Big Fish in Wilmington, North Carolina has built a devoted following by stocking one of the region's most impressive selections of both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with corals, live plants, reptiles, and even a caiman that serves as an unofficial store mascot. Customers regularly drive over an hour, bypassing big box pet stores, to shop here — and it's easy to understand why. The store's layout itself feels like walking through an aquarium.
The front area sets a mellow, inviting tone, while the back rooms open up into rows of immaculately maintained tanks filled with everything from powder blue gouramis and bala sharks to cichlids, black skirt tetras, plecos, and bettas. They also carry pond fish — one customer stopped in for mosquito fish for an outdoor pond and nearly left wanting a 100-gallon freshwater setup. Their live brine shrimp, offered as a hunting treat for fish, is a unique touch that sets them apart from typical retailers.
What makes Big Fish truly stand out is its staff. Names like Eli, Kendall, and McKenna come up repeatedly in reviews for their patience and depth of knowledge. Eli has helped newcomers feel confident starting their first saltwater tank.
Kendall and McKenna guided one couple through an entire month-long water cycling process for a 10-gallon freshwater setup, advising them to wait on algae eaters until the tank was properly established. That kind of specific, honest guidance builds trust and keeps hobbyists coming back. The store offers water testing and hands-on consultation for tank setup, making it a genuine resource for the Wilmington aquarium community.
Prices run slightly above chain stores, but customers consistently note the trade-off is worth it: healthy livestock, expert advice, and the assurance of seeing your fish alive before purchase rather than gambling on online orders. Big Fish fills the void left by other local fish stores that have closed, and it does so with passion and care that's hard to replicate.
Mandi Ansbach
Beautiful store with very well maintained tanks and cars for fish!
Aaron Merritt
30 reviews
Knowledgeable staff, excellent selection of fresh and saltwater fish and more.
George R
41 reviews
So glad I found you guys, thanks to a Petco employee who pointed me your way! I’ve been running tanks for many years and I’m always looking for unique diversity beyond what typical pet stores carry, and you absolutely deliver. Your place is amazing, the setup is beautiful, the fish are incredible, and the variety you offer is unmatched now that the "Fish Room" is no more. I couldn’t be happier. You’ve earned a customer for life. Thanks so much! 😁
Sara L
10 reviews
Just started my first salt water fish tank and came in because I had heard great things about this location. After speaking with Eli I left feeling confident and better informed about the hobby than I did before my visit. I will definitely be back for more purchases in the future! Thanks Eli and Big Fish staff. :)
Jason
2 reviews
The people were great and they have a good selection of fish. I bought a few plants for my 35 gallon freshwater tank, and came back for a powder blue Gourami to add to the tank. Unfortunately the Gourami lasted less than two weeks, in a tank that has been established for a couple of years and the water tested is perfect. I'm a little sad about paying $15 for one fish that died shortly after being relocated. So three stars, the fish was likely diseased
Larry Redenbaugh
3 reviews
The shop was very clean no bad smell in the air. The associates were well informed on the care and types of fish for your aquarium. From my perspective the have more exotic fish than any other pet's store in town. A little high in there prices but you can see it live when you bring it home instead of hoping that you're online orders arrive alive.
Shane Penland
39 reviews
Wide selection of fresh and salt water fish. Coral and reptiles are available too
Ethan Howard
5 reviews
Loved the store very mellow in the front of store nice vibes then walking to the back is just the most coolest fish store I have ever been in they have everything you could want in there with all sizes they have there store looking just like a aquarium but you buy the fish you like they are also very knowledgeable of everything in the store I knew everything I was getting was worth getting for what I wanted
Sarah Windland
2 reviews
I want to thank big fish they are amazing and lovely people they helped me with my aquarium also they gave me a wonderful pleco that I named Goliath. I would definitely recommend them they are very good with there aquariums and plants and fish.
cristie krider
2 reviews
Skip the big name pet supply stores and run to Big Fish! They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do and offer. Customers service is top notch! My son finally feels confident about his tank after years of not being able to maintain it.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (910) 769-4422 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Big Fish.
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1616 Shipyard Blvd #16, Wilmington, NC 28412
February 7, 2026
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