Outback Fish & Things

Tucked behind a house on a Columbus side street, Outback Fish & Things is the kind of place you drive past twice before spotting the sign hanging on the mailbox. Pull down the driveway, park in back, and step into what many central Ohio hobbyists consider the best freshwater fish store in the region. The modest exterior belies a packed interior lined with clean, well-maintained tanks holding an impressive variety of tropical freshwater fish — from Chili Rasboras and half-moon bettas to African and South American cichlids, shrimp, angelfish, and the occasional axolotl.

Owner Gary and his staff have built a loyal following by operating as both a wholesaler and retail shop, sourcing many fish from local breeders. That pipeline shows in the health and color of the stock. Multiple reviewers who've visited dozens of fish stores across Ohio say Outback's African cichlid selection rivals or surpasses dedicated specialty shops like Aquarium Adventures.

Prices run roughly half what the chain pet stores charge — a recurring theme in nearly every review. This is a fish-focused operation. You won't find full aquarium setup kits or elaborate dry goods displays here.

What you will find are healthy animals, live plants, maintenance supplies, and people who genuinely know freshwater fishkeeping. The staff adjusts their approach to each customer — newcomers get patient, thorough guidance on tank setup and species compatibility, while experienced hobbyists appreciate being treated like adults who know what they want. Customers regularly drive over an hour to shop here, and many have made it their sole fish source for years.

The store's combination of wholesale-level pricing, robust variety of common and uncommon freshwater species, and consistently healthy livestock has carved out a devoted niche in Columbus's aquarium scene. For anyone maintaining a freshwater tank in central Ohio — planted community setup, cichlid display, or shrimp colony — Outback Fish & Things delivers on selection, quality, and value in a way the big-box stores simply cannot match.