About
Aquarium Paradise is an old-school, freshwater-focused fish store tucked into a Belleville, NJ storefront that has earned a devoted following among local hobbyists hunting for exotics they cannot find at the big-box chains. The signature draw is the frontosa tank just inside the entrance, which one longtime visitor said is "enough to warrant a visit," and the stock only gets more interesting from there. Over the years visitors have spotted three different kinds of piranhas, dragon blood oscars, big jack dempseys, freshwater stingrays, and even a foot-long pleco cruising the tanks, alongside a deep bench of community fish at fair prices.
If you are searching for hard-to-find cichlids or exotic freshwater fish for sale in Belleville, NJ, this is the kind of independent shop that tends to have something the chains simply do not. The heart of the store is owner Pedro, who has built a reputation for patiently teaching newcomers. One customer new to the hobby wrote that he had "spent a lot of time here learning" because the big-box stores are not nearly as knowledgeable, and a recent visitor singled out Pedro and Prince for helping track down exactly the right fish for their setup.
Planted-tank keepers come for live aquarium plants and Amano shrimp available in Belleville, NJ, with one regular reporting their shrimp and plants thriving long after purchase, and the shop is also known locally as one of the only spots around carrying live black worms for feeding. This is a classic, no-frills neighborhood fish room rather than a polished showroom, so expect a working-shop atmosphere and come ready with your own questions. Hours can be inconsistent, so it is genuinely worth confirming the store is open before you make a special trip.
For Belleville-area aquarists who value selection, fair pricing, and a real conversation about fishkeeping over chain-store convenience, Aquarium Paradise remains a freshwater destination worth seeking out.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Aquarium Paradise in Belleville, NJ
Aquarium Paradise stocks cichlids, rare and hard-to-find species, shrimp, invertebrates, plecos, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Belleville, NJ. As a fish store serving Belleville, NJ, it also carries fish food and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Signature frontosa display tank just inside the entrance
- Owner Pedro and staffer Prince known for hands-on fishkeeping help
- Exotic freshwater stock: piranhas, dragon blood oscars, jack dempseys, freshwater stingrays
- Live aquarium plants, Amano shrimp, and hard-to-find live black worms available
- Fair pricing on community and hard-to-find fish versus big-box chains
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This place is never open”
— Luis Nieves2.0a week ago“"I bought some fish here and the customer service was very poor. They didn't provide proper guidance on their care, and unfortunately, all the fish died that very night. The staff lacks serious training and empathy toward customers. I won't be coming back."”
— Patricia Perez1.0a month ago“Im trying to call you guys but the number not working. You have any clouded archerfish?”
— ANTHONY gomes4.0a month ago“Pedro and Prince were very helpful in finding the fish that was a perfect fit. Highly appreciated and recommended.”
— Raymond Antonio5.0a month ago“Sine on door says open from 11 to 7. Got there 5.30 was closed.”
— carlos vidreiro1.02 months ago“Visited twice.. closed both times. Based on reviews, they've been closed for moths. However, someone is taking care of tbe fish... you can see through the windows”
— Bob Cornelius3.04 months ago“Owner did not ask if we needed help, place did not look anything like the pictures and a customer brought in 2 dead fish absolutely horrible business I definitely do not recommend going here This place needs to be shut down”
— Jerry Kaufman2.0a month ago“I used to go here years ago with my son. Great store with amazing selections. Even the owner was very cool.i am not sure what is going on now?”
— J W5.03 months ago“Lots of dead fish, tanks are dirty and way too small for the large fish that's in them, staff doesn't really speak or ask if you need help with anything.”
— Kendra1.04 months ago“Every time I come here to try and buy a fish they are never open what’s going on is this even a real store? They don’t have a sign saying when they will be coming back and the hours online definitely say they’re open zero out of 10 what type Of business is this where they’re never open I I’m starting to think that’s not even a business at all”
— Leslie Bonsu1.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (908) 634-0825 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Paradise.