About
Fishy Business in Columbia, South Carolina has built a following as the largest aquarium store in the state, and a single walk through the floor explains why. Hundreds of tanks glow with both freshwater and saltwater fish that regulars describe as noticeably healthier than the average pet shop, with better care and higher survival rates. One recent visitor called it the most impressive fresh and saltwater store they had ever been to, praising a selection of equipment, decor, and livestock that was, in their words, mind blowing.
People routinely drive two hours each way to shop here, and most say the trip is well worth it. The livestock range runs deep. There is a standout selection of African cichlids for sale in Columbia, SC, alongside pea puffers, brightly patterned kuhli loaches, and uncommon species you will not find at a chain store.
The live plant wall is a draw of its own, with hobbyists picking out plants for freshwater and planted tanks while staff explain how to actually keep them thriving. Shoppers hunting snails, invertebrates, and aquarium supplies near me find them here too. Kevin recently went out of his way to track down snails for a customer's pea puffers, the kind of help that turns first-timers into regulars.
Service is the throughline in nearly every review. The team, including manager Kat and longtime favorites like Austin and Kevin, takes the time to listen rather than upsell. One customer arrived ready to throw money at a water-parameter problem and instead left with the cheapest fix that actually worked.
The store also handles custom tank builds, full setups, and saltwater systems with professional installation, plus a substantial inventory of dry goods, aquarium equipment, and low-cost reverse osmosis water for hobbyists managing water chemistry at home. Prices skew premium on some items, and the staff will tell you straight that pride in the fish is the reason. For serious hobbyists and families wandering the glowing aisles alike, this is the aquarium store in Columbia, SC worth planning a day around.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fishy Business in Columbia, SC
Fishy Business stocks cichlids, African cichlids, pufferfish, invertebrates, corals, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Columbia, SC. As an aquarium store serving Columbia, SC, it also carries aquarium equipment and dry goods and offers custom tank builds, aquarium setup and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Described as the largest aquarium store in South Carolina, with hundreds of freshwater and saltwater tanks
- Standout African cichlid selection plus pea puffers, kuhli loaches, and a deep live-plant wall
- Knowledgeable staff like Kevin, Austin, and manager Kat who educate without upselling
- Custom tank builds and saltwater systems with professional in-home installation
- On-site low-cost reverse osmosis water and a large dry-goods and equipment inventory
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Awesome, Kevin is always the best!”
— Marshall Kinsey5.02 weeks ago“Staff is very knowledgeable and willing to help and answer questions. Kevin went out of his way to help me find some snails for my pea puffers 🙏. This is now the only place I go for aquarium supplies and fish”
— Michael Mirambeaux5.02 weeks ago“Always knowledgeable Different fish that are standard to pet shop. Better taken care of and higher survival rate. Their plants and nice too. I get freshwater from here.”
— Linda Flores5.02 weeks ago“Very friendly great customer service”
— Tracy Thomas5.03 weeks ago“Most impressive fresh and salt water store we’ve been to(and we visit several). The selection of equipment, decor, and livestock was mind blowing! Prices were fair and clearly marked. Def a Must Visit if you’re even remotely close by. Make the effort, you’ll be glad you did.”
— Allen Newland5.03 weeks ago“Such a great fish store, the staff is super helpful, the stoor is large with an incredible selection of both fresh and saltwater. Tons of plants for sale. Really everything you could need.”
— Jack Carrouthers5.04 weeks ago“Very friendly and helpful staff!”
— Daniel5.0a month ago“Well stock. Beautiful variety. My be a little higher than other places but that because they take pride in the fish”
— Colleen DuVall5.0a month ago“Love this place, always has the best assortment of fish and the staff is super helpful!”
— Mary Neuman5.0a month ago“They are very knowledgeable when it comes to fish and the needs of fish. They have helped my husband and I set up multiple tanks and have just been a delight to work with”
— Ashlynn Williamson5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (803) 731-4004 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fishy Business.