Blue Ribbon Koi & Marine

Tucked away in rural Catharpin, Virginia, Blue Ribbon Koi & Marine is a family-run aquatic destination that draws hobbyists from hours away — and keeps them coming back for years. The store splits its identity between two passionate pursuits: stunning Japanese koi and a serious saltwater reef operation, with a solid freshwater section rounding things out. The koi selection is the store's marquee attraction.

Out front, a main pool lets visitors — kids especially — feed the fish, creating an interactive experience that families rave about. Owner John has personally stepped in to save ailing koi, diagnosing swim bladder disease and walking keepers through treatment with a depth of knowledge that customers say surpassed a decade of their own experience. For those looking to start or expand a koi collection, this is a genuine specialist.

On the saltwater side, Blue Ribbon stocks an impressive coral inventory, including rare acropora pieces that John carefully ships to out-of-state buyers with personal communication throughout the process. Staff member Kyle is repeatedly singled out as the reef guru — from helping customers spec out their first Waterbox tank to troubleshooting ammonia spikes and curating livestock for established reef ecosystems. Peppermint shrimp, invertebrates, reef-friendly fish, and live rock fill out the marine section.

Freshwater enthusiasts aren't an afterthought either. Reviewers have picked up Apistogramma cacatuoides, neocaridina shrimp, live plants, and bettas in hard-to-find color varieties. Staff members like Irvin and Emma provide tailored advice on stocking and plant compatibility.

The tanks throughout the store are consistently described as immaculately clean — a reliable indicator of livestock health. The dry goods section covers equipment, food, and water products, with Waterbox aquariums featured prominently. Prices land in that sweet spot: reasonable enough to keep regulars loyal, fair enough to justify the drive for newcomers.

What truly distinguishes Blue Ribbon is the consultative approach — staff members build long-term relationships with customers rather than just ringing up sales.