About
Tucked away on Front Street in Dayton, Aquascapes Tropical Fish is the kind of backroom fish store that rewards those who seek it out. Owner Dave — known affectionately as "The Fish Guy" — runs a compact, no-frills operation that feels more like stepping into a veteran hobbyist's fishroom than a retail shop. And that's exactly the point.
Dave's knowledge is the store's biggest draw. A hands-on fishkeeper himself, he doesn't just recite care sheets — he speaks from decades of personal experience with the species he sells. Reviewers who've kept tanks since the 1970s praise him as a rare breed in the industry, someone who genuinely knows his fish and loves talking shop.
When one customer mentioned switching away from cichlids, Dave personally helped identify the right species for the existing tank setup. That kind of one-on-one consultation is standard here. The selection punches well above the store's modest footprint.
Customers consistently marvel at the variety, from hard-to-find species to classic staples that have largely disappeared from chain pet stores. One visitor specifically called out some of the best-looking White Cloud Mountain Minnows they'd ever encountered. Live plants and planted tank supplies round out the freshwater focus, and Dave is happy to advise on aquascaping alongside fish selection.
He's also set up complete tank systems for customers starting from scratch. Pricing is another standout. Multiple reviewers describe the prices as phenomenal, especially given the health and quality of the livestock.
The fish are clearly well-cared-for, arriving in customers' tanks in excellent condition. The space is admittedly tight — navigating between tanks can be a squeeze — but that cramped charm is part of the old-school fishkeeping atmosphere. Don't forget to meet Floyd, the store's beloved mascot.
For freshwater enthusiasts in the Dayton area looking for healthy fish, fair prices, and a conversation with someone who truly lives the hobby, Aquascapes Tropical Fish delivers on every count.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank SetupAquascaping
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Dave provides expert, personalized consultation based on decades of fishkeeping experience
- Hard-to-find freshwater species alongside classic staples at phenomenal prices
- Exceptionally healthy fish including standout White Cloud Mountain Minnows
- Complete tank setup assistance and aquascaping advice
- Old-school backroom fish store atmosphere on Front Street in Dayton
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great fish great guy”
— Roy Greene5.02 weeks ago“I love love shopping with Dave. Always available and a wealth of knowledge. I told him what I had in my tank and how I switched from Cichlid's and he found the right fish for my tank.”
— Tyrone Bennett5.0a month ago“Great place to get fish. He was patient and he knew his fish”
— Hallie Harris5.0a month ago“Wonderful to be able to talk to a person with real knowledge who is able to tell you about the fish because he has actually owned them. Very rare in the industry anymore. This is coming from a person who has had tanks since 1973.”
— Me Here5.0a month ago“The place was cramped so walking around looking at the different fish was difficult.”
— David Gracey3.02 months ago“Located on Front street in Dayton this is an understated, backroom fish store with so many varieties of fish at such reasonable prices. Dave has an awesome personality.”
— GINA HARDIN5.03 months ago“Dave was a wonderful resource of information. Very passionate and delightful to interact with.”
— Erica Shipley5.04 months ago“Dave it a very considerate and knowledgeable business man. He can always give great advice on fish/aquascaping etc. Great business with great quality aquatic options.”
— Liv Stevens5.06 months ago“Love this place my uncle is good friends with Dave such a great guy. Great prices I'm going today.”
— ChrisnAlly Hogan5.06 months ago“Great service - loved meeting their mascot Floyd! ❤️”
— Kristina Bilbrey5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (937) 974-1390 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquascapes Tropical Fish.