About
Tucked into Lebanon, Tennessee, Emerald Bay Fish & Reptile has built a devoted following with its dual focus on aquatic life and reptiles. The store stocks a solid range of both freshwater and saltwater fish, with corals labeled by their scientific names — a detail that speaks to the care and precision behind the operation. Live plants, live rock, neocaridina shrimp, and turtles suitable for outdoor ponds round out the aquatic inventory, while the reptile side features leopard geckos, bearded dragons, various snake species, and even tarantulas.
The tanks throughout the store are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, with healthy, vibrant livestock. Reviewers repeatedly note the organized layout and the overall atmosphere of order and care — this isn't a cluttered back-alley fish shop. It's a place where enclosures are spotless and animals appear well-handled and energetic.
What draws people back, though, is the staff. Whether it's Shawn walking a newcomer through saltwater basics or another team member patiently explaining leopard gecko shedding to a family with kids, the employees at Emerald Bay consistently take time with customers rather than rushing them out the door. Multiple reviewers who switched from larger Nashville-area stores specifically cite the patience and genuine enthusiasm of the team.
One reviewer, a self-described freshwater hobbyist, appreciated how the staff filled in gaps in his knowledge without condescension. Pricing is competitive, particularly on feeders like crickets and mealworms, where customers report getting more for less compared to chain pet stores. The store receives regular fish shipments, so stock rotates frequently — worth calling ahead if you're after something specific like a particular tetra variety.
7-star rating by combining a curated livestock selection with genuinely knowledgeable service in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. For aquarium hobbyists and reptile keepers across Middle Tennessee, it's become a destination worth the drive.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Corals labeled with scientific names reflecting marine-biology-level curation
- Clean, well-organized tanks with healthy freshwater and saltwater livestock
- Patient, knowledgeable staff who take time to educate customers
- Competitive pricing on feeders, supplies, and livestock versus chain stores
- Family-friendly atmosphere with hands-on reptile interactions for kids
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I visited for my first time and it was absolutely stunning!! The time and care that is put into these animals is incredible! The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, and even helped me find what I was looking for. I was specifically looking for a tetra that they didn’t have in stock, but was told that their next shipment is next Tuesday, so I will be coming back!! 10/10 this is my new favorite pet store.”
— Gabriel Garcia5.016 hours ago“I am a long time customer of another large fish supply store in Nashville. We decided to try Emerald Bay due to the rude customer service and always feeling rushed at the other store. Being new to saltwater the guys at Emerald Bay took the time to explain things that we did not understand and answered all of our questions, and we had a lot of questions! I am so glad we have found our new fish supply store with people who really care about their customers! The guys there are so knowledgeable and will take the time and not make you feel rushed! They have a great selection of coral, saltwater and freshwater fish. I highly recommend Emerald Bay for all your fish needs!”
— Molly Pugh5.06 days ago“Stopped by for the first time today, which was recommended by a chain pet store in Lebanon. So glad I did! Unfortunately, they were pretty low on stock with Fish, but absolutely to no fault of their own considering the storm we’ve had. all their tanks are very clean and the fish are very healthy. The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. It was a great experience! I will absolutely be back for all my freshwater aquarium needs! Emerald Bay fish and reptile is A+!!”
— planecrazy 095.0a week ago“Awesome place to get aquarium livestock. There are so many variaties of fish and reptiles. They even had a few neocardina shrimp in stock. The staff is very helpful and available for questions.”
— Roderick Sayers5.0a week ago“I visited this shop for the first time today and I was VERY impressed. I stopped by due to having a baby dwarf tarantula who needs very small crickets and Petco just doesn't have what I need anymore. I spoke with a very kind gentleman who gathered said crickets for me. I also picked up some meal worms for my jumping spiders and the prices are amazing. There are a lot more worms in these containers than Petco as well, and they're cheaper! I also browsed the reptile section and was very impressed with their selection. I'll be back for more feeders (and possibly some more pets) in the near future!”
— Shelby Brandt5.03 weeks ago“Every time we come here, we get top-notch customer service!! Everyone is so nice and knowledgeable!! They have a wonderful selection of fish. They have helped us build our new tank. 10 out of 10!! It’s worth the drive if you live far away!!!”
— Courtney Sarell5.03 weeks ago“Nice aquarium and reptile store.”
— Ben Mclerran5.03 weeks ago“The only place I will be buying my fish from now on! Shawn was extremely knowledgeable and helpful on any questions I had. I know a lot about freshwater tanks. But I don't know at all for sure! So i'm so grateful that they know exactly what they are doing. And as far as pricing, they are extremely competitive. I highly recommend you start buying your fish and aquatic supplies here.”
— Lani Barnett5.04 weeks ago“Always friendly and very knowledgeable. Will definitely return to add to our saltwater tank.”
— kevin Wherry5.04 weeks ago“Best place to get healthy feeders for my reptiles!”
— Nadine Hanft5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (615) 470-8488 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Emerald Bay Fish & Reptile.