Gerber's Tropical Fish occupies an unassuming building in Dayton, Ohio, but step inside and you'll find one of the area's largest inventories of freshwater and saltwater fish. Row after row of tanks house everything from Galaxy Rasboras and Harlequin Rasboras to Bristlenose plecos, Diamond Gobies, Niger Triggers, lionfish, and fancy goldfish like black ranchus. The saltwater side carries clown triggers, groupers, and marine invertebrates including turbo snails and nerite snails, while the freshwater section spans livebearers like mollies, bettas (both male and female), and a rotating cast of community and specialty species.
Reptiles round out the livestock, and the store stocks tanks — both new and used — along with a full range of supplies and accessories. The sheer variety is what keeps Dayton-area hobbyists coming back. Multiple reviewers describe it as the best fish selection in the region, a place where you can hunt for a specific species you couldn't find elsewhere and walk out with a bag full of healthy stock at reasonable prices.
Families bring kids just to walk the aisles like a mini aquarium, and couples have turned Friday evening visits into a ritual. Staff members like Roxanne get called out by name for their attentiveness, and many employees can walk you through stocking decisions and compatibility questions on the spot. That said, Gerber's draws honest criticism too.
Pricing runs higher than some competing local shops and big-box stores, and the store's no-guarantee, no-refund policy on livestock is a real sticking point — especially for customers who've lost expensive saltwater fish within days of purchase. Tank cleanliness and dead fish in display tanks have been recurring complaints over the years, and the betta section has drawn concern for inadequate filtration and neglected stock. Some visits are five-star experiences; others leave long-time customers frustrated.
Gerber's remains the go-to destination for Dayton fish keepers who want the widest selection under one roof, but it's worth inspecting livestock carefully and asking questions before buying. When things click here, the experience is genuinely hard to beat in southwest Ohio.
Stephen Burton
7 reviews
Love Gerbers! Enormous selection and very friendly staff! Affordable and interesting everything I go!
mark stevens
9 reviews
Stopped in today to stock my new tank. There was a specific fish I have been wanting and other places were just wanting to much. Gerber's had them for a much more reasonable price. Ended up with 10 Gakaxy Rasboras which is what I had been searching for, 5 Brilliant Rasboras, 6 Harlequin Rasboras, a Bristlenose pleco, and 3 Nerite snails. All fish so far appear to be in good health and enjoying their new home. The young Gentleman and 2 young ladies working there were fantastic. I've used Gerber's in the past and will continue to do so. The staff are fantastic and if one of them doesn't know an answer there is somebody there that does. Great experience and will be back because i'm already wanting to start another tank!
Meagan Humphreys
85 reviews
Reading the reviews we were hesitant. There was one fish, a catfish, that I saw that needs to be moved to another tank but over all this is a fairly solid place.
Kris Olszewski
8 reviews
Great selection, good prices and friendly staff.
Elizabeth Parks
7 reviews
Amazing store and staff greatly diminished by the poorly disclosed no guarantee or refund policy for their fish. I understand not having a long one due to potential issues with customer care but having no guarantee at all is disappointing to experienced fish keepers who happen to get a expensive fish with issues that were beyond their fault. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars here but unfortunately will no longer be doing business with them do to this policy alone
Renae Fox
22 reviews
They have a large selection of healthy fish. Fresh water and salt water.
Brian Smith
15 reviews
Haven't been in a while since last bad experience. Got what I needed but WOW has the cleanliness of the place gone down hill even more. The first few times going there years ago I bragged about this place cannot do so now... many fish with ick which although I didnt tell an employee directly they was in the area. Many tanks had dead fish in them that looked as if dead for couple days already. For the cost and how place is now... mise well just go to pet smart or any of those stores with fish unless potentially looking for a specific fish.
giren0079
27 reviews
Good selection good price nice staff
Curt McDivitt
34 reviews
This place is amazing. It's both an place to purchase any of your fish/reptile needs, but its also a mini aquarium you could bring kids to just look at the amazing selections they have!
Matt Tobias
16 reviews
Great selection and friendly staff
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (937) 297-0515 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Gerber's Tropical Fish.
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2279 N Moraine Dr, Dayton, OH 45439
February 7, 2026
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