Looking for freshwater fish in Queens? Whether you’re into freshwater or saltwater fish, our store on Jamaica Avenue carries both. Come in, look through the tanks and talk fish with people who love these animals.
Freshwater fish on Jamaica Avenue
Our fish change with every delivery. So the best way to see what’s here today is to come in or check the new arrivals board.
When a fish delivery comes in, we go live on Instagram. Then you can come in and hand-pick your freshwater fish right out of the box.
Freshwater fish that just came in
Nothing posted this week yet. Stock changes with every delivery. Follow along on Instagram, or call to ask what just came in. See our Instagram
Looking for a certain fish? Ask about an animal or call the store, and we’ll tell you what’s in.
Setting up a freshwater tank
A healthy tank starts before the first fish goes in. These basics help new fish settle in, whether it’s your first aquarium or one of many.
- Cycle the tank first. Run the filter before you add fish, so good bacteria can grow and break down waste.
- Treat tap water. Use a water conditioner every time, because tap water carries chlorine that harms fish.
- Know the adult size. Check how big a fish grows, and which tankmates it gets along with, before you buy.
- Add fish slowly. A few at a time gives the filter a chance to catch up.
- Acclimate gently. Float the bag so the temperature evens out, then mix in tank water little by little.
- Feed lightly. Uneaten food fouls the water fast, so offer only what your fish finish.
- Change water often. Regular partial water changes keep the tank clean and stable.
Food for your fishy friends
We also carry frozen food for your fishy friends. It’s an easy way to add variety to a diet of flakes or pellets. Keep a reptile too? See our live and frozen feeders.
Thinking about saltwater someday? Our reef and saltwater page covers marine fish and the corals we hand-pick.
Fish and plants stores can’t sell in New York
New York State bans selling a list of invasive aquarium plants and fish. It includes fanwort (Cabomba), Brazilian elodea (also sold as anacharis), parrot-feather and hydrilla, plus northern and giant snakeheads and walking catfish (6 NYCRR Part 575). New York City’s Health Code also bans keeping or selling predatory fish such as piranhas and sharks (Article 161).
Other species, like goldfish, are regulated instead: legal to keep and sell, but never to release. So never let any fish, snail or plant go in a pond, a lake or a storm drain.
We only sell animals that are allowed in NYC, and we can’t source, hold or order banned species for anyone. This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions freshwater keepers ask
Can I pick out my own fish?
Yes. Walk in anytime during store hours and choose your fish in person. No appointment needed.
Is a fish I saw online still here?
Stock changes fast. Call the store or send a quick question from the Ask about an animal page before you make the trip.
What should I know before I shop for fish?
Know your tank size and what already lives in it. A photo of your setup helps too, so you can show us what you’re working with.