About
Fish & Friends in Hanover, Pennsylvania has become a destination freshwater fish store that routinely draws hobbyists from over an hour away — and they keep coming back. Owned and operated by Blake and his family, this shop radiates the passion of people who genuinely love fishkeeping. The tanks are meticulously maintained, the fish are visibly healthy, and the atmosphere inside is calm and inviting, more like walking through someone's prized collection than browsing a retail floor.
The freshwater selection is the main draw. Customers rave about the variety, which includes rare and exotic species imported from unconventional sources alongside community tank staples like rasboras and loaches. Shrimp keepers will find solid stock here too — one reviewer reported their original five shrimp from Fish & Friends thriving a full year later.
Live and frozen foods are well-stocked, and the aquatic plant selection supports the store's growing reputation as a go-to for aquascaping supplies in the region. Beyond livestock, Fish & Friends carries a substantial inventory of tanks, filters, heaters, decorations, and dry goods that continues to expand. Blake actively takes customer requests and can add items to his next order if something isn't on the shelf.
Prices are consistently described as fair and often cheaper than big box competitors, which makes the drive even easier to justify. What truly sets this shop apart is the personal attention. Blake and his staff take the time to answer every question honestly, whether someone is setting up their first tank or adding to their sixth.
Multiple reviewers credit the team with turning around frustrating fishkeeping experiences and helping them build thriving aquariums. The store maintains an active Facebook page where weekly shipment updates keep regulars informed about incoming stock. For freshwater enthusiasts in York County and beyond, Fish & Friends delivers healthy fish, honest guidance, and the kind of curated selection that only a owner-operated shop fueled by genuine passion can provide.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Rare and exotic freshwater fish imported from unconventional sources
- Thriving shrimp stock with proven long-term health
- Extensive aquascaping supplies and live aquatic plants
- Owner Blake takes custom orders for items not currently in stock
- Weekly shipment updates posted on Facebook
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Beautiful, big, healthy fish. The service is great! They're very friendly and knowledgeable. Their inventory is absolutely amazing! Super snails too! I drive 95 minutes there and it is well worth it!!”
— Beth Decenzo5.0a month ago“An amazing fish selection and fantastic service. They are also always bringing in new dry goods and hardware. Only place around to get so many different items for aquascaping.”
— Michael C5.02 months ago“Stopped in today and had the pleasure of working with Blake and his mother. They were so great and helpful in answering all of my questions. Collecting my fish order in the midst of other customers orders. I will be going here for all my fish needs! Best advice, best customer service, best all around in their care and time they put in to their tanks and customers. Thank you Fish and Friends”
— Jae Nichole5.02 months ago“Highly recommend!!!! Everything you need and very friendly setvice.”
— Keith D5.03 months ago“I love this store- great hobbyists run it”
— Michael Scheibner5.03 months ago“Excellent educated owner and variety of exotic livestock”
— Justin Bellizzi5.03 months ago“Great fish selection, fair prices even somewhat cheaper. Everything appears way healthier then big name stores. Definitely worth the hour plus drive.”
— Brian Proper5.04 months ago“The best freshwater fish store anywhere around here. It’s a 35 minute drive from me and well worth it. The owner is ultra nice and helpful, really knows his stuff. You can tell he loves being there and doing what he does. Huge selection of fish, plants and live/frozen foods. All of the fish and plants I’ve gotten here have been in good health. If you follow them on Facebook, you can see what they’re getting in every week.”
— Alicia Miller5.04 months ago“Wonder first time going to the shop! Got 4 of these colorful fish, 8 shrimp, 4 loaches and 4 Rasboras. (We have several tanks) Great knowledgeable people working there, very helpful and great variety!! Highly recommend to anyone looking to expand their tanks or for the first time buyers with lots of questions setting up. Definitely will return!”
— jennifer rorick5.04 months ago“Amazing! Shop owner(s) are helpful and so pleasant! Always a treat :-)”
— Bugs5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (223) 267-0957 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish & Friends.