Salty Critter

Tucked into the lakeside town of Vermilion, Ohio, Salty Critter has built a devoted following among saltwater hobbyists across northeast Ohio and beyond — some customers even plan vacation stops around the shop's hours. Owner Dan and longtime staffer Ernie are the heart of the operation, consistently praised by name for their honest, no-pressure approach. They won't sell you livestock your tank can't support or equipment you don't need, a philosophy that has kept hobbyists in the game for years.

One reviewer credited them outright with preventing him from tearing down his tank and quitting the hobby entirely. The store's saltwater selection is its calling card. Weekly shipments keep the coral and fish inventory rotating with species and frags that reviewers say are hard to find at competing shops.

A veteran fishkeeper with fifty years of experience called the corals some of the best-cared-for specimens he's ever seen, at prices that consistently undercut the competition. Invertebrates like crabs round out the livestock offerings, and the tanks themselves are immaculately maintained — a detail nearly every reviewer mentions. Beyond livestock, Salty Critter stocks a solid range of dry goods, fish food, pumps, and saltwater equipment.

They also handle custom tank builds; at least one customer reported a flawless result. An online store with shipping adds convenience for those who can't make the drive — one buyer received a pump order in just two days and found the communication responsive and helpful. While the shop is firmly rooted in the saltwater world, freshwater hobbyists shop here too, drawn by the supply selection and the staff's willingness to help anyone who walks through the door.

The store has outlasted many competitors in the region, and its longevity speaks to the trust Dan and Ernie have earned. If you're keeping a reef tank or maintaining a saltwater setup anywhere in northern Ohio, Salty Critter is worth the trip to Vermilion.