Moby Dick Pet Store Inc

Moby Dick Pet Store has been a fixture in Waterford Township, Michigan for decades — some customers have been walking through its doors for over 20 years. Packed into a modest building that belies its enormous inventory, this family-owned shop has earned a loyal following across metro Detroit for its deep selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with reptiles, amphibians, and feeder animals. The fish room is the main attraction, and it's genuinely dense with life.

Reviewers consistently call out the variety of oddball species, cichlids, rainbowfish, livebearers, tetras, corydoras, and hard-to-find breeder stock. The saltwater side is equally compelling, with corals, anemones, and a full range of reef supplies drawing hobbyists from 30 minutes or more away. One standout detail: Moby Dick sells pre-cycled aquariums, already seeded with beneficial bacteria and balanced pH, ready for immediate stocking — a service rarely seen at independent fish stores.

The live plant selection gets particular praise for both quality and reasonable pricing, and the shop is one of the few in the metro Detroit area that stocks live blackworms, a prized food for serious fishkeepers. They also carry isopods, shrimp, snails, and a rotating cast of invertebrates that keeps hobbyists coming back to see what's new. The aisles are admittedly tight — the store crams an impressive amount of dry goods, aquarium equipment, and themed display tanks into a compact space.

But most visitors see that as a worthwhile tradeoff for the sheer volume of stock. Staff members, including a frequently mentioned employee named Dan, are consistently praised for their attentiveness and genuine fishkeeping knowledge. The owner is often on the floor, adding to the hands-on, community-driven feel.

For anyone in southeast Michigan who lost their go-to shop when Kee's Aquarium closed, Moby Dick has stepped up as the natural successor — same passion, same depth, same dedication to keeping fish healthy and hobbyists informed.