Walking into Skoolz of Fish in Mechanicsville, Virginia, you're immediately greeted by the sight of giant fish tanks overflowing with huge tropical plants — a signature touch that sets the tone for what is arguably the Richmond area's most eclectic independent fish store. Owner Rama and his team have built a loyal following over the years by stocking both freshwater and saltwater fish in varieties you won't find at chain pet stores, from flower horns to honey gouramis to species that customers describe as genuinely hard to source locally. The store's strength is its selection and the owner's willingness to spend time with each customer, even on busy days.
Regulars praise the staff for helping them choose compatible tank mates, accepting fish returns when stocking ratios don't work out, and posting social media updates when new shipments arrive. One customer recounted bringing back male honey gouramis and swapping them for females without any hassle — the kind of hands-on guidance that keeps hobbyists coming back. The coral selection draws saltwater enthusiasts, and Rama's team has provided ongoing tank maintenance and servicing for clients spanning three-plus years.
The store is not without its rough edges. Multiple reviewers note the facility runs hot and humid, with industrial fans doing their best against Virginia summers. The layout is packed tight with tanks, and some visitors have found water clarity and lighting inconsistent.
The reptile section has drawn significant criticism for enclosure conditions, which is worth noting for anyone visiting with broader pet interests. Supplies and dry goods are limited compared to the live stock — plan to source equipment elsewhere or ask the staff about special orders. What keeps people driving across the Richmond metro to Mechanicsville is the living inventory.
Skoolz of Fish is a place where you walk in looking for one thing and leave having discovered three fish you didn't know existed. The pricing is competitive for the quality and rarity offered, and the personal attention from ownership creates a relationship-driven shopping experience that big-box stores simply cannot replicate. If your priority is healthy, interesting fish and real expertise behind the counter, this store delivers.
adam owen
22 reviews
Love the owner and he has great employees. Great stock and can get you almost anything you're after.
Jessie Franks
The reptile room needs to go every single snake I held was freezing like if they eat it’s gonna mess them up and there’s like a lizard type animal that is so skinny like it don’t get feed the people there are so disgusting. I hope it gets shut down bc it’s every single time I go in there and I see one person that actually try’s and cares for the reptiles great job to her. The owner needs to step up and help their employees bc the employees can’t just go buy stuff that the animals needs. Then there’s another lizard type reptile that looks so sick and it was so cold it stays in a dark improper in closure in not the only one that is saying this it makes me sick
Heaven Stone
5 reviews
Don’t go to this store! They neglect their reptiles so badly even had dead animals in cages... They all look sick and have dirty enclosures, it’s very evident they don’t care about their reptiles. Save yourself the time and go to fin and feather or Richmond aquarium!
Tequan Maduro
24 reviews
This place has lots of cool options for aquariums, however unfortunately I never purchase anything from here because the prices are outrageously high. Price point is high for beginners.
bella caminiti
2 reviews
the owner is very helpful and kind. absolutely beautiful fish!!
Devin Maslen
5 reviews
Bought my first flower horn from these guys yesterday. Also had them take some fish off my hands a few years ago when moving. Great store, great people, and very hard to beat prices. Highly recommend for beginner and advanced fish keepers.
Kevin Lee
8 reviews
Both owner and employee, offered to come out to my home and set up a sump. Neither showed, in fact, the owner canceled on my twice with a bogus excuse.
Sue Rosenberg
4 reviews
The good the bad AND unfortunately some ugly. There are tons of unique and beautiful fish.. Somewhat helpful employee but I had the feeling I was in the way. Very busy unloading new fish and I had to hunt them down to ask questions. I really think they need more help! Hard to see many of the fish because the water was cloudy and not well lit.. It is very rundown, dirty and crowded and well…needs A LOT of TLC. What really bothered me was that many of the tanks had dead fish floating. As another reviewer mentioned it’s VERY HOT and humid in there and although there were big industrial fans going it was extremely uncomfortable. I honestly cut my time there short because I thought I was going to faint a few times. (And Im not a wimp). All in all, if you’re just there to see some unique fish and don’t care about your own comfort, go for it.
Cayleigh G.
4 reviews
The fish tanks were ok but the reptile room was a nightmare. They let us know an employee had left a cage open so there were corn snakes on the loose. When we went into the room it had no lights, bare cages covered in feces and sheds, and emaciated snakes. Concerns were voiced to employees, they claimed only the owner is aloud to care for the snakes. There is no reason for them to have reptiles it's so sad
Colin Russell
8 reviews
I have never seen reptiles treated worse in a pet store , no substrate , feces all over enclosures so im sure the animals all had or will have respritory incfections soon , disgusting poop filled water dishes for the animals fortunate enough to have water and skinny emaciated snakes , fish tanks looked great but the "reptile room" genuinely made me want to cry
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (804) 522-1676 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Skoolz of Fish.
Phone
(804) 522-1676Website
www.skoolzoffish.com/Address
8073 Mechanicsville Tpke, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
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8073 Mechanicsville Tpke, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
February 7, 2026
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