Blue Hook Aquatics

Blue Hook Aquatics in Cincinnati, Ohio is the kind of fish shop that draws people across state lines—and they keep coming back. Run by owner Dave, this compact storefront punches well above its weight with an inventory focused heavily on cichlids: African cichlids, South American cichlids, Central American cichlids, and some true oddballs you won't find at big-box competitors. Alongside the cichlids, you'll find quality Corydoras catfish (including varieties with striking orange fins), plecos—including slate plecos that one customer reported breeding within days of purchase—Bolivian Rams, rainbow fish, and a smaller selection of saltwater livestock kept in equally pristine condition.

What sets Blue Hook apart is the integrity behind the glass. Dave quarantines fish before they're offered for sale and runs no shared water between tanks—details that seasoned fishkeepers notice immediately. Multiple reviewers with decades of experience have called it the healthiest shop they've encountered.

The tanks are immaculately maintained, and sick fish are essentially nonexistent. Dave's approach to customer service is refreshingly honest. He'll talk you out of buying medications you don't need, steer you away from incompatible tankmates, and take the time to hand-select a male and female pair if that's what you're after.

He stocks top-recommended fish foods, quality medications, and a solid range of aquarium supplies and décor. If a particular species isn't currently in stock, he can often arrange to bring it in by request. Blue Hook also ships fish across Ohio and beyond, with customers in Indiana reporting healthy arrivals that ate right away.

An online presence lets out-of-town buyers check availability before making the trip or placing an order. Water testing is available in-store for those dialing in their parameters. For freshwater enthusiasts in the Cincinnati area—especially cichlid keepers—Blue Hook Aquatics has earned its reputation one healthy fish at a time.

The square footage is modest, but the selection, fish health, and genuine passion behind the counter make it a destination shop.