Tucked into the Cleveland landscape, Rainy Day Fish LLC is a family-run shop where the owners — including the well-known Melissa — treat fishkeeping like a personal calling rather than a retail transaction. This mom-and-pop operation stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish, with a particular draw for cichlid enthusiasts. One customer recently walked out with ten cichlids for a 200-gallon tank and came back the following week for ten more, praising the pricing that made building a stocking list genuinely affordable.
What sets Rainy Day apart is the depth of care behind the counter. The owners quarantine incoming fish before they hit the sales floor, a practice that earns real trust from repeat buyers. When one family lost tiger oscars to a parasitic outbreak, the owner stayed near closing time to walk them through a full treatment protocol — including medicated food — until the crisis was resolved.
That kind of hands-on consultation, rooted in genuine expertise, is what keeps customers returning across seven tanks and counting. The shop carries live plants, equipment like heaters, and filtration media such as Seachem Matrix Carbon, though some customers have noted that supply selection can be limited and pricing on certain dry goods runs higher than online competitors. The store's physical appearance is polarizing — multiple reviewers note algae-caked glass and a rough-around-the-edges aesthetic — but others consider that a fair trade for healthy fish and honest, patient guidance.
Rainy Day Fish fills a real niche in Cleveland's aquarium scene: an independently owned store where the staff will spend twenty minutes discussing fish compatibility, disease treatment, or tank setup without rushing you out. For cichlid keepers stocking large tanks, discus hobbyists needing supplies in a pinch, or newcomers learning the basics of their first aquarium, the knowledge here is the real inventory. Just don't expect showroom polish — expect people who genuinely love the fish.
Aidan Medley
6 reviews
Fish look healthy... but the store is filthy. The quail in the back are being kept in very poor conditions. The whole store could use a good cleaning. There were even mosquitos flying around inside during January in cleveland. Also the reptiles (geckos) are kept in the smallest dirty containers possible. They should do better for the animals.
Ronald Frederick
3 reviews
Rainy Days is a wonderful local fish store. The owners are knowledgeable helpful and exceedingly patient. They willingly answer all of my questions, even those that I think at some point seem stupid. They have a terrific selection of fish that seem to be very reasonably priced. I have shopped there repeatedly, since everything they sell is high quality. I also love the fact that they are personally involved and it is not a chain They explained to me that the fish come come in and are appropriately quarantined so that we do not wind up with any diseased fish that could crash our tank. I will continue to shop there whenever I need fish plants or supplies.
Kathleen Sonnhalter
106 reviews
Pleasant and educated staff. Very nice place.
Angela11 Wilson11
74 reviews
Very knowledgeable, friendly and nice staff
Binyamin Prupis
50 reviews
First time walking in and I'm really impressed by the selection and health of the fish and reptiles. Very reasonably priced as well.
Mz Von Harris
10 reviews
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST..I LITERALLY CLAIM AS MY AQUARIUM FAMILY, THEY ARE MY FISH GRANDPARENTS..THEY HAVE GIVEN ME ALOT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ENJOYMENT AND EXCITEMENT WITH MY TANKS I LOVE THEM..ALL MY 7 TANKS.
Matt
185 reviews
Such an awesome facility and truly love the fish! Definitely have something for everyone here! Will be back soon to get my new fish!
Andrew Wheeler
30 reviews
One of the best stores around especially for beginners who are looking for some guidance ir recommendations on fish compatability like Cichlids. Highly recommend them.
Mike M
19 reviews
Not the most polished looking place, but a wide variety of healthy fish and very knowledgeable. Far better than the big box pet stores.
Daniel S
115 reviews
I normally go to Aquatica Aquarium Gallery but they are closed to the public Monday through Wednesday. Unfortunately I needed new heaters for my discus tank and I’d rather support a mom and pop store than a chain. I am grateful this store was open and had what I needed. I think the owner took care of me and he was friendly. However there was not a large selection of product and what they do offer is scarce. The fish in the aquariums seemed healthy enough but the glass is caked in algae and it is just uninviting if you’re wanting to buy fish. The store itself is not the cleanest and as a result of those things I decided against buying a fish for my 125 African tank. Aquatica and this store are night and day of each other which is too bad as I hate to see a business fail. But if this store doesn’t change a few things I doubt they will be around for the long hall. I wish them the best.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (216) 331-4099 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rainy Day Fish LLC.
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971 E 185th St, Cleveland, OH 44119
February 7, 2026
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