About
Ocean Gallery on Route 22 in North Plainfield, New Jersey is a sprawling aquatic and exotic animal shop that draws fish keepers from across the tri-state area with its sheer volume of livestock. The saltwater section is a particular draw — customers rave about the coral selection and healthy clownfish — while the freshwater side runs deep with African cichlids (including mbunas), catfish, stingrays, and a rotating inventory of tropical species that keeps regulars coming back week after week. Aquatic plants and invertebrates like shrimp and snails round out the live offerings, and the store will place special orders for species they don't have in stock.
The staff, led by Joe, earns consistent praise for walking customers through their first saltwater setups, recommending compatible tank mates, and offering hands-on guidance that goes beyond a quick sale. Multiple reviewers note that the team is patient with newcomers and genuinely knowledgeable about water chemistry and species care. Pricing is frequently cited as competitive, and the supply section stocks enough dry goods, fish food, and equipment to outfit tanks of any scale.
It's worth noting that Ocean Gallery also sells reptiles, amphibians, and small animals — snakes, iguanas, bearded dragons, rabbits — and this side of the business has drawn pointed criticism. Several reviewers with husbandry experience have documented neglected enclosures, improper conditions, and animals in poor health. Even supporters acknowledge that fish appear to be the store's true priority, and the reptile section doesn't receive the same level of attention.
For fishkeeping, though, the store delivers. The livestock is consistently described as healthy and vibrant, the selection is enormous, and the atmosphere feels like a real community fish shop rather than a sterile chain retailer. If you're in central New Jersey and building out a freshwater or saltwater setup, Ocean Gallery's combination of variety, pricing, and staff expertise makes it a destination worth the drive.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- CoralsAfrican CichlidsLive PlantsShrimpInvertebratesClownfishCatfishRare SpeciesAquarium EquipmentFish Food
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive selection of freshwater and saltwater fish including stingrays, African cichlids, and catfish
- Well-stocked coral section praised by saltwater hobbyists
- Staff will place special orders for specific species at competitive prices
- Knowledgeable team offers hands-on guidance for first-time saltwater tank setups
- Conveniently located on Route 22 with evening hours until 8pm on weekdays
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This is a HORRIBLE pet store! They know nothing about the care of the animals they sell! No vet care and poor living conditions for the reptiles, rabbits etc. Don’t buy from them and report conditions to local authorities for animal cruelty.”
— Suzanne Baxter1.059 minutes ago“Doesn't even deserve 1 star... Animals neglected here. The Lizeards, bunnies and fish just to begin. Report this place”
— Tiffany Sheets1.0a day ago“A fish place should NOT be selling rabbits, this is abuse, these rabbits are not properly taken care of. Please don't buy from them they'll just get more rabbits and not take care of them correctly. This is disgusting.”
— Julia Amaro1.0a day ago“Very helpful and polite”
— Joyce Imperiosi5.0a week ago“Cool”
— melissa pietrangelo4.0a month ago“They are very helpful”
— Don Stulz5.02 months ago“Love this place .. if you are a real fish keeper/reptile lover. I highly recommend you check this place out , Extremely friendly, very good fish and animals are always healthy. Huge selection very cool stuff ..and the staff is very Knowledgeable . Support Your local fish spot !!”
— Nick Kosinski5.03 months ago“Great place, owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. Selection of fish is awesome.”
— Jeremy Logel5.04 months ago“The reptiles and amphibians at the store were pretty neglected. I am an experienced keeper and work with ectothermic animals for a living. Soiled bedding, improper husbandry, not to mention about half of the animals' water bowls were bone dry. The fish section, to me, seemed in better conditions. I got the distinct impression that the fish are the main focus of the staff, and the reptiles and amphibians are not given nearly as much attention. Its a shame, I was looking forward to visiting the shop because I had heard good things but just came away saddened by the conditions that these animals were living in.”
— Scott Noetzli1.05 months ago“Love this place great people, great animals”
— Jay5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (908) 226-1100 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Ocean Gallery.