About
Tucked into West Babylon, Underground Aquaticz has earned a near-cult following among Long Island freshwater hobbyists who come for livestock they genuinely can't find anywhere else. Owner Chris runs the kind of tight, immaculately kept shop where regulars report never spotting a single dead fish — every tank is clean, planted, and clearly tended by someone who cares. Walk in and you'll find a roster that reads like a collector's wish list: L-number plecos, arowanas, jewel and ringtail pike cichlids, Congo spotted pufferfish, pinktail chalceus, rope fish, Oscars, angelfish, African cichlids, and discus all sharing space under one roof.
For anyone hunting rare freshwater fish for sale in West Babylon, NY, this independent fish store is the destination. One recent visitor walked out with a red tail barracuda; another calls it hands down the best shop on the Island after more than a year of regular trips. Chris is honest about what will and won't work in your setup — ask him anything and you'll get a straight, knowledgeable answer instead of a hard sell.
The shop isn't only for advanced keepers. Beginner-friendly community fish, healthy aquatic plants, hardscape rocks, and driftwood are all available in West Babylon, NY, right alongside the exotics. Shrimp keepers are especially well looked after: one customer picked up ten vivid cherry shrimp and went home with around twenty free babies tucked into his floating plants, plus a net on the house — the kind of small generosity that turns first-timers into regulars.
Pricing draws steady praise as fair, even on the harder-to-source species. The store has also built a quiet reputation for compassion, taking in rehomed fish that other shops turn away, including a foot-long common pleco one owner drove 40 minutes to surrender. Between owner Chris and manager Chris, the help stays personal and the passion is obvious.
For Long Island aquarists searching for uncommon freshwater livestock near them, Underground Aquaticz is well worth the drive.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Underground Aquaticz in West Babylon, NY
Underground Aquaticz stocks cichlids, African cichlids, discus, shrimp, arowanas, plecos, pufferfish, rare and hard-to-find species, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in West Babylon, NY. As a fish store serving West Babylon, NY, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Rare freshwater livestock you won't find elsewhere: L-number plecos, arowanas, jewel and ringtail pike cichlids, Congo spotted pufferfish, rope fish, and a red tail barracuda
- Immaculately maintained tanks — customers consistently report not seeing a single dead fish in store
- Owner Chris and manager Chris are hands-on, honest, and deeply knowledgeable about setups
- Strong shrimp selection (including cherry shrimp) plus healthy aquatic plants, hardscape rocks, and driftwood
- Fair pricing on hard-to-source species and a willingness to rehome large fish other stores refuse
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Absolutely phenomenal experience whenever I walk in. Not only is Chris extremely personable and knowledgeable, he has an amazing stock of fish and plants and will help you with your specific needs. Cannot recommend this LFS anymore!”
— Nicholas Felt5.02 days ago“Rare fish and nice people!”
— The Waterfront SLC5.03 weeks ago“Hands down, the best shop on the Island. Chris is honest, friendly and cares about what you're buying. Been going there for over a year now and Underground Aquaticz is my go to.”
— Matt Barrera5.0a month ago“Awesome place! Underground offers a really nice inventory of healthy exotic fish. Chris is super knowledgeable and helpful with guiding me into the right direction for my aquarium. I highly recommend visiting Underground.”
— Peter impastato5.0a month ago“I am extremely pleased with my order from Underground aquaticz. My fishs a beyond gorgeous. They did a excellent job in shipping. Fish were is great shape when I opened the box. Shipping a lot more than I was used to spending. Only issue I had.”
— Tamara Gribling5.0a month ago“Nice guys, good selection of small freshwater fish which is what I was looking for. I didn't buy anything but I'll come back. The fish looked healthy and the tanks were very clean.”
— Corinne VanBrunt5.02 months ago“All the way from NY to AZ. Perfect shipping of fish with great condition. One of a kind selection of exotic fish nowhere to be found in other stores in the US.”
— 조원진5.02 months ago“I always get my shrimp here and have gotten a few fish here two they are mostly fairly priced nothing I had gotten here has died prematurely and they even gave me a free net yesterday when I got shrimp I got 10 adult cherry shrimp which are all healthy with solid color and he even gave me about 20 babies I don’t really have much bad stuff to say about the store and I like it I have gone about 3 or 4 times and no complaints so far. I will include a picture of some adults and a baby he included in my floating plants.”
— Alexander Haussermann5.02 months ago“A gem on Long Island. One of the few fish stores that has livestock you won't find anywhere else. All my fish have been doing well. The owner is also very knowledgeable and friendly. This store is worth the drive for any aquarium enthusiast.”
— R&T&E5.0Edited 3 months ago“Tried to check this place out, went at different times and it has NEVER been open, phone has no answering machine”
— Christopher King1.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (631) 422-1470 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Underground Aquaticz.