About
Tucked into a Staten Island neighborhood, Fishtopia is the kind of local pet store that earns its reputation one customer at a time. Run by Theresa and a small, dedicated team, this mom-and-pop shop has built a loyal following among aquarists across the borough — and even draws people from well outside the immediate area. The heart of Fishtopia is its fish room.
The store stocks primarily freshwater species, with healthy African cichlids (including impressive 4-inch Mbunas), goldfish, and a rotating selection of unique and harder-to-find species. Saltwater hobbyists will also find supplies and stock worth the trip. Every tank in the store is clean and well-maintained, a detail customers notice and appreciate.
If something isn't in stock, the staff will special order it — multiple reviewers confirm they've had specific fish sourced on request. Beyond fish, Fishtopia carries a solid range of aquarium equipment, decorations, foods, and water care products. One customer raved about a staff-recommended water clarifier that fixed a cloudy tank in 30 minutes flat.
The store also caters to reptile keepers with live feeders, supplies for bearded dragons and tortoises, and even hatches baby lizards in the back. Birds and small animals round out the menagerie. What sets Fishtopia apart from the big-box pet chains is the personal attention.
Staff members take time to answer questions — even over the phone for a sick goldfish — offer honest compatibility advice for community tanks, and patiently engage with kids exploring the store. They gave one moving family free bags and relocation tips for their fish. This isn't a store that pushes products; it's one that builds relationships.
For Staten Island aquarists tired of impersonal corporate stores staffed by disinterested employees, Fishtopia delivers real expertise, fair prices, and a genuinely warm atmosphere. The clean tanks and healthy animals speak for themselves.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Healthy, well-maintained freshwater fish selection including African cichlids and Mbunas
- Special ordering service for specific fish and hard-to-find species
- Knowledgeable staff led by Theresa who provide honest, personalized advice
- Reptile supplies, live feeders, and small animals alongside aquarium stock
- Spotlessly clean tanks and fair pricing that outshines big-box competitors
From keepers
Customer reviews
“DONT like fish.”
— Maximilian5.06 days ago“Customer service!!! Shop local and receive service and care. They ordered and got me the exact fish I wanted!!!”
— Kevin W5.03 months ago“Great store! We were moving our fish and the owner gave us free bags and helpful tips to do it safely and effectively.”
— Adam Bokhari5.04 months ago“I called the store to get an expert opinion on my sick goldfish. The woman who answered was very sweet and informative. I’ll go out of my way to go here because of the care I received even on a phone call”
— Diana Wheeler5.0a year ago“Very nice little Pet Shop. Good variety of products for sale at good prices. The Staff was accommodating. Most shockingly this Pet Shop actually had pets for sale; Reptiles, Birds and a great Fish Room.”
— ZY5.0a year ago“Always get my food for my reptiles from them, great people and are very very friendly. Totally recommend (they also got really Pretty fish!!!!)”
— Salvatore Palermo5.0Edited a year ago“My favorite pet store”
— Mike Lopardo5.0a year ago“Staff was knowledgeable and helpful highly recommend going here for all your aquarium needs”
— robert wambser5.02 years ago“Nice people, small local shop. They have fish, reptiles, birds and what you need to feed them.”
— David S5.0Edited 2 years ago“Great shop for fish birds or reptiles The owners are great people its not one of them corporate stores”
— Anthony Marchitelli5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (718) 524-8404 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fishtopia.