Riverside Reef Aquatics LLC

Tucked into Hawley, Pennsylvania, Riverside Reef Aquatics LLC is a passion project run by owners Rob and Leslie that has built a loyal following among freshwater and saltwater hobbyists in the Poconos region. The store's calling card is immaculately maintained tanks — reviewers consistently describe them as crystal clear and pristine — stocked with vibrant, healthy fish that rotate frequently. Regulars report visiting multiple times a month and finding different species each trip, which speaks to a supply chain that keeps things interesting.

The saltwater section is a genuine draw. Corals, invertebrates, and reef fish are kept in excellent condition, and multiple reviewers specifically cite Riverside Reef as their go-to for reef needs. On the freshwater side, the store carries a solid selection of live plants — one devoted customer refuses to buy plants anywhere else — along with bettas, catfish, and a rotating variety of community and specialty fish.

Accessories and dry goods round out the inventory. Beyond retail, Rob offers hands-on tank services that set this shop apart from typical pet stores. He handles tank setups, including a 75-gallon build that one customer called outstanding, and provides regular maintenance visits with water changes and tank cleaning at what clients describe as extremely reasonable rates.

His willingness to spend time answering questions — even fielding curious kids' inquiries with patience — reflects the consultative approach that keeps people coming back. It's worth noting that a handful of reviewers have had sharply negative experiences with the staff's demeanor, describing interactions as rude or hostile. The majority of reviews, however, paint a picture of a knowledgeable, passionate shop where the owners genuinely care about the animals and their customers' success.

Competitive pricing comes up again and again, with several people noting Rob will actively try to save customers money, particularly on fish food. For aquarists in the Hawley and greater Pike County area, Riverside Reef Aquatics delivers variety, clean livestock, and real expertise — the kind of local fish store that makes the hobby more accessible and more fun.