PetCenter in Old Bridge, New Jersey is primarily known as a puppy destination, but tucked inside this modern, immaculately clean facility is a fish department that consistently surprises visitors. Multiple reviewers describe walking in expecting a standard pet store and discovering stingrays swimming alongside vibrant African cichlids and lush aquatic plants — a combination that elevates PetCenter well beyond the typical chain store experience. The aquarium section owes much of its reputation to Austin, a staff member whose name appears again and again in reviews.
Customers describe him as a walking encyclopedia on African cichlids, helping hobbyists select healthy, brilliantly colored specimens for community tanks. One long-time fishkeeper who spent a decade buying saltwater and freshwater fish across the entire tri-state area says PetCenter has become their go-to shop, praising the immaculate tank conditions and the longevity of every fish purchased over an 18-month stretch. The freshwater selection leans toward colorful community fish and African cichlids, but the store also stocks saltwater species and carries live plants suitable for planted tanks and turtle setups.
The fact that you might spot a freshwater stingray on the same visit you pick up a handful of tetras speaks to the range the fish department covers. Beyond fish, PetCenter is a full-service pet store with puppies, bunnies, birds, and reptiles, plus a solid dry goods section. The facility itself feels new and well-organized — reviewers consistently note the cleanliness and professional atmosphere.
Staff across departments, not just the fish section, receive praise for patience and product knowledge. For aquarium hobbyists in central New Jersey, the fish department at PetCenter Old Bridge is worth the trip. The tanks are well-maintained, the livestock arrives healthy and vibrant, and Austin's expertise on cichlid species and general fishkeeping makes the buying experience genuinely educational.
It's one of those departments that deserves to be better known outside its immediate neighborhood.
Louis Esposito
79 reviews
Very nice pretty center. Nice verity off fish and other pets. They're not exotic enough for my tastes, but for the mainstream people they're fine.
Maj Britt Andersson
4 reviews
Urdåligt! Beställde och swichade i början av december i fjol och har fortfarande inte fått någon beställning av torrfoder. När jag hör av mig så kommer det en lam ursäkt med förseningar hos leverantören, men det kommer på torsdag så ska du få dim bäställnimg 1-2 dagar.Petcenter hör inte av sig självmant Eller så ingen respond alls från dem
Mike`` Pietropaolo
8 reviews
Me and my wife were in the store post Christmas just browsing around for some African Cicalids and came across some beauties. Had the pleasure of working with Austin who was very knowledgeable of the breed. Picked up 6 of them to add to my community in my 75 gallon tank. Thank you Austin for the amazing service and advice. Looking forward to many more great fish adventures to the store. I am in amazement at the most beautiful fish I have purchased from The Petcenter in Old Bridge this afternoon. Austin you’ve done it again. This new batch of African Cichlids are so vibrant in colors and healthy I would have been a fool to not purchase them. Your deep knowledge of the breed is so welcoming. Thank you for the AMAZING service and quality of product you sell.
Jon Franklin
4 reviews
Cool fish department, didn't expect to see things like stingrays while also having lots of community fish and plants
M Rosi
2 reviews
I purchased some aquatic plants for my fresh water turtle tank. I got infested with snails. I called and was told there was nothing they would do because I purchased them over the summer and I let to much time pass. The problem didn’t present itself right away and by the time it was noticed, there were thousands of snails in my tank. I also bought a few fish there that died within a few days I would use caution when shopping there as I will never again. After speaking with the manager who was extremely rude. I was offered no remedy. They also admitted they have a snail problem and that their tank is quarantined. I was also threatened with suing over a false review How am I trying to scam you I made a purchase there. I tried to deal with the problem myself for months and called for advice. I was offered nothing so I said I was gonna leave a bad review. As far as the fish your employee didn’t ring me up properly that’s why it wasn’t on the receipt and I couldn’t get a replacement fish at the time . If you look further on the 25 th I spent $8.52 on a second fish that died also I could care less about the $130 or so I spent in your store I just wanted help with the snail problem. I see you changed your response when the truth comes out.
Wilson Melendez
2 reviews
Had an amazing experience. One of the workers was very kind and I was able to have a small moment to play with the most adorable dog Bell! She was so energetic and so loving it warmed my heart. Amazing place to see for the first time and I would come back! Would highly recommend visiting this place if you want the right dog for you!
Elizabeth Landy
Had a very professional experience at the pet center. Julia was super helpful and answered all of our questions. We felt safe in our decision to purchase our mini daschound. Best experience ever! 10/10
TFAT 25
3 reviews
Austen was very helpful with my questions about fish and aquariums and recommended some products I will most likely be purchasing soon.
Petrina Mikelis
3 reviews
lady with long curly dark hair is nastiest person i ever met. called to make sure it was okay to play with puppies and told me yes on the phone, we just come and pick our favorite dog and can play. Drove 45 minutes here only to be told everyone in my group needs ID even though we’re all visibly over 18 years old. She didn’t think to tell me this on the phone ? I asked why there were 2 year olds playing with obviously no ID and was told that they have a parent with them. i offered a picture of my id (front and back) as well as picture of my passport and scanned version of my passport and was turned down. worst experience. her responses were rude and you can tell she just wants everyone as miserable as her.
Rich Carlino
34 reviews
Very new and modern looking shop.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (732) 993-6473 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting PetCenter.
Phone
(732) 993-6473Address
3833 US-9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, USA
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3833 US-9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, USA
February 7, 2026
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