About
Blue Hook Aquatics is a small, owner-run aquarium store in Cincinnati, OH that fishkeepers happily drive 30 and 40 minutes to reach, and they keep coming back. Behind the counter is Dave, on site nearly every day and known across the region for an encyclopedic command of the hobby. The shop's heart is its cichlid wall: African cichlids, South American cichlids, and Central American cichlids, plus the kind of true oddballs and unusual species "less common in the trade" that you won't spot at a chain.
If you're hunting dwarf cichlids, Dave is one of the few owners who will sell apistogramma singularly rather than forcing a group. Around the cichlids you'll find Corydoras catfish (including the orange-finned varieties), plecos, with slate plecos that customers have reported breeding within days, Bolivian rams, and rainbow fish for sale in Cincinnati, OH. The saltwater side has grown a loyal following too: recent visitors have brought home some of the hardiest reef livestock they've owned, and one keeper made the drive specifically for a Lightning Mocha clownfish to seed a freshly cycled tank.
What sets Blue Hook apart is the integrity behind the glass. Dave quarantines livestock before it's offered for sale and keeps no shared water between tanks, details seasoned hobbyists notice immediately. Reviewers consistently describe spotless, well-maintained tanks and fish that look genuinely happy and healthy.
His guidance is refreshingly honest: he'll talk you out of medications you don't need, steer you away from incompatible tankmates, and hand-pick a compatible male-and-female pair when that's what you're after. In-store water testing, top-recommended fish foods, quality medications, and a tidy range of aquarium supplies round out the visit. For Cincinnati-area aquarists, especially cichlid keepers and anyone after something unusual, Blue Hook Aquatics has earned its reputation one healthy fish at a time.
The square footage is modest; the selection, fish health, and passion behind the counter are anything but.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Blue Hook Aquatics in Cincinnati, OH
Blue Hook Aquatics stocks cichlids, African cichlids, plecos, catfish, clownfish, rare and hard-to-find species and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Cincinnati, OH. As an aquarium store serving Cincinnati, OH, it also carries fish food, fish medications and aquarium equipment and offers water testing, aquarium consultations and fish quarantine.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Dave is on site nearly every day with deep, honest, no-upsell hobby knowledge
- Standout cichlid selection: African, South American, and Central American, plus rare oddballs
- One of the few shops that will sell apistogramma dwarf cichlids singularly
- All livestock quarantined before sale with no shared water between tanks
- Growing saltwater side with hardy reef livestock and clownfish like the Lightning Mocha
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They have hardy specimens of reef life that I've ever owned! I'll be shopping there more & more!!!!”
— 7thSealofGod5.02 weeks ago“Great selection of unique fish types less common in the trade! Will definitely be back”
— Anthony Kendrick5.02 months ago“Very healthy quarantined fish!!! I was looking for a cool clownfish to add to my newly cycled aquarium and Blue Hook had quite a few options. I decided to make the 40 minute drive and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The owner is super knowledgeable about the fish he has in stock and encourages any and all questions. All the tanks were super clean and the fish looked very happy. Here is a photo of my thriving Lightning Mocha Clown.”
— Denver Roat5.03 months ago“Wonderful place to buy aquatic pets. I've bought several freshwater fish here and all were healthy and doing great. Dave is knowledgeable, helpful and efficient.”
— David5.03 months ago“A wonderful local pet store the owner was great and I love the variety of fish. Necrophantom”
— Jason harris5.04 months ago“Great selection and very friendly service and advice.”
— Steve West4.04 months ago“Always great selection and service. Owner is always on site. Very knowledgeable. Tanks are clean. Fish are healthy. Purchase with confidence.”
— Joel King5.04 months ago“Healthy fish, great customer service and very knowledgeable about fish. I buy almost every fish from this location. Awesome place!!!!”
— Richard Salter5.04 months ago“My husband and I always find something interesting or unique and his fish look fantastic. The tanks are clean and well maintained and he has a lot of knowledge of the trade. He is also one of few ppl that I know of that will sell apistogramma's singularly. We drive 30 minutes and it's always worth it. Never been disappointed.”
— Crystal Thomas5.04 months ago“Stopped in about a week ago for some fish therapy. Staff extremely easy to talk to and helpful. Walked away with a couple Orange Flashes. He took the time to grab a male and female. Mom and dad are expecting!!!”
— Nicholas Hayden5.05 days ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (513) 443-4741 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Blue Hook Aquatics.