About
Tucked behind a house on a Columbus side street — look for the Outback sign hanging on the mailbox, then pull down the driveway and park in back — Outback Fish & Things has quietly become one of central Ohio's most beloved aquarium stores. The unassuming exterior gives way to a packed interior with more than 150 clean, well-maintained tanks, and reviewers who've toured dozens of shops across the state keep saying the same thing: the fish here look healthier, the selection runs deeper, and the prices land at roughly half what the chain stores charge. This is a fish-first, family-owned operation.
Owner Gary and the women who run the floor are known for reading each customer. Newcomers setting up a first tank get patient, thoughtful guidance — one recent visitor was walked through friendly, semi-aggressive, and aggressive stocking options right on the spot — while seasoned hobbyists are treated like adults who already know what they want. The shop works as both wholesaler and retail store, sourcing many fish from local breeders, and it shows in the color and condition of the stock.
The freshwater range is the heart of it. You'll find African and South American cichlids for sale in Columbus, OH alongside gorgeous half-moon bettas, Chili Rasboras, shrimp, angelfish, the occasional axolotl, hillstream loaches, oscars, and budget-friendly goldfish and pond fish. Aquarium plants are on hand for planted and nano builds, and there's even a small saltwater selection for saltwater-curious shoppers.
Filters and maintenance supplies round things out — this isn't the place for full setup kits, but it's where central Ohio hobbyists come for the livestock and the know-how, and the crew is happy to order in special requests. Customers regularly drive an hour or more and make Outback their sole fish source for years. For anyone keeping a freshwater tank near Columbus, building a cichlid display, a planted community, or a shrimp colony, this little aquarium store delivers selection, health, and value the big-box stores simply can't match.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Outback Fish & Things in Columbus, OH
Outback Fish & Things stocks cichlids, African cichlids, betta fish, shrimp, axolotls, rare and hard-to-find species, angelfish, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Columbus, OH. As an aquarium store serving Columbus, OH, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- CichlidsAfrican CichlidsBettasShrimpLive PlantsPlanted TanksAxolotlsRare SpeciesAngelfishInvertebratesGoldfishAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- More than 150 clean, well-maintained tanks packed with healthy, vibrant fish
- African and South American cichlid selection repeatedly praised as the best in Ohio, beating dedicated chain shops
- Wholesaler-retail pricing roughly half of chain pet stores — goldfish, bettas, and hillstream loaches at a fraction of typical cost
- Bettas, Chili Rasboras, shrimp, angelfish, axolotls, oscars, aquarium plants, plus a small saltwater selection
- Friendly, family-run staff who tailor advice from first-tank beginners to seasoned hobbyists; located behind a house — look for the sign on the mailbox
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Stopped in today for the first time to grab some fish. We were greeted by the owner and she was super friendly. We told her we just got a fish tank and it’s prepped and ready but don’t have fish and are new to the hobby. She asked us do we want friendly, aggressive or a semi aggressive tank. We said friendly she offered a ton of suggestions to mix and match that made sense for a friendly tank. She was extremely knowledgeable. The care and passion she showed was incredible. We will be back.”
— Brandon Ferguson5.02 weeks ago“Well u get a good selection of good priced fish. Sometimes youll run into a rare big fish like a large oscar. Red tails. Butterfly fish. Feeder fish. Pond fish. Goldfish that usually go for 20 go for 5 here. Cicilids 7 to 15. Aquarium plants. And even a small saltwater selection.”
— kasper kadaphe5.04 weeks ago“I've been to this little hidden gem twice in the past almost two weeks. Absolutely excited. This little store nobody knows bout is the best. My parents used to work for the owners i believe years ago cleaning. Idk if y'all will remember me or not. But I'm bringing the oldest nephew in there today for his first time. I'm excited to be bringing him. He's talking about wanting too set up another tank and wants semi aggressive type fish. So I'm gonna show him some and tell tim of sizes they will and can get and if he's ready for that. Or just be awesome like me his aunt, and explore the planted aquarium life. Lol. And nano ecosystems and such. But 100 out of 5 stars cuz this place is def worth it. Prices are amazing, LEAST 50% cheaper then main fish prices at other fish stores/pet stores. If not more then that. For example, a hillstream loach would be anywhere from $30-$60 at various stores and or online. Def not near that here, my hillstream loach was $11!!! If you're in the aquarium hobby, I would highly highly suggest this little hidden gem. Def worth it. Sooo much selection and they have everything. Literally everything. Even fishing supplies. Like some telescopic poles. And this awesome purple colored reel that's been talking to me every time I go in there. Lol. But I'm gonna ride up there with my oldest nephew today. Super stoked.”
— carrie wolfe5.0a month ago“Stopped in this past weekend and we loved it. The owners are fantastic and knowledgeable and the tanks were so clean. The fish looked great! Bought a few and will definitely be back!”
— Courtney White5.0a month ago“Good price great selection”
— Travis Magers5.0a month ago“Great service and hospitality awesome people I definitely recommend every fish I seen was super healthy with a variety of fish fresh and salt water”
— Fabrizio Gonzalez5.02 months ago“It’s amazing how small businesses like this one does a better job than big box fish stores, 1- great pricing 2- the folks working there are so kind and helpful 3- great selection 4- willing to order in requests 5- did I mention the pricing was great I will recommend you to everyone who is interested in aquatic keeping We will be going back soon”
— Dave Lemke5.02 months ago“Amazing little place, beautiful fish, clean and healthy, great customer service 😁”
— Dennis Mathews5.02 months ago“Walking into Outback Fish & Things instantly shifts my mood. If I come in happy, it gets even better. If I’m having a rough day, I leave smiling. If I’m frustrated, I forget why. That kind of atmosphere doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a reflection of the owners and staff, who go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and at home. What really sets this place apart is the care they put into their aquariums. With over 150 tanks, you might expect to see a few that aren’t up to par—but that’s not the case here. Every single tank is clean, well-maintained, and full of vibrant, healthy fish. It’s honestly impressive. And when it comes to selection, the possibilities feel endless. No matter what species you’re looking for, chances are they have it—or they’ll go out of their way to get it for you, as long as it’s legal. On top of all that, their pricing is more than fair—easily some of the best you’ll find in the Columbus area. This isn’t just a fish store, it’s an experience.”
— Baby Billy5.03 months ago“Awsome selection of fish. Very knowledgeable owner and staff. Very quality fish.”
— Stephanie Wiggins5.03 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (614) 270-1300 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Outback Fish & Things.