About
PetCenter in Old Bridge, New Jersey reads at first glance like a bright, family-friendly puppy store, but walk past the pens and you'll find a genuine aquarium store tucked inside, one that keeps surprising hobbyists who wander in expecting the usual chain-store tanks. Visitors regularly describe spotting freshwater stingrays gliding past vibrant African cichlids and lush walls of aquatic plants, a range you rarely see outside a dedicated fish shop. Much of that reputation traces back to Austin, the staff member whose name turns up again and again in aquarium reviews.
Regulars call him a walking encyclopedia on African cichlids, the kind of person who'll talk you through stocking a community tank and hand-pick brilliantly colored specimens for it. One longtime fishkeeper who had bought saltwater and freshwater fish across the tri-state area for a decade now treats PetCenter as a go-to, praising immaculate tanks and fish that stay healthy month after month. The freshwater side leans toward colorful community species, with African cichlids alongside schooling fish like cardinal tetras for sale in Old Bridge, NJ, while live plants suit planted aquariums and even freshwater turtle setups.
Saltwater livestock plus aquarium tanks, equipment, and dry goods round out the department, so you can pick up fish and the gear to house them on the same trip. As recently as this summer, visitors still describe the store as clean, well-organized, and easy to browse with kids in tow. Beyond the fish room, PetCenter is a full-service pet store with puppies, bunnies, birds, ferrets, and reptiles.
For central New Jersey aquarium keepers searching for African cichlids or community fish near me, the fish department here is worth the trip: well-kept tanks, healthy livestock, and in Austin a genuinely knowledgeable guide who makes a visit feel less like shopping and more like getting good advice.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at PetCenter in Old Bridge, NJ
PetCenter stocks African cichlids, rare and hard-to-find species, tetras, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Old Bridge, NJ. As an aquarium store serving Old Bridge, NJ, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Austin is the aquarium specialist regulars praise for deep, hands-on African cichlid knowledge
- Surprising livestock for a pet store, including freshwater stingrays and vibrant African cichlids
- Strong live aquatic plant selection suited to planted tanks and freshwater turtle setups
- Freshwater community fish like cardinal tetras alongside saltwater livestock and aquarium gear
- Clean, modern, family-friendly store that recent 2026 visitors still call well-maintained
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We love our ferrets”
— Megan RODRIGUEZ5.020 hours ago“We had a great after-school visit with my young niece and nephew! They loved seeing the puppies, rabbits & fish. Jake and his colleagues were attentive, helpful, not pushy and answered all of our questions. The store was also very clean and well-maintained.”
— Fatima5.06 days ago“I bought a teddy bear dog from the pet center. Her name there was Spring. I gave her to my wife for mother's day. I have to say this I'm not a leave a review guy but after this experience with the staff and meeting her seeing the love my wife has for her I had to leave a review. You are awesome her name now is Cannoli and we love her. She is amazing dog. I was afraid to buy a dog from a store but this isn't any ordinary store its full of love and great people again thank you for our new family member”
— Harry Cupolo5.0a week ago“Do Not buy a puppy from here they will come back sick and then they don’t want to take responsibility for the vet bills of their sick puppies stay far away from this place. It’s funny how they claim we didn’t try to process the vet bills through their site but we did and never received a phone call back as they claim in two days however there are other reviews with the same issues. And I’m sure this is the young girl with no customer service or class who is upset because I emptied the store of clients when I said you sell sick puppies and don’t want to reimburse for vet bills. But don’t worry the puppy is safe with us we will continue to give her proper care unlike your store did . And I will be more than happy to go to the better business bureau and report your store and try to get it closed down for selling sick puppies.”
— Emily Santana1.02 weeks ago“Great selection of bunnies”
— Phillip Jensen5.02 weeks ago“Love playing with the puppies!”
— Olivia Smalls5.02 weeks ago“PetCenter helped us find the perfect puppy for our family. Everyone was patient, informative, and genuinely cared about making a good match. Our puppy has brought so much joy to our home, and we’re grateful for the excellent experience!! Can’t wait to be back soon!”
— Melissa Robinson5.02 weeks ago“Great experience! The staff was helpful and made the process easy. Our puppy is healthy, playful, and already a beloved member of our family. Thank you, PetCenter!”
— Ethan Parker5.02 weeks ago“My Fiance and I Came back to buy our 2nd pup the other day! As always had an amazing experience. They made sure I had everything I needed to introduce my other pup with our new one! In total my family, including ours has 6 pups from PetCenter💕So happy to have found them! Photo of some of our babies from PetCenter”
— Jessie5.02 weeks ago“Such a great place!!! We found our new family member there.Thank you so much Bella for helping us find the perfect dog!!! ....Update got a second puppy First puppy is named Coco we ending up naming our second one Bella just like the girl who helped us get Coco!!! Thank you to Kenny for helping us pick out Bella!!!”
— Melissa Drum5.0Edited 3 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (732) 993-6473 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting PetCenter.