About
Tucked into a strip near the Washington, NJ DMV, Exotic Aquatics is a family-run aquarium store that consistently surprises first-time visitors with the depth of its livestock. Owner Miguel runs the floor alongside his mom Susan and the rest of the family, and reviewers keep returning for two things: notably clean tanks and genuinely helpful advice. The shop keeps both freshwater and saltwater fish for sale in Washington, NJ — from jaguar cichlids, bettas, and gobies to clownfish and reef invertebrates — and customers regularly call out healthy, well-cared-for stock.
Variety is the real draw. Reviewers describe a "crazy variety" that pairs hard-to-find species with everyday community fish, and Miguel is known to take special orders for less common critters. The live plant selection earns its own praise: shoppers report buying healthy specimens that keep thriving weeks later in their nano and planted tanks.
Driftwood, décor, aquarium equipment, and a deep range of frozen fish foods round out what's available, with several customers discovering frozen varieties they hadn't seen elsewhere. Staff knowledge comes up again and again. Susan helps customers match compatible tank mates and pick invertebrates like snails, while the team walks newcomers through filters, species-specific setups, and their first saltwater reef builds.
One betta keeper was relieved to finally get real advice about tank mates after cookie-cutter answers elsewhere. The store also keeps genuinely exotic animals on display — stingrays among them — giving it a wow factor beyond typical pet-store fare, and a Clover rewards program sweetens repeat visits. Prices run a little above the big chains, but most of this fish store's reviewers describe a clean, well-curated shop where the livestock is healthy and the family truly wants you set up for success.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Exotic Aquatics in Washington, NJ
Exotic Aquatics stocks rare and hard-to-find species, betta fish, cichlids, clownfish, invertebrates, reef fish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Washington, NJ. As an aquarium store serving Washington, NJ, it also carries dry goods, aquarium equipment and fish food and offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-run by owner Miguel and his mom Susan, with notably clean, well-kept tanks
- Both freshwater and saltwater livestock — jaguar cichlids, bettas, gobies, clownfish, and reef invertebrates
- Genuinely exotic animals on display, including stingrays
- Strong live plant selection with healthy specimens, plus special orders for hard-to-find species
- Hands-on help with tank mates, filters, and first reef setups, plus a Clover rewards program
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Susan is amazing and wonderful. Super helpful.”
— Mahindra Anmolsingh5.0a month ago“Alots of cool fish. Didnt get any though because the employee was just on his phone when trying to ask for help.”
— Josh Teplica2.02 months ago“The staff at Exotic Aquatics are very knowledgeable and helpful. They have a wide variety of fish and plants to choose from. We’re always able to find the supplies we need too. Washington is fortunate to have a unique business like Exotic Aquatics in our town.”
— Gail M5.02 months ago“Very friendly staff and great selection 10/10 recommend”
— Zach McCann5.02 months ago“Had a very excellent experience Susan was a very hospitable host made me feel welcome”
— Jonathan Morales5.02 months ago“Absolutely fantastic LFS. Owner is present, knowledgeable. Had the pleasure of meeting and conversering with his family as well who run the establishment. If you are into the aquatic hobby this is a gem of a place. I highly recommend stopping by. Great selection of all types of cichlids as well as other fresh and salt water creatures as well as tanks and accessories... great find.”
— Rick Garcia5.02 months ago“I must say Exotic Aquatics has a great variety of fish and supplies, for beginners, intermediates and expert fish lovers. I really enjoyed viewing all of the different types of fish and I was given some excellent advise in regards to the current fish I have. I would highly recommend this store and I will be back.”
— Atiya Jacobs5.02 months ago“I was at DMV n saw this place. Very nice fish tanks & fish. But I bought 4 fish and they died within no time. I am a very knowledgeable aquarium owner for 30 yrs. I feel bad. There fish are also very expensive. I'll stick with the mom & pop shop I go to in hacketstown nj. Never had problem n very good people there. The guy at This store was just cold n unapproachable.”
— Amey Gunderman1.03 weeks ago“Miquel is highly knowledgeable! The fish are extremely healthy and I am a repeat customer. He offers advice and all equipment to set up your specific species tank. Thanks !”
— Matthew K5.0a month ago“extremely professional and kind. lots of cool plants. great place to check out.”
— Sprinkles5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (908) 223-1016 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Exotic Aquatics.