About
Jay's Aquatics in Salem, New Hampshire has built a loyal following across the border region, with customers from both NH and Massachusetts making regular trips for its standout selection of saltwater corals and freshwater livestock. Owner Jay and his team — staffers like John get called out by name — are known for spending real time with customers, walking newcomers through the reef hobby step by step and fielding questions about everything from sick fish to snail control. The coral selection is a genuine draw.
Reviewers who've shopped around New England consistently say Jay's prices and variety are hard to beat, and the store's willingness to special order makes it even more appealing — one customer was eagerly awaiting an octopus Jay sourced for them. On the freshwater side, the store stocks an impressive rotation of livebearers with unusual color morphs and patterns, neocaridina shrimp, albino plecos, axolotls, and live plants including red root floaters. New fish arrive every Wednesday, giving regulars a reason to come back weekly.
The store sells low-priced reverse osmosis water and carries a solid range of hardscape materials for aquascaping projects, along with dry goods and feeding supplies. The physical space is notably more open than the typical cramped fish store, giving customers room to browse without bumping elbows. Jay's also accepts surrendered fish from hobbyists who can no longer care for them — a thoughtful touch that speaks to the store's community-minded approach.
Reviewers repeatedly note the health of the livestock. Platys purchased eight months ago are still thriving with healthy fry, and shrimp acclimate smoothly from day one. The staff doesn't push unnecessary purchases; if anything, they're known for cutting deals and tossing in freebies.
A few customers have experienced long waits for floor help during busy periods, but the overwhelming consensus is that Jay's is one of the best aquarium stores in New England — a destination worth the drive for serious hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationWater Testing
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- New fish arrivals every Wednesday with rotating rare and oddball species
- Exceptional coral selection at competitive prices with special ordering available
- Neocaridina shrimp, axolotls, livebearers with rare color morphs, and albino plecos in stock
- Low-priced reverse osmosis water available
- Spacious store layout with strong hardscape and live plant selection
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great place always has what I need! Awesome fish and corals!”
— Brian saltwater5.0a day ago“Great little shop lots of options”
— Chris Baker5.04 days ago“Jay's is an absolute treasure. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, but on top of that, they have many rarities and oddballs at incredible prices! Take a trip here before you decide to order something online, you won't be disappointed. One of the absolute best aquarium stores in New England!”
— Josh Smick5.0a week ago“Great service and plenty fish! They always helpful and friendly”
— Moises Cuevas5.0a week ago“The people there r cool”
— Julisa Martinez5.0a week ago“I got 4 neocaridina from jays for my very first aquarium. They did great during the drip acclimation and immediately were swimming around. its been about 4 days since theyve been in the tank and all doing well eating and exploring. They were also nice enough to throw in some free red root floaters when i asked if they had any. will be back in a few weeks to buy more shrimp! 🩷🦐”
— Sophie Borelli5.0a week ago“Best selection and best prices around ive been to alot of places for corals and nobody can beat jays with his selction and prices. Jay is very knowledgeable and will get you pretty much anything you want for you tank. Cannot wait for my octopus he ordered for me. Great place for new comers to the salt water hobby as jay and his staff will walk you through every process to ensure you succeed in maintaining a healthy tank.”
— Kurtis Lachance5.02 weeks ago“Great aquatic store!! The Staff is very knowledgeable and patient I'm very new to the reef hobby and I can't remember the name of the guy that helped me but he spent a lot of time helping me. If you have aquariums or if you're planning on setting up one this is the place to go for everything you need saltwater and freshwater. Beautiful selection of fish and corals that look to be very healthy! Highly recommend Jay's aquatic!”
— Jennifer Finley5.02 weeks ago“This has Be the best fish store in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The staff is always helpful and it’s a nice atmosphere where you can relax and shop for the things you need. I am a loyal customer and will never go anywhere else, but the Jays aquatics.”
— Connie McKoy5.04 weeks ago“Staff is very helpful and great advice for when you have a sick fish.”
— Candice S5.0Edited a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (603) 893-8126 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Jay's Aquatics.