About
Ladyfish Aquatics is a family-run shop in Dayton, Ohio, where the husband-and-wife owners greet customers at the door and take genuine time to answer questions — even a million of them, as one reviewer put it. The store itself is compact but immaculately kept, with tanks that reviewers consistently describe as some of the cleanest in the area. Livestock looks healthy and active, spanning both freshwater and saltwater species, from guppies and bettas to saltwater fish and invertebrates like snails.
They also stock live plants, hardscape materials including driftwood and rock, medications, dosing syringes, and fish food. One detail that sets Ladyfish apart from many local fish stores is their quarantine practice — reviewers noted that incoming stock is quarantined before sale, a step that shows real commitment to fish health rather than just turnover. The owner's knowledge comes through in phone conversations and in-person visits alike, and the shop has a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere that encourages browsing and learning.
The store carries axolotls (lovingly misspelled as "oxylatl" by one enthusiastic visitor) alongside their freshwater and saltwater selections. Prices are generally described as competitive and fair, though some specialty hardscape pieces run higher. One reviewer drove fish all the way back to Flint, Michigan, and reported they arrived in great shape — a testament to proper bagging and healthy stock.
Ladyfish is still a relatively young operation, and a few reviewers have offered constructive notes about plant snail contamination and betta housing practices. 9 rating is that this is a shop where care and customer service come first. For Dayton-area aquarists looking for a local fish store that feels personal, clean, and genuinely invested in the hobby, Ladyfish Aquatics delivers on all counts.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- QuarantineConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned shop with hands-on, knowledgeable owners
- Quarantines incoming livestock before sale
- Exceptionally clean and well-maintained tanks
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish available
- Stocks live plants, medications, hardscape, and supplies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This fish store was amazing, the quality of the experience was top notch. We were greeted and offered answers to questions as we browsed what was actually a wide selection of clean tanks with an excellent variety of fish available. We will definitely be back soon!”
— Tyler Sierschula5.06 days ago“Went there for the first time today and was so impressed with the friendly, helpful staff and their tanks are clean and beautiful!”
— Lita Williams5.0a week ago“Extremely pleased with their helpful and knowledgeable staff. They had a great selection of fresh and salt water fish. They took their time to answer all of the questions that we had. We would highly recommend this fine establishment.”
— Ric Grau5.0a month ago“Ladyfish is the local fish store hobbyist will love to visit. Welcoming and knowledgeable. Great place to support.”
— Eric K5.0a month ago“We stopped in on our trip up to scene 75 to check out this store. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff - tanks and livestock were clean and healthy. They even quarantined stock! Definitely worth checking out!!”
— Melinda Snider5.0a month ago“Amazing customer service and very healthy fish!”
— Logan Wood5.02 months ago“It's not a big place, but it is very nice. We'll stocked and they have a very friendly staff. Prices are comparable to what I've seen at other fish stores. All the fish looked healthy and active. Tanks were very well kept. Picked up some dosing syringes while I was there. I would definitely recommend checking this place out.”
— Stuart5.02 months ago“Very clean tanks. Very knowledgeable and friendly!”
— Kathleen Lynn5.02 months ago“It’s a great and quaint little store! All the fish appear to be in good health, the prices are excellent, and the staff are lovely! I definitely can’t wait to patron here again to work on my own aquarium!”
— Garret5.02 months ago“Extremely clean and all the staff was Extremely nice. Decent selection of fish. Smaller store. I purchased plants from them and asked beforehand if they were snailfree and was told yes they were...they were not. Unfortunately, I now have a small infestation of baby snails that has occurred in one of my tanks. There was no pricing labeled, she stated her labeler was down, so I had to ask prices on several things. Then was discouraged from buying a piece of driftwood because it would float...I have 5 established, successful tanks, I know what I'm doing by now. The other issue was pricing, I asked for a price for ONE single small rock... $17. Which is insanely expensive. A little more uneducated about breeds of fish than I would've expected. The most frustrating part was their betta sororities. They had over 10 females together in less than a 20 gallon together. If you know anything about betta sororities thats one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Temporary or not. Most of their shelved bettas had swim bladder. I know I am pointing out the negatives but I have visited every single aquatic/fish store in the area and this was my last one I had not been to. They seem like a newer store and while they're customer service was great...I don't think I will return. Hopefully they can see this as constructive criticism. I'm not saying buyer beware but I hope they can correct their mistakes. I was disappointed to say the least.”
— kellie Collins3.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (937) 890-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Ladyfish Aquatics.