About
In the mountain town of Boone, North Carolina, Reef Magic has been a fixture of the High Country aquarium scene for more than two decades — a long tenure for a specialty shop this far up the mountain. As a full saltwater and freshwater aquarium store, it pulls reef keepers from across the region, some driving over an hour for a marine selection that's hard to find locally: clownfish, cleanup crews, live rock, and a rotating wall of corals, plus RO water and premixed saltwater for hobbyists topping off their reefs. On the freshwater side, you'll find community fish, angelfish, koi, ghost shrimp, mystery snails, and live plants for sale in Boone, NC.
Part of the charm is the cast of characters. Regulars stop in to see Nora the nurse shark and Cheese the cowfish, while Luna the husky is usually holding court near the door. Staff — Lorenzo among them — earn steady praise for slowing down with newcomers, sketching out community tanks, and walking first-timers through saltwater basics without making anyone feel rushed.
Reef Magic recently came under new ownership, and the change shows. Recent visitors describe a store that's clean and fully stocked, with healthy, vibrant fish across the displays; "the new owner really turned this place around," as one summer reviewer put it. Longtime marine customers still report finding everything they need for a saltwater aquarium, from quality livestock to a solid coral lineup, and newcomers searching for "saltwater fish near me" in the High Country won't find a closer option.
Hours can be unpredictable, so it's worth a quick call before making the drive, especially if you're after a specific fish. At its best, this is an independent, knowledgeable aquarium store that holds its own against shops in much bigger cities — and for Boone-area aquarists, it remains the local go-to for both saltwater and freshwater livestock.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Reef Magic in Boone, NC
Reef Magic stocks corals, reef fish, clownfish, live rock, invertebrates, shrimp, koi, angelfish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Boone, NC. As an aquarium store serving Boone, NC, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Over 20 years as Boone's primary saltwater and freshwater aquarium store
- Strong reef side: clownfish, cleanup crews, live rock, corals, plus RO water and premixed saltwater
- Recently under new ownership — recent visitors report a clean, fully stocked store with healthy fish
- Freshwater livestock including community fish, angelfish, koi, ghost shrimp, and live plants
- Staff praised for patient, unhurried tank planning and saltwater guidance
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Always helpful great fish”
— Maxi Wilcox5.0a week ago“The new owner really turned this place around. Place was clean, shelves fully stocked, fish all looked nice and healthy. Will definitely be shopping here more regularly now.”
— Graham Langdon5.02 weeks ago“We drove an hour to buy a fish they said was in stock and when we arrived they didn't have it. Gas isn't free”
— Barry Calloway1.03 weeks ago“I was so excited to come visit this store only to arrive and be incredibly disappointed & saddened by the lack of proper care for the fish and the completely unethical supplies being sold here. All the tanks were so beyond dirty, full of pests, Blackbeard algae and all around miserable conditions. They even sold a dang near cup that is labeled as a betta tank when any fish store should know that bettas require a bare MINIMUM of 5 gallons and should sell no less for bettas. Do not go here! Even my friends who aren’t into fish spoke of how sad the conditions were that these animals were is. This store needs some serious work and proper education. I’m not sure how this store even remains open.”
— Hannah B. Raines1.02 months ago“Customer service was absolutely excellent. And their selection had an amazing range”
— Calvin Powell5.02 months ago“Amazing selection of fish. Owners are very knowledgeable and helpful!”
— Maja Jasnoch5.02 months ago“Waited for over 30 minutes for the one employee to talk to his friend and still havent been asked if we needed help. Should have better work ethics than this. Never been to a fish store without being asked for help. Petco and pet smart are better than this wth”
— Big T-Rex1.02 months ago“So sad this place has gone so downhill. Most of the tanks are murky and have little lighting and you can't even see half the fish. The whole store is dark and not very inviting. And for them to say they are the best fish store in NC is a joke. It used to have great looking tanks. For freshwater, Pets Supply Plus has a better selection.”
— Todd Simmons3.0Edited 3 months ago“Very helpful”
— Mason Price5.02 weeks ago“Store looks good with the new owners. They have a nice variety of salt and fresh water fish as well as various supplies and food glad to call Reef Magic our local fish store.”
— George C5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (336) 990-1911 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Reef Magic.