Luckys Aquarium

Tucked away in an easy-to-miss Worcester location, Lucky's Aquarium has built a fierce following over the years — the kind of shop where customers drive across Massachusetts and call it the best aquarium store in New England. The entrance may take a moment to find, but what's inside rewards the effort: a clean, meticulously maintained store packed with healthy tropical fish, aquatic plants, driftwood, and stones. The livestock selection is what sets Lucky's apart.

Regulars rave about the sheer variety of oddball and exotic species — L46 Zebra Plecos, elephant nose fish, bichirs, stingrays, peacock eels, gobies, and discus share space with community staples like Harlequin Rasboras, cloud minnows, neon tetras, and honey gouramis. The cichlid selection runs deep, and the shrimp offerings — including yellow Neocaridina — draw planted tank enthusiasts from well beyond Worcester. Betta keepers will find quality stock here too, with multiple reviewers picking up fish for sorority tanks.

Live plants are a particular strength, with affordable pricing that keeps hobbyists coming back. The driftwood and stone selection adds to the appeal for anyone building a natural aquascape. The staff, led by owner Dylan and frequently praised employee Tom — described by one 30-year hobbyist as "a national treasure" — are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable.

They'll steer you toward the right solution rather than the most expensive one, and they've stayed past closing time to make sure a customer gets the fish they called about. The shop also ships fish, though experiences with shipping have been mixed. Lucky's keeps customers in the loop through an actively updated Facebook page with current inventory lists, sales announcements, and delivery schedules — new stock typically arrives Sunday into Monday, making Mondays the prime shopping day.

Fair pricing and frequent sales make this a store where you can indulge without guilt. For anyone keeping freshwater or saltwater tanks in central Massachusetts, Lucky's has earned its reputation one healthy fish at a time.