Fish World

Adolfo Gamboa

2024-01

One of the best fish stores we have ever been to! Joe is very knowledgeable and has been doing this for a long time. After making every purchase from him we can tell he’s not in for the money, there’s plenty of times he has told me certain fish are not right for my tank. This has helped our tank and prevent fish from being in hardship after a purchase. My kids can spend the whole day in here if I let them, they call it the visit to the aquarium zoo! Thanks for everything Joe

Manny Ortiz

2024-04

Great experience! We stopped by 2 months ago during the week. They had just received a shipment and there were fish everywhere. We had just updated to a 75-gallon tank, which was just set up. The owner was great, even in the middle of fish everywhere he took time to talk to us about the business, our tank, and our plans for it. We left and came back 2 months later for the cleanup crew. He recognized us, and we told what we were looking for, and he gathered it a, l keeping in mind the size of the tank and everything. We also told him we were setting up a refugium and needed some chaeto. Keeping in mind the size grabbed enough needed for our refugium. This is a AAA+ business. This is the place to go!

Stephen Kimball

2024-01

Stopped by today wondering if they had anything for my new freshwater tank (they don't - saltwater only) so right off the bat, Joe knew we weren't paying customers.That didn't stop him from giving my kids a tank-by-tank tour of the shop which lasted nearly 40 minutes!They are now begging to go back and see the fish he said were coming in his next shipment. Such a fun experience learning from an enthusiastic expert in the hobby.

Brigitta Lewis

2022-05

I would give more than 5 stars if I could!!! Joe is an awesome person and my husband has been and will be a lifetime friend/customer. Even when he is out of town I know I can ask Joe for advice. He saved our tank from a disaster. Great selection and amazing knowledge!!

kevin shuford

2023-08

Absolutely amazing place! So helpful and informative! Highly recommend this place. Joe is one of the kindest people I've ever met.

R

2022-05

Joe is an extremely pleasant person. Spend some time looking at his display tanks, corals, and fish.. remember that everything you observe will happen in your tank( unless of course you have a very solid quarantine process.) great on promises but poor on follow through!!

Johnny Snah

2022-05

Everyone in this hobby in the Richmond area knows of Joe and FW. He has been a staple for years and many people working at other locations began with Joe. In previous years past, Fish World is one of the most informative places in the hobby, though it came with a hefty price tag, however, the livestock had a very high success rate. You definitely get what you pay for in this hobby.It has been a while since I have been to Fish World. I am a casual shopper, at times I may just buy something small, others I will pay whatever the cost. However, the last couple of visits, I began to feel unwelcome. My wife and I waited in line to purchase a fish, and were skipped over to people behind us, twice, who were obviously planning to spend more money. Frustrated by the experience, we left. I decided to return on a slower day to pick up the fish for my wife, and was ignored again. It felt as if you were part of the big spenders club, you would be taken care of.I have not returned since, as the years have allowed ability to purchase on the internet and newcomers in the business. Several acquaintances have had similar “hit or miss experiences”. If you are planning to spend big, need help setting up an expensive system, or building a custom tank, this place is definitely for you. If you are just a casual reefer, you may have better luck somewhere else or online.

Sean Stuart

2020-05

Joe the owner is extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, patient and friendly. He answered my questions and provided lots of advice based on what I was looking to do. He did all this while running the stores sales, other customer questions, vendors, custom tank builds and anything else needed. All with a smile and obvious exuberance for his hobby.

Tonnya Moore

2017-05

My husband and I have always had a great experience with Joe and the staff, including his wife. Do we pay more for certain things, Yes. Why? Because we know we are getting what we pay for quality fish and great customer service. They are all knowledgeable about everything. The price list is right there to look at, we walk around with it. You only need to know your ABC's and process of elimination to figure it out. We went to other stores before Fish World, all I saw there were dead fish in half the tanks. And people telling us we couldnt do it. Well, with Joe's help we have a wonderful 94 gallon tank, beautiful fish and coral. Joe speaks to everyone, and helps everyone out with any problems. I can personally tell you he ISN'T about the money, he IS about making sure you have the healthiest tank possible. Spent some actual time there, and you will see. As for his tanks, they keep them clean and the fish are well cared for. He will always have our business. Thank you Joe and gang!

Davileet T

2017-05

Joe is the best. I purchased a special order tank through him with Planet Aquariums and it was an awesome experience. Prices are on the higher side for corals, but nothing terribly unreasonable if you have a career. There is a cost involved to doing business and keeping the lights on. I am out of town a couple of hours or I would visit much more often. Joe is a really great guy and cares about his customers and that is probably his secret to success.

Blake C

2019-05

Owner and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Very willing to answer questions and help get back into the hobby. You can tell they really love the animals they sell and take care of. The display tanks are nothing short of amazing. Can't wait to go back.

IG Cakewalk

2019-05

My wife and I enjoy going here and talking to Joe and his staff. They always have something we can learn about and have great stock. The atmosphere's laid back and it is usually loud with laughter and conversation. This is a great place to get supplies and and we have gotten some amazing finds with Joe and his Fish World.

Rachel Tan

2021-05

This shop is amazing! The owner is amazingly knowledgeable. My children love looking at all the incredible beauty in this store. The employees and owner are very helpful in pointing to what is feasible in any given price point when trying to create a tank setup in your own space.

Steve “Doc” Brinsfield

2020-05

Fantastic collection of fish, I've never met anybody that knows more about fish than those guys. Fantastic service!

Chris Foltz

2017-05

I recently purchased a turn key 190 reef tank from Fish World. Everything was great, the tank the rock, the set up, they are true professionals. In regards to price Fish World is the only Premium store I have seen in the region. I may pay a few dollars more but like most people I have tried buying cheap and you end up paying more in the long run because what you bought didn't do the job you bought it for or it didn't last as long as it should. Great store, great people, give them a try. They get busy sometimes (which is a good thing) so be patient and I promise it will be worth your time.

Margee S.

2021-05

Mom was an artist. She developed Alzheimer's and we tried to keep her stimulated by what she loved - colors, movement etc. I discovered Fish World and took Mom - in her wheelchair - to see this absolutely amazing world of coral and fish. Joe was especially welcoming and quietly made Mom feel special. Even though I said we were only browsing, he went the extra mile. He set up a ramp so Mom could access the wonder of every tank. She loved it!! I took her often, and always we got the same gracious welcome by everyone. I have never forgotten the kindness of this team and the joy they brought to my wonderful Mom. She has since died, I have moved to CT. I am now thinking of setting up a live coral tank and found myself googling Fish World, wishing I lived closer. They would certainly have my business.

Dianna Charles

2022-05

Just moved here and have been looking for a good saltwater store and I'm so glad to find Fish World and Joe. He's so helpful and so full of knowledge. Joe has exceeded my expectations for a fish store. I 100% recommend checking this store out.

Frank Fecentese

2021-05

Hi Joe. I wanted to thank you for taking time out every time my 10 yr old son Pasquale comes to your store. He’s your number one customer and loves your fish store. If you want great service, great fish selection Fish World is your store...go check it out for yourself. Great job guys!

Jake Evans

2017-05

Recently got into the saltwater aquarium hobby. Visited several dealers and I don't have anything really negative to say about these shops but for me Fish World was an immediate connection (Joe and his wife) have been outstanding and treated me great from the start to today. I cant be more pleased with my new aquarium. They installed and designed the aquarium. The family loves it.

Dylan Austin

2024-04

Amazing Selection, knowledgeable and Helpful Employees!

Ted Lambert

2018-05

Awesome SW Fish Store and Customer Service!! Purchased a light from Joe and when I got home I realized the bulbs were not in the fixture...called Joe and he ordered me another and was supposed to arrive Friday. I go Saturday to exchange my bulbs and he was frustrated because UPS had failed to deliver and updates showed Monday delivery. Even though it was beyond his control, Joe packed me up some live rock and other supplies for my tank, on the house! I look forward to buying my fish and corals from Fish World! Thanks again.

J Lepore

2019-05

Awesome staff recommend definitely going here to get your supplies and exotic fish. Make sure you ask for kameron he will help you with everything you need. They have a great selection and can get you just about anything you need if they don't have it in stock right away. They are willing to accommodate you after hours if you have an emergency. We love the giant saltwater fish tanks and how well they are designed.

Noppakun Lorah

2015-05

Really nice place. They might be a little busy but they will make time to help you. Busy store must mean it's good. So just be patient about it. A lot of fish and tons of corals to choose. This place makes all the store in Newport News looks bad. Worth the 1 hour and 30 min drive. Store owner really nice even introduced himself when he met me. If they were closer I would come here more often.

Intents Adventures (Kristen & Lauren)

2021-05

You couldn’t pay me to put a fish from this store into my tank. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but every fish was sick. Some gorgeous fish still for sale, despite being quite ill. No sign of treatments. Coral tanks overrun with pests and didn’t look like they’d been cleaned in years. A total disgrace.Maybe their prices are great, but their care of live animals leaves much to be desired. I left heartbroken for the animals in their “care”. Support a shop that actually cares and go to Tiki Corals.

Nick Yatsko

2020-05

I have not been it this hobby for many years but When I first got started I only went to Joe and his staff for help, advice and supplies when I lived in Richmond and Raleigh, NC! Now that I’m in PA and thinking about getting back into it I can’t wait to see Joe and these guys again! Joe is amazing and the most knowledgeable person I’ve met yet on the topic!

Matthew Knighting

2018-05

Finally had time to check the store out, absolutely amazing tanks! I was a little nervous but after the owner's pep talk I feel confident again in caring for a saltwater tank. Thank you for your help and hope soon I'm be buying my first fish :)

Bobby Green

2017-05

This is a great store and probably one of the few places I would drop a fish in my display without quarantine. His prices are definitely higher for livestock but why save a few bucks for your purchase to die in a few days. I've bought several fish from here including a leopard wrasse and all are still great and some are 4 years old

J Saha

2015-05

If you are going to purchase saltwater fish or corals this is by far the best place to go in Richmond, if not all of Virginia (just ask the countless people that drive 1.5 - 4 hours on weekends to get their fish ONLY from Joe's shop).If you come by the shop this is what you should be prepared for, anywhere from 3 to 10 customers in the store talking to each other looking at the amazing stock available and each waiting their turn work with Joe and his staff for whatever they need for that day...could be having their water tested; could be picking out the perfect piece of coral or fish; or just asking for advice (even if you don't have a tank yet). While Joe is helping that person they are the MOST important person in the store. He takes his time and makes you feel like your question/need is the TOP priority and that is what sets Fish World apart. So yes from time to time you may have to wait your turn before Joe or his staff can help you, but when it is your turn...no matter how big or small your issue (or your purchase for that day) you will receive honest, caring, detailed advice. This is not just Joe's business it is his passion and that comes across in every interaction i have ever had with him.Pricing, his prices are fair - more expensive than PetCo, but comparable to other local fish stores in the area. The quality and care of the fish though are top notch, and paying a little extra to guarantee the health of the fish and coral is well worth it.Joe and Fishworld are the example of why I love individually owned small businesses, because the owners are living their passion and sharing that with their clients, who he knows by name!

Ben Hebert

2018-05

I came from out of town looking for an Ecotech MP10. I called ahead asking if they sold them, which they said they did and could order it for me. I got to their store looked around and was impressed by the fish and tanks within. The owner Joe and Cameron were very nice let my daughter runaround with no worries. They ordered the MP10 for me at a lower price then expected lower then i had seen anywhere around and online. Then said they could send it to my house which was awesome. If i lived closer it would be my go to fish store.

Patrick Gunnell

2017-05

Joe the owner not only has the best customer service I have encountered in along time but genuinely cares about what you are trying to accomplish. He is also willing to send items, special order items, or advise in any problems that occur. Great place and awesome displays!!!!