About
Rivers & Reefs is the kind of Omaha aquarium store where the sheer density of tanks stops you in your tracks. Reviewers aren't exaggerating when they describe it as wall-to-wall aquariums — big display tanks anchoring the middle of the room, freshwater setups along one side, saltwater along the other, with just enough space to squeeze between them. Owned and run by Nick and his wife Sasha, the shop has been an Omaha fixture for years and has built a reputation as one of the best saltwater destinations in Nebraska and arguably the wider Midwest.
The coral wall draws the most devoted following, from beginner-friendly pieces to the SPS frags experienced reefers drive in for, backed by a saltwater fish list that runs as deep as the freshwater side. On the freshwater front, the discus are regularly called the nicest in town, and there's a steady supply of shrimp, mystery snails, small and big plecos, and oto catfish for sale in Omaha, NE. Recent visitors point to the large, healthy axolotls up front, plus everyday favorites like goldfish, guppies, mollies, koi, and tetras that are easy to find near me.
Live plants are a genuine strength too — water lettuce, floating plants, and a rotating stock that reviewers consistently call healthy and fairly priced. What sets the store apart beyond its inventory is the honesty. Customers describe staff talking them out of unnecessary buys — one came in ready to replace a filter and left having been shown how to fix the one they already had.
The tanks stay clean, the prices stay fair, and the team is as comfortable helping a parent start a goldfish tank as they are talking reef chemistry with a longtime hobbyist. Folks drive in from Iowa for species they can't find anywhere else, then keep coming back. For Omaha aquarium keepers, Rivers & Reefs pairs deep livestock variety with genuine expertise — the sort of local fish store worth walking in to explore for yourself.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Rivers & Reefs in Omaha, NE
Rivers & Reefs stocks corals, reef fish, discus, shrimp, invertebrates, betta fish, axolotls, plecos, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Omaha, NE. As an aquarium store serving Omaha, NE, it also carries fish food, aquarium equipment and fish medications and offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefLive PlantsDiscusShrimpInvertebratesBettasAxolotlsPlecosCatfishKoiGoldfishLivebearersTetrasFish FoodAquarium EquipmentMedications
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Wall-to-wall aquariums with equal depth across freshwater and saltwater livestock
- Coral wall ranging from beginner pieces to SPS frags for serious reefers
- Large, healthy axolotls on display up front, plus discus called the nicest in Omaha
- Shrimp, mystery snails, small and big plecos, and oto catfish among the freshwater stock
- Honest, no-pressure staff (Nick and Sasha), clean tanks, and fair prices
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I absolutely love visiting this shop! It is a true haven for any aquarium enthusiast. The selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish is impressive, and the tanks are consistently clean and well-maintained, which really shows how much care the team puts into their livestock. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to take the time to answer questions or offer advice, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist. It’s one of those rare places where you can tell everyone there is truly passionate about what they do. I always leave with exactly what I need and a bit more inspiration for my own setup at home. Highly recommended!”
— Anguela Botins5.02 weeks ago“This is a really nice aquatic retailer. They have speciality fish, but also if you just want a healthy goldfish, Molly, guppies, tetras or koi that's going to live a long time, you can get that too. They have snails a plenty, shrimp, small and big plecos. I spent the majority of time walking around with a staff member going "oooo what's this". I have plenty of fish now on my "to buy later list". In the end I came home with some guppies and 2 oto catfish.”
— L Mercer5.0a month ago“Knowledge about tanks, fish, etc. Very friendly.”
— Miss Rox5.0a month ago“Great selection”
— Austin Barr (Austin)5.0a month ago“Very helpful and very knowledgeable about fish and what works and don't work for ur tank.”
— Brittney Smith5.02 months ago“Drove in from iowa, thought I'd check the place out. But I guess most places in this area don't open until noon on Sunday. What? I'm sorry but Sunday is one of the few days I have to do anything, and if I show up at your location at 11:30 and your closed, I'm out.”
— Brandon Wilkins1.02 months ago“Rivers and Reefs great store for all your fish needs. Great staff very knowledgeable and very friendly.”
— Lady Bird5.02 months ago“Really coil place with tons of different fish.”
— Joe Sexton4.0Edited 2 months ago“Lots of awesome stuff”
— AnarchyDoge5.02 months ago“Absolutely Incredible Fish Store – A True Hidden Gem in Omaha! I’ve been keeping freshwater and saltwater aquariums for over 15 years, and I can honestly say that Rivers and Reefs is one of the best fish stores I’ve ever stepped foot in. From the moment you walk through the door, you can tell this isn’t just another pet shop—it’s a passion project run by people who genuinely love the hobby and care deeply about the health and quality of their fish, corals, and plants. The selection is outstanding. Their tanks are pristine, the fish are vibrant and healthy, and they carry both common favorites and some really unique, hard-to-find species. I’ve never seen such consistent quality. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first tank or an experienced reefer chasing that perfect SPS coral, they have something for you. The plants are lush, the inverts are active, and everything looks happy and well-cared for. But what truly sets Rivers and Reefs apart is the staff and owners. These are some of the kindest, most knowledgeable, and most helpful people in the aquarium world. They don’t just sell you fish—they take the time to answer every question, offer honest advice, and help you make the right choices for your setup. No upselling, no pressure, just real conversations from people who clearly want you to succeed with your tank. I’ve learned so much from them already, and every visit feels like catching up with friends who share the same passion. The store is always clean, well-organized, and welcoming. You can tell the owners pour their hearts into every detail. It’s obvious they treat their livestock with the same care they’d give their own tanks at home. If you’re anywhere near Omaha and you love aquariums, do yourself a favor and go check out Rivers and Reefs. Tell them a longtime customer sent you—they’ll probably remember your name by the second visit because that’s just how they are. This place is a treasure. Support small businesses like this that are doing it right. You won’t be disappointed—you’ll be hooked (pun intended)! Highly, highly recommended. 10/10. Five stars aren’t enough!”
— James Williams5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call +1 402-493-5268 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rivers & Reefs.