About
Tucked into Bayonne, New Jersey, Exotics & Aquatics is a bustling mom-and-pop pet shop that draws a loyal following with its diverse mix of exotic animals and a steadily growing aquatics section. Owner Laura is the heart of the operation — reviewers mention her by name again and again, praising her hands-on knowledge of reptile care, feeder insects, and freshwater fish alike. One customer credited the shop with making their dream of keeping pea puffers a reality, while another noted they were just getting their freshwater aquarium started with Laura's guidance.
The store's primary identity leans exotic: ball pythons, bearded dragons, chameleons, tortoises, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, isopods, and a cast of birds including a dancing cockatoo that apparently performs on command. But the fish and invertebrate side is real and growing. Reviewers mention a solid selection of freshwater fish and supplies, hermit crabs, and frogs alongside the reptile inventory.
Feeder prices — crickets, mega worms — are consistently called the best around, which keeps reptile keepers coming back weekly. The atmosphere inside is energetic and a little chaotic in the best way. Multiple reviewers describe the shop as exciting and entertaining, a place where kids beg to visit and adults linger longer than planned.
Animals are housed in spacious, clean enclosures, and several customers specifically noted how healthy and well-socialized the animals appeared. The store can get crowded on busy days, a testament to its popularity in a tight-knit neighborhood. What sets Exotics & Aquatics apart from big-box competitors is the personal touch.
Laura takes time to educate new pet owners on setup requirements, diet, and ongoing care — whether the conversation is about a bearded dragon's habitat or stocking a first freshwater tank. The shop functions as a genuine community hub where regulars stop by not just for supplies but for conversation and to check in on favorite animals like Emmett and Stanley. For Bayonne residents seeking a knowledgeable, passionate local source for exotic pets and freshwater fish, this is the real deal.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- PuffersInvertebrates
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Pea puffers and freshwater fish available with knowledgeable setup advice
- Owner Laura is widely praised for hands-on reptile and aquatic expertise
- Best local prices on feeder insects like crickets and mega worms
- Diverse exotic animal selection including ball pythons, chameleons, and birds
- Community-oriented shop with loyal weekly regulars and clean animal enclosures
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great Service! Super Kind! Will definitely be coming back!”
— tomay87875.0a day ago“I adopted my bunbun Luna from here! The owner was super kind and friendly! They had a wide variety of animals and they take the time to educate. I would very much recommend getting you pet/pet supplies from here.”
— Monika Hernandez5.0a week ago“unfortunately I didn't get her name but awesome,friendly and great customer service”
— Eugene Lopez5.04 weeks ago“What an amazing place the pet store in the store are outstanding and the prices of reasonable 😀 🙂❤️😜”
— Anthony barbieri4.0a month ago“Not from the area and drove by decided to stop in let me tell you the lady who owns it is sweetest ever. My kids and I were so excited to see the birds inside the store and the tortoises such a nice experience. Highly recommend.”
— Geminigalnj novakowski5.0a month ago“This is a great, quaint little pet store offering exotic animals. We adopted our bunny Eva from here and she is the sweetest, most amazing little princess, very healthy, playful and vibrant. Best investment I’ve made in a while. 🐰 We come here from time to time to get her Timothy hay, treats and toys and to visit the bunnies. They have a pretty decent selection. The owner is very friendly and helpful. A+++”
— Silent Mage5.0a month ago“Have, want or want to look at pets? Best place ever! They know about everything they have, they are always in stock of everything and they are the most friendly people ever.”
— Charlie Smith5.0a month ago“This place is amazing! The animals are so well taken care off and you can tell they are happy and healthy. There’s no smell coming from the furry critters and they are in large enclosures with plenty of space to roam. The woman who helped us today was incredible and went above and beyond to help me. Thank you!!”
— Sara Schwartz5.02 months ago“We are new to the neighborhood and we stopped in to check out the store and say hello. We got a greeting as soon as we walked in and felt welcomed immediately. It was clean and have a pretty great person working there.”
— jason lerman5.02 months ago“Love this place- they made my dream of owning pea puffers a reality!! From my snakes to my frogs and everything in between, they’ve gone above and beyond to provide healthy handleable animals. And their feeders? Best prices I’ve seen. I get a little overwhelmed sometimes because they do get crowded- but I love seeing this mom&pop shop thrive!”
— Julacey Ceballos5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (201) 443-8050 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Exotics & Aquatics.