Monster Aquarium in Flushing, Queens is one of New York City's largest and most densely stocked freshwater fish shops — a sprawling space packed wall-to-wall with tanks housing everything from bleeding heart tetras and green neon tetras to platinum alligator gars, multiple arowana species, and discus. The sheer variety is staggering, and it's the kind of place where you'll spot Apistogramma dwarf cichlids next to bichirs and retropennis alongside tanks of healthy axolotls and Amano shrimp. The store also carries a strong selection of aquatic plants, which reviewers describe as pest-free and quick to adapt, plus a full range of tanks and equipment.
The livestock quality is generally praised — fish arrive healthy and active, tanks are clean and well-maintained, and the store even has a couple of resident cats greeting visitors between the aisles. The owner is noted for being communicative about new arrivals, giving regulars a heads-up when rare species come in. Prices draw mixed reactions: many find them reasonable, especially for unusual fish, while others consider them on the higher side.
Customer service is the store's most polarizing aspect. Some staff members earn genuine praise for patience with beginners and willingness to answer questions, particularly about axolotl care and tank setup. Others, however, can come across as dismissive or impatient, especially during busy periods — a recurring complaint across many reviews.
The store also ships fish nationally through their online store, though a few customers have reported receiving mislabeled species, so it's worth double-checking orders carefully. For the freshwater hobbyist in the greater New York area, Monster Aquarium remains hard to match on selection alone. Walking through the store feels like touring a living catalog of tropical and rare freshwater species, and if you come knowing what you want, you'll likely leave with healthy, vibrant fish.
Just be prepared for a no-frills shopping experience where the fish speak louder than the service.
Nelson Rivera
7 reviews
The best fish store with friendly staff, excellent choices, and nice prices must visit
Jiaruiasiankid212
2 reviews
Bought an arowanan and discus amazing price and healthy fish
Erick Turcke
21 reviews
Estoy en busca de Apistogramma lo tienen gracias
Debbie
58 reviews
Not very friendly in terms of customer service.
Dongwoo Kang
16 reviews
Very variable selections
Taimoor A.
86 reviews
Theres a lot to unpack here, so lets start with the positive! Def one of the best fish and variety i seen, and personally loved the animals they carry. If you know what youre getting then you should be fine. However… if youre someone like me who started going here and new to the hobby, you may be discouraged. Unfortunately besides the guy that works there, the rest come off extremely rude and dismissive. Now as someone who loves animals, I belive working in a pet shop should be a way to encourage hobbyists and bring them more joy- not suck their passion away and leave them feeling stupid (not only for money either). People should really think about the place they are working in and what it entails to the people coming there. What I do like is that the animals seem to be kept in reasonable conditions. 🐟🐠 Kind of iffy if i would go there again tbh, if you dont like working there you should prolly rethink your choices. (Your attitude shouldnt contingent on how “busy” the store may be- allegedly). And no not all pet stores are like this, I have a couple go to stores now who guided my startup and now i dont mind driving further just to go to their store instead ✌🏽
ZHY
5 reviews
这是一个糟糕的地方，虽然淡水鱼品种很多，在这里没有任何工作人员会对你微笑，问题稍微问多一点就表现的很不耐烦，更不要提价格上的折扣了，他们只是想你马上付钱滚蛋，不买东西不要进来也不要问，纽约地区服务最差的方
MYRON MANDI
12 reviews
Truly outstanding service from start to finish
Caitlyn
2 reviews
It was our first time visiting this store and They are awesome!! We got our first true platinum alligator gar from them and we love him! Very nice and kind people! Truly an amazing selection of fish and we look forward to being back soon!!
Missy Ferriol
17 reviews
Great experience buying our axolotl and aquatic plants here. The axolotl was healthy, active, and clearly well cared for. Staff were knowledgeable and took the time to answer our questions, especially for first-time axolotl owners. The aquatic plants were fresh, clean, and in excellent condition—no pests, no melting, and they adapted well to our tank. The store itself is clean and well organized, and you can tell they really care about their animals. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for healthy aquatic pets and quality plants. We’ll definitely be coming back for future supplies.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (347) 732-0373 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Monster Aquarium Inc - Shop in Queens New York.
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131-08 40th Rd, Flushing, NY 11354
February 7, 2026
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