to fully stock a small planted tank in one visit.

The store also carries a solid range of live aquatic plants and the supplies needed to build a proper aquascape. For pond keepers, Uncle Ned's stocks koi, goldfish, and pond plants, though one reviewer documented serious issues with koi health — a cautionary note worth considering if you're shopping for outdoor fish. The indoor tropical fish, by contrast, consistently earn praise for arriving home healthy and thriving.

One of the most valuable perks is free water testing. Bring in a sample and the staff will diagnose your tank issues on the spot, offering practical advice that reviewers credit with saving their fish. This kind of hands-on consultation sets the store apart from big-box pet retailers.

Prices are reasonable, the tanks are well-maintained, and the knowledge base behind the counter is deep. 7-star rating across nearly 500 reviews reflects a store that has earned real loyalty. If freshwater fish are your thing, Uncle Ned's is worth the trip to Millis.