About
Fish Cave in Jacksonville, North Carolina has been a fixture for local aquarium hobbyists for well over a decade, and the loyalty it inspires is remarkable. One customer drives an hour each way just to get water tested and receive honest advice about their cherry shrimp tank — bypassing multiple closer stores — because Fish Cave's staff actually diagnoses problems instead of pushing products. That kind of trust doesn't happen by accident.
This mom-and-pop shop covers both freshwater and saltwater with equal dedication. Longtime reef keepers credit Fish Cave with guiding them through their very first saltwater reef tank and continuing to support them through subsequent builds. Miss Angie, a staff favorite, will special-order anything she doesn't have in stock, and the team patiently fields endless questions without rushing anyone out the door.
For freshwater enthusiasts, the selection includes tiny sharks, crabs, feeder shrimp, and a range of tropical fish that reviewers consistently describe as healthy and well-cared-for. The tanks themselves are a point of pride. Multiple reviews single out how clean and beautifully maintained they are — one customer called Fish Cave literally the only place in the area where the display tanks look genuinely cared for.
That level of husbandry speaks volumes about how the fish you take home will fare. Beyond livestock, Fish Cave stocks small complete tank kits, decorations, and aquarium supplies at prices reviewers call reasonable and great. Staff members are known for steering newcomers away from costly mistakes, like one first-timer who walked in ready to overstock a brand-new tank and left with a proper setup plan and fish that are still thriving.
With weekly deliveries keeping stock fresh and a team that treats customers like friends rather than transactions, Fish Cave has earned its reputation as Jacksonville's go-to aquarium shop. The coral selection draws reef hobbyists from across the region, while the patient, educational approach keeps beginners coming back as they grow into the hobby.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Staff provides free water testing and honest troubleshooting without pushing sales
- Over 10 years serving Jacksonville's freshwater and saltwater communities
- Miss Angie will special-order any fish or coral not currently in stock
- Weekly deliveries keep livestock selection fresh and healthy
- Exceptionally clean and well-maintained display tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“On Monday, I drove to a fish store in Morehead City with no help in site. I drove to Havelock with minimal help and someone trying to sell me a $60 filter and minimal help. I have a Cherry Shrimp tank and they were dying. Today, we dove an hour to get to the Fish cabr. She tested my water sample and told me exactly what to do and what not to do. She never tried to sell me anything just how to safe my shrimp. It is a process but I am very thankful for the knowledge. This is the only place I will be going in the future! It doesn't matter the drive. Fish Cave employees are amazing. I'll update on the status of my little Cherry Shrimp. I am very Thankful for the help today! You all are awesome!!!!”
— Kathleen Robinson5.0a week ago“I've been going to fish cave on and off for the past 10 plus years. I only keep salt water reef tanks. They helped me through my very first reef tank, and they're helping me through my latest. They are literally the only place in the area that has tanks that look like they are actually cared for. Miss Angie, will order you anything you possibly want if they do not have it. They also sit there and answer my hundred questions every time I come in LOL. 100% 10 out of 10 Recommend Fish Cave to anyone in the area!”
— Ryan Liberty5.02 months ago“Okay, confession time — I’m a fish idiot. I don’t know a nitrate from a nibbler, but I do know one thing: Fish Cave saved me from turning my aquarium into an underwater crime scene. I walked in ready to buy an army of scaly little dudes like I was assembling an aquatic Avengers team. Thankfully, the folks at Fish Cave gently stopped me before I made 14 poor life choices and explained — in words my goldfish brain could understand — how to actually set up my tank properly. Now, instead of mourning a tank of floaters, I have swimming beauties that soothe my neurodivergent brain like a living lava lamp of serenity. I’m calm. They’re happy. Life is good. Let’s talk about the store: Cleanliness: Spotless. Not a fish flake out of place. Selection: Tiny sharks? Check. Crabs? Check. Feeder shrimp? Check. Supplies: Small complete tank kits? Check. Awesome decorations? Double check. Everything: Literally everything you could want for your aquatic empire. Did I mention tiny sharks? Because yes — tiny sharks. And I want a whole tank of them now. Thanks, Fish Cave, for turning me from a clueless fish menace into a full-blown enthusiast. I came for a goldfish, and now I’m planning for billions of fish. 10/10 — would swim again. 🐠💦”
— Alexander de la Paz5.03 months ago“Friendly people and great prices!”
— Kevin Brown5.0Edited 3 months ago“Clean tanks, beautiful tanks, beautiful fish, dont really care for the girls that work there. They are really flirty. Super awkward every time I walk in with my husband. But they care for the fish and tanks very well. If u want great salt water fish go here”
— Kayla Melton4.04 months ago“This is the best little mom and pop fish store you are going to find. These people started out as teachers when we first got into the aquarium hobby and have turned into friends! Always friendly. ALWAYS helpful and honest. Run don't walk to Fish Cave!”
— DJ Walters5.04 months ago“Great prices and beautiful looking tanks”
— Denise Abbott5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (910) 455-7466 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Cave.