Looking for a Tropical Fish Shop in Harlow?
At Friendly Fish Aquatics, we specialise in healthy, community friendly tropical fish, expert advice, and a relaxed atmosphere all right here in Harlow, Essex.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, we’re proud to be Harlow’s go-to tropical fish shop, offering something a little different: a place where fish come first, and where every tank is designed to inspire.
We’re located at Bonnie’s Oak Garden Centre, just off Southern Way easy to reach by car, bus, or even on foot.
Why Customers in Harlow Choose Friendly Fish
Many shops rely on rows of blue tanks and the same tired stock. But here at Friendly Fish, we’ve created a space that’s cleaner, calmer, and more enjoyable for both fish and fishkeepers.
Every one of our 100+ tanks is a proper setup with plants, substrate, and fish that are active and healthy. We only stock peaceful community species that are suitable for home aquariums, and we take great pride in helping you choose fish that will thrive in your setup.
Because we’re based in Harlow, you won’t have to travel far to find quality fish that are properly cared for. Just a quick visit and you’ll see why many locals say we’re the best fish shop in Essex.
🛒 What You’ll Find in Store
🧒 A Family-Friendly Fish Shop in Harlow
We offer a wide range of tropical community fish, including:
Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails
Neon and Cardinal Tetras
Rasboras and Cherry Barbs
Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches, and peaceful bottom-dwellers
Dwarf Cichlids, Honey Gouramis, Balloon Rams
Fancy Snails and Shrimp
A great range of live plants
Dry goods, filters, treatments, and fish food
Whether you need a starter tank or want to expand your setup, our friendly team — Barry and Julie — are always on hand with honest advice.
We love welcoming families and young fishkeepers. Many of our regulars bring their children along to choose their first fish and plants and we’re always happy to guide them through the process.
No upselling, no pressure just support and honest advice to help you get things right from the start.
🧼 Healthier Fish, Happier Tanks
🚗 Getting to Friendly Fish from Harlow
We go beyond the minimum with our 30 tank quarantine system far more than the standard required. Every fish is rested, monitored, before it ever goes on sale.
We also believe in proper housing: Bettas live in 14-litre planted cubes, not the tiny pint jars used in some other shops. It’s all part of our commitment to fish welfare.
We’re easy to find — and easy to reach:
By Car: Just off Southern Way (A1169) in Harlow, with free parking at Bonnie’s Oak Garden Centre
🚍 Getting Here by Bus, Train, or on Foot
🕒 Opening Hours
Open 6 days a week
Tuesday–Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Come Visit Your Local Tropical Fish Shop in Harlow
At Friendly Fish Aquatics, we’re not just a fish shop — we’re fishkeepers too. Everything we do is about helping you succeed in the hobby and enjoy it for years to come.
Pop in and see what makes us different — we’re just around the corner!
By Bus 🚌
Nearby Stop: Garden Centre, Hastingwood — just a 3-minute walk from our shop; buses include routes 19A, 22, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 339
Harlow Town Centre is served by local routes (1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 14, 505) connecting via Harlow Bus Station
Bus Station Access: Take any of the local lines from Central Harlow and change at Harlow Bus Station a short ride to the Garden Centre stop.
By Train
From Harlow Town or Harlow Mill stations, it’s a brief taxi or bus ride to the garden centre.
Bus Route 7 links Harlow Town train station and Harlow Bus Station, from which you can connect to the Garden Centre stop.
On Foot
If you’re in areas like Great Parndon, Staple Tye, or Old Harlow, Friendly Fish is comfortably walkable many customers enjoy a short stroll on nice days tacking on a bit of local exercise.