Tri-County Tropicals, Inc.

Tucked away on a dead-end road in Richmond Hill, New York, Tri-County Tropicals operates out of a warehouse that most people would drive right past — and that's part of its mystique. There's no flashy storefront, no website, and no sign to speak of. You ring a buzzer, someone comes to the door, and then you step into what one reviewer aptly called "fish heaven": a sprawling warehouse reportedly housing around 900 tanks of freshwater and saltwater fish.

The discus selection is what draws serious hobbyists from across the five boroughs and beyond. An entire wall is dedicated to discus varieties — white, yellow, and more — with full-grown adults averaging four inches and priced around $100 each. Multiple reviewers attest to the health and longevity of fish purchased here, with one noting their discus were still thriving two years later.

That's a meaningful endorsement in a hobby where livestock quality can be hit or miss. Beyond discus, the warehouse stocks a broad range of freshwater tropical fish and live plants, and they carry saltwater fish as well. Inventory moves fast, so regular visits are rewarded.

The staff is knowledgeable and willing to take time explaining which fish are doing well and offering care pointers — though a few reviewers have noted some encounters with brusque attitudes. It's a no-frills, wholesale-style operation: come in knowing roughly what you want, and you'll leave with healthy fish at fair prices. A few practical notes: Tri-County Tropicals is cash only, and their hours lean toward midday — noon to 3 PM is the recommended window.

Finding the location can be genuinely challenging, so map it carefully before heading out. Phone responsiveness has been inconsistent according to some visitors. For aquarists in the New York City area who prioritize livestock quality over retail polish, this Richmond Hill warehouse delivers.

The discus alone make it a destination worth seeking out, and the sheer scale of the operation — hundreds of tanks across a cavernous space — is something no chain store can replicate.