About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Weekly coral and fish shipments with uncommon saltwater species
- Custom tank builds available through the shop
- Online store with fast shipping on equipment and supplies
- Owner Dan and staff member Ernie praised by name for honest, knowledgeable guidance
- Immaculately maintained display and livestock tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very nice. All the tanks look really cared forr!!”
— Tracy Boggs4.05 months ago“Beautiful fish. Lots of supplies. Staff is polite and knowledgeable.”
— Roy Froebe5.07 months ago“Bad food, bad service, went at 6:30 definitely not worth going to.”
— MARK Rogers1.0Edited a year ago“This place is absolutely awesome superb selection and really great pricing just wish they were open on the Tuesday before I went home to Lancaster pa. Will plan my trip this summer to be able to get something before heading back.”
— James Leed5.0a year ago“We come here for all our saltwater needs and they are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have with recommendations.”
— Wendy White5.0a year ago“Very cool place and the owner is coolio and cool and cole is cool i should give 55 stars”
— pickle guy man5.0a year ago“Best place by far. Love the staff. Ernie has been there from the start of my tank and helping me through it.”
— Vic5.0a year ago“They seem to get different fish and coral that other shops. Love the service and pricing!”
— Robert Walter5.0a year ago“We love this store! Very helpful and knowledgeable.”
— Tiffany Miller-Sieving5.0a year ago“The owner is incredibly nice. Wasn't able to get a fish out for us so he was kind enough to give us our frag no charge. The fish and corals are beautiful. Stand up establishment, really kind owner.”
— Michelle B5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (440) 967-1634 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Salty Critter.