Ocean Gallery

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.