City Island Aquarium Tropical Fish Sales

Tucked away on City Island in the Bronx, City Island Aquarium Tropical Fish Sales is the kind of neighborhood fish shop that feels like stepping back in time — in the best possible way. Owner Rob runs an old-school operation where every tank is meticulously maintained and the livestock is genuinely healthy. Multiple reviewers note that fish and invertebrates purchased here thrive at home, a testament to Rob's care behind the scenes.

The selection punches well above what you'd expect from a small storefront. Rob stocks both freshwater and saltwater species, with reviewers spotting everything from pike cichlids and puffers to cherry shrimp, bettas, mudskippers, frogs, and snails. One customer described a reef and tropical collection that rivals shops across the five boroughs, while another was simply "shocked" by the breadth of inventory.

If Rob doesn't have what you're looking for, reviewers say he'll personally source it for you. Live plants are part of the equation too. Rob keeps his bettas in planted setups with plenty of space — a detail that speaks volumes about his philosophy.

He's been known to hand customers stem plant cuttings and free duckweed to help their animals settle during transport. That generosity comes up again and again in reviews: reasonable prices, honest advice, and a willingness to spend real time explaining care requirements to anyone who asks. One particularly telling review comes from a fishkeeper who had repeated failures with freshwater shrimp purchased from big-box stores.

After buying cherry shrimp from Rob, every single one survived. That's not luck — that's proper quarantine, stable water parameters, and healthy stock from the start. For Bronx residents and City Island locals who've long had to trek elsewhere for quality aquarium livestock, Rob's shop fills a real gap.

The prices are fair, the fish are healthy, and the owner treats every customer like a fellow hobbyist. It's the kind of place you walk into for one fish and leave planning your next tank.