Davey Jones Locker
Something fishy.
Since my husband is allergic to every animal that walks on earth, fish have become the pet of choice at our house. But the over bred and sad little fishies sold at the big box pet stores weren't cutting it. I needed to find fish with gumption. I needed to find fish with the will to live.
My search led me to a flipping good fish store (I know, but it's really tough to resist a good fish pun).
Davey Jones Locker is like a funky little aquarium on Delaware Avenue in Albany.
The walls of this 2000 sq. foot shop are lined with aquarium tanks full of exotic and not so exotic fish and invertebrates. We have seen clown fish, (yes, we 'found Nemo'), manta rays, seahorses, coral, and huge tanks filled with fish you've never even heard of.
The great thing is that the fish sold here have staying power. The little guys I bought there over a year ago are still swimming along. Trust me, that is a record in our house
Another bonus here is the staff. They are really knowledgeable and can answer all of your fishy questions. From helping you find a good pH level for your tank (you can bring them a water sample) to advising you on the types of fish that won't kill each other (I've learned the hard way). You can tell they love their fish.
The shop sells everything you need to start and maintain a home aquarium. They even make home maintenance visits in their handy dandy Davey Jones Vans.
Even if you don't have fish, it's still a great place to walk around. And with the recent addition of an art gallery, there's even more reason to browse.
Davey Jones now participates in Albany's First Friday festivities and features the works of local artists. The owners have encouraged other businesses on the 'Ave.' to take part as well, so there is quite a scene developing in that part of town.
Find It
Davey Jones Locker
386 Delaware Avenue
Albany, NY 12209
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Comments
From experience, I can vouch for EVERYTHING Dawn has said. Excellent report!
... said That kid Eli's mom on Jun 26, 2009 at 2:28 PM | link
I used to work here as a college student. This place is FIRST RATE. The staff is friendly and EXTREMELY knowledgeable. They will also go out of their way to get you to do things the RIGHT way, even if it means that they will lose 10 bucks in sales that day. They realize that its lifelong customers that make the difference. If you like fish, walk in here, and check out the condition of their tanks, and talk to the staff. You will NEVER go anywhere else again.
... said Erik Dollman on Jun 26, 2009 at 2:41 PM | link
I've always liked them. When I had to downsize my aquarium they took my pleco with no problem, even though I've never shopped there. They even wanted to give me store credit for him (which I declined).
... said Olivia on Jun 26, 2009 at 3:13 PM | link
This neighborhood is the most walkable part of Albany after downtown. There is so much to do here. Thanks, Dawn, for telling me about the fish store last year--it's one of my daughter's favortie places to visit. I didn't know about the gallery, though. I 'll have to check that out one night and then finish things off with some ice cream at Emack and Bolio's.
... said Lulu on Jun 26, 2009 at 11:23 PM | link
My wife & I have been shopping (is that the word to use when buying precious living things??) here for our tropicals for years now. Davey (is that his name?) is completely helpful and knowledgeable as is all of the staff. Beautiful store, GREAT displays too - it's like the Boston aquarium to just walk through.
... said Alan Thomson on Jun 30, 2009 at 8:49 AM | link