About
Walk into A & R Reptiles and Aquariums in Elmsford, NY and the first thing you see is a huge display tank packed with bright, healthy fish — usually with a staff member already heading over to say hello. This family-run Westchester County shop, led by owner Rich (Richie to the regulars), has earned a loyal following among freshwater hobbyists and reptile keepers, some of whom drive in from the Bronx, bypassing plenty of other pet stores to get here. The freshwater side is the heart of the store.
Cichlids are a genuine strength, and you'll also find guppies, mollies and other livebearers for sale in Elmsford, NY, alongside bettas, catfish — including a much-loved striped Raphael named Hercules — and axolotls that regulars save up for. Recent visitors have been picking up pea puffers, mystery snails, African dwarf frogs and live black worms, and the shop keeps live plants and quality foods in steady supply. Every tank is meticulously kept, a detail reviewers mention over and over, and the fish are visibly thriving.
What separates A & R from the big-box chains is the time the staff spends with you. Josh is repeatedly singled out for patiently walking first-time tank owners through their setups and helping people land the best prices on healthy fish and aquarium plants. John has been known to spend half an hour talking captive-bred reptiles, and Rich himself helped one customer pick out and set up a 75-gallon tank with a matching stand and canopy that still looked brand new a year later.
Pricing is consistently called fair — often cheaper than the chains on tank lids and supplies — and the shop stocks Zoo Med terrariums and dry goods that rival the larger retailers. If you're searching for a freshwater fish store near me in the Elmsford area, A & R is the kind of place where the animals come first and the advice is grounded in real, lifelong experience. 8 rating across 155 reviews reflects exactly that.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at A & R Reptiles and Aquariums in Elmsford, NY
A & R Reptiles and Aquariums stocks cichlids, betta fish, livebearers, axolotls, invertebrates, catfish, pufferfish, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Elmsford, NY. As a fish store serving Elmsford, NY, it also offers aquarium consultations, aquarium setup and fish boarding.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Huge display tank of healthy freshwater fish greets you at the door
- Cichlids, livebearers, bettas and catfish anchor a strong freshwater selection
- Axolotls, pea puffers, African dwarf frogs and mystery snails regularly in stock
- Owner Rich plus knowledgeable staff like Josh and John guide first-time tank setups
- Fair pricing and Zoo Med terrariums — often cheaper than big-box chains on lids and supplies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“A&R reptiles and aquariums are the best pet store I've ever visited including the one I used to work for 5 years. I bought 2 African dwarf frogs a mystery snail and live black worms 🪱. My animals are thriving, and I already taught them how to come to me for food when I tap the glass it only took 3 days. I will be buying a leopard gecko next. And then a crested gecko.(Update) This is me feeding Phoebe my ADF there favorite food is live black worms but frozen is just as good also frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp never give them freeze dried worms because it impacts their intestines and they have trouble digesting. And if you really want to see a show give them live daphnea from eBay You can get there Frozen food at Petco thx for watching 😁”
— Andre Fuller5.0Edited 2 days ago“got my baby crestie here the staff was so kind and calm. They also let me hold them to see if i liked the calmness of them”
— Arsh Nisha5.0a month ago“Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Awesome place to get a new pet. Thanks A&R. We love our new beetle.”
— Rich S5.0a month ago“Bought 2 small koi for my indoor pond. They died after one day, then my other koi died. Called and was told to drop off the fish so he could look at them. That was 2 years ago, still waiting on a call back.”
— Tony C1.0a month ago“Very nice store and very helpful . Thanks for always helping From fist to reptile they have it .”
— Javier Rodriguez5.0a month ago“Let's just say... Absolutely the best place to go for your fish needs!! Josh was amazing help and was extremely knowledgeable with everything. I was able to find the best prices and quality of fish and aquarium plants. I bought a few pea puffers and they are doing amazing! They even have axolotls too!!🤗 I now have my forever place for my hobby. Thanks Soo much Josh!!! Highly recommend 110%”
— Sarah5.0a month ago“I personally do not respect the owner.”
— The Guy1.02 months ago“It's the favorite spot for my son and I. To spend about an hour and look around. Very knowledgeable staff. They care deeply. If you're into aquariums and fresh water, this is the spot”
— peter kalaitzidis5.02 months ago“Very helpful and knowledgeable. Check them out.”
— Keith Hayman5.02 months ago“Knowledgeable staff and good selection of necessities for fish and reptiles !”
— Jason M5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (914) 372-7101 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting A & R Reptiles and Aquariums.