About
The Aquatic Critter has been a Nashville fixture since at least 1991, and its nearly 3,000 Google reviews tell the story of a store that generations of Middle Tennessee aquarists keep coming back to. One longtime regular notes he has been visiting since he was old enough to drive, now approaching 43, and still feels like a kid every time. After a recent remodel the tanks gleam, and customers describe spotless displays, healthy livestock, and clean, well-maintained aquariums throughout.
On the freshwater side this is a destination for serious fishkeepers. Reviewers have picked up redtail catfish, redtail hybrids, Orinoco and mono peacock bass, ghost knives, pictus catfish, Corydoras, cichlids, and tetras, alongside more unusual stock like piranhas, rays, eels, loaches, shrimp, axolotls, and even shark eggs, much of it thriving for years. If you are hunting peacock bass or axolotls for sale in Nashville, TN, this is one of the few shops that reliably stocks them.
As a saltwater and reef aquarium store it also keeps healthy corals and marine fish that bring reef hobbyists back again and again, plus a deep live-plant section with dark red varieties, driftwood, and aquascaping supplies. It is also more than a fish store. The reptile room is its own draw, with longtime staff like Trent, Jeremy, and David guiding customers through Sulcata tortoises, bearded dragons, snakes, and tarantulas.
On the aquatic side, names like Brandon, Kevin, and Evan come up again and again for patient, genuinely knowledgeable help, whether someone is setting up a first betta tank or dialing in circulation and filtration on a 55-gallon build. Supplies run deep too: tanks, stands, lighting, lids, float valves, and hard-to-find parts that are tough to source elsewhere. Prices can run above the big-box stores, and as with any live source it is wise to quarantine new fish and plants before adding them to an established tank.
For Nashville aquarists searching for healthy freshwater and saltwater fish near me, The Aquatic Critter remains a Middle Tennessee benchmark.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Aquatic Critter in Nashville, TN
The Aquatic Critter stocks corals, reef fish, cichlids, catfish, tetras, rare and hard-to-find species, invertebrates, shrimp, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Nashville, TN. As an aquarium store serving Nashville, TN, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefCichlidsLive PlantsCatfishTetrasRare SpeciesInvertebratesShrimpAxolotlsBettasAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Nashville institution since at least 1991 with nearly 3,000 reviews and a recently remodeled, spotless showroom
- Deep freshwater predator and oddball selection: peacock bass, redtail catfish, ghost knives, piranhas, rays, axolotls, and eels
- Full saltwater and reef department with healthy corals and marine fish
- Standout live-plant section with dark red varieties, driftwood, and aquascaping supplies
- Dedicated reptile room and knowledgeable staff (Brandon, Kevin, Trent, Jeremy, David) across decades
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The animals seem well treated, and there is a large selection of them.”
— Fokas Murdock5.05 days ago“Awesome place for fish and reptiles! The staff is friendly and very helpful!”
— Joe Loftus5.05 days ago“Awesome customer service, great selection.update on my 55 just added circulation tank fan for better water oxygenation and filtration super affordable to upgrade your tank try it out , these guys have it + the experience and knowledge to take your tank to the next level. I also picked up a nice hunk of driftwood, they have it all at your fingertips 👍”
— Scott Caskey5.0Edited a week ago“Love this place”
— Jenn5.0a week ago“The aquatic critter is by far the best fish and reptile store in Nashville! I have been coming here for years now. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer any questions you may have. 10/10 recommend!”
— Gracie Hays5.0a week ago“This place is hands down THE COOLEST pet store around. 10/10 I highly recommend this if your into fish and critters of all kinds. They have a very nice selection and an even nicer staff. After my first weekend going here 2 months ago I’ve been back 7 times if that tells you anything. The only semi-negative thing I’d say is that the website needs to be updated. But this place is amazing!”
— Alex Mccourt5.0Edited a week ago“Clean and best fish store in middle tennessee that ive found so far according to fish, corals, and supplies. Staff was very helpful.”
— Brady Rogalla5.0a week ago“Really clean shop with almost every imaginable choice for the types of products you are looking for, including unique items didn't know existed. (not just one or 2 brands, they have it all) I was able to buy a handful of hard to find items. Will definitely shop there again.”
— Eric Jackson5.02 weeks ago“Excellent store with a great selection. Tanks were spotless and everything was well maintained. Came down to buy a few fish for my new tank and met with Brandon, who was super personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend for anyone in Nashville Metro area.”
— MV5.03 weeks ago“This place is the best place to get your pets nice and healthy”
— Mustafa Alhumaidi5.0Edited 3 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (615) 832-4541 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Aquatic Critter.