About
Pacific Aquarium & Plant has anchored downtown Manhattan for nearly 50 years, and walking in feels less like a pet shop than a stroll through a miniature public aquarium. Tanks run wall to wall, spotlessly clean and densely planted, with healthy livestock and not a single floater in sight. In a city where most people default to big-box chains, this independent fish store proves a local shop can thrive on expertise and genuine care, and longtime regulars describe an owner who still remembers customers who first visited as kids.
The stock leans heavily freshwater. Expect plump goldfish one reviewer likened to 'little puppies,' bettas kept in proper glass enclosures instead of the dreaded plastic cups, and a standout invertebrate selection of amano and cherry shrimp, ramshorn and mystery snails that draws shrimp keepers from across the city. The live plant wall is a destination in itself, with healthy java fern and java moss, and one customer reported her java fern thrived and multiplied at home.
There is also a saltwater section with fish and supplies, making this a well-rounded aquarium store for New York hobbyists across disciplines. If you are hunting for shrimp, goldfish, or aquarium plants for sale in New York, NY, this is a first stop. What truly sets the shop apart is the service.
Staff walk you through an entire tank setup with undivided attention, talk you out of the wrong fish for the wrong bowl, and answer endless questions with decades of real knowledge; they have even hosted school classes. A dedicated hardscape design station lets you test rock and wood layouts before buying, a thoughtful nod to the store's freshwater aquascaping roots. Prices sit above the chains, but regulars happily pay for fish this healthy.
Searching for a knowledgeable fish store near me in Manhattan? Pacific Aquarium & Plant is the genuine article.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Pacific Aquarium & Plant in New York, NY
Pacific Aquarium & Plant stocks shrimp, goldfish, betta fish, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in New York, NY. As an aquarium store serving New York, NY, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium setup, aquarium consultations and aquascaping.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Nearly 50 years anchoring downtown Manhattan's aquarium community
- Bettas housed in proper glass enclosures instead of plastic cups
- Dedicated hardscape design station for testing aquascape layouts before buying
- Standout invertebrate selection: amano and cherry shrimp, ramshorn and mystery snails
- Healthy live plant wall including java fern and java moss, plus a saltwater section
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This is the best general aquarium store around especially since the one near hudson yards closed. Reasonable prices. And I really do admire and appreciate the store hiring "unconventional" staff.”
— Jason Santos5.02 days ago“Shopped here for the first time last week. Tanks were clean and well planted, alot nicer than the aquatic store down the road. Got a single ramshorn for $1.50 and they gave me a good price on a tiny bit of java moss. Will come again.”
— Alexandra Canning5.06 days ago“Clearly communicated a purchase of one type of tetra (12.50 ea). Didn’t look before fish placed in black shopping bag. Called 1.5 days later as fish were still yellow vs red. Called to inquire if color would change once fish settled in or if sick. Given wrong fish. Asked for any amount of credit as goodwill gesture (store too far away as I don’t live in Manhattan), and owner refused even though their fault. I was there as they had previously recommended incompatible fish that killed all of my tetras except for one. Found out about that incompatibility during this visit and I still bought from them without any credit or refund requests.”
— Debra Brenner1.0a month ago“Best service and always friendly people here”
— Bakhytzhan Yerkebulan5.0a month ago“I didn’t realize how difficult it was to find a good local fish store, but this is the only one I’ll be shopping at from now on. All the tanks here are so beautiful and, more importantly, well-kept. Every creature has their specific needs met in each tank, and that alone tells you just how knowledgeable the staff are. I only came here for shrimp but was amazed at the variety and care, and cute little marker signs everywhere. The staff leave you alone until you ask for help, and then they help you a whole lot. Pricier than evil Petco/Petsmarts but I’m willing to pay that for actual healthy fish. Overall, an amazing experience.”
— aestriol5.0a month ago“They were absolutely amazing!! We are getting an aquarium for our 8 year old daughter as her birthday present. K”
— Katherin Caceres5.0a month ago“🤯 this place is breath taking. One of the best In nyc definitely don’t let the tolls stop you from visiting this gem. I went just for plants got fish and extra plants staff was helpful knowledgeable and friendly. I can’t wait to go back needed a few more fish to add but didn’t want to shock my tank. Loved my experience here”
— ImBroke Rob5.02 months ago“Worth a visit. One of the original and oldest aquarium retail stores that stood the test of time. The owner and staff are great people and highly knowledgeable in freshwater aquascaping. The store itself is a bit on the older side but is what gives it's amazing charm. Almost 50 years in business!”
— derek wong5.02 months ago“There are lots of aquarium plants to choose from. I got a Java fern that has thrived and grown plenty more Java ferns. The front desk and staff are super helpful and knowledgeable about all things related to aquariums.”
— Jeannie5.02 months ago“i love going here just to browse sometimes. the staff are very helpful, but not pushy--the kind to answer your questions but also say you shouldn't buy that goldfish for a fishbowl. ive gotten plants, livestock, and accessories from here. all of which were in great condition and/or fully functioning. i will say though that a lot of the prices are higher than what you will find online, in chain stores, or even some local stores---nothing wrong with that, rent is high and bills need to be paid. if anything i often come to this store because i trust in the staff's expertise.”
— BAN O.5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (212) 995-5895 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pacific Aquarium & Plant.