By Sara Poirier Correa
Sentinel Correspondent
When it comes to creatures of the sea, House of Fins knows what’s trending. Whether its neon corals, saltwater invertebrates such as a Big Eye Shrimp, or even the exotic freshwater Killifish, the longtime aquarium installer caters to all fish lovers, and is all about keeping up with the times.
“If things are changing we’re able to adapt,” said Keith Godfrey, manager of the store. “With technology we’re able to monitor aquariums through cell phones and computers.”
In business since 1957 and owned by town resident Robert Bray for the past 30 years, House of Fins at 99 Bruce Park Avenue is a go-to destination for installs, maintenance and more.
“People [often] come in just for the knowledge of the people in our store,” Godfrey told the Greenwich Sentinel. Manager for about six months, Godfrey has been at House of Fins for four years and has a background in fisheries management and aquaculture.
“We’re able to compete [against other aquarium sellers] because we’re more of a niche store where we get in more oddities than a bigger aquarium store might,” he said, referencing octopus species and nautilus – a large, “swimming snail” if you will – to name a few.
Godfrey added that House of Fins deals with everything in the world of fish, from providing small fish for fishbowls to recreating underwater oases for 2,000-gallon aquariums. Commercial and residential projects are equally the company’s specialty, he said.
“I love caring for smaller organisms than myself,” Godfrey said of his love for marine life. “It’s about the water chemistry and recreating natural habitats.”
The store specializes in larger and harder to find vibrant colonies of coral, the company website, houseoffins.com, said. Among the many photos available on the site are the many colorful fish they offer, whether for freshwater or saltwater aquariums.
“The opportunity to witness a small piece of the ocean in your own home is a powerful allure,” the website said about what attracts people to these special marine exhibits.
Touted as “the premier source for unique aquariums, expert aquarium maintenance, and exotic livestock from the world over,” House of Fins starts each consultation, Godfrey said, with a discussion about what a customer wants to see. Freshwater tanks tend to have more Zen-like colors of natural greens and reds, for example, while a saltwater aquarium is brighter with neon pinks, greens and purples.
As the winter cold sets in outside, Godfrey said this time of year is perfect for businesses like House of Fins.
“The winter months, especially when it’s cold outside, is some of our busiest times,” he said. “When it’s cold outside, people actually are looking at aquariums inside.”
In the end, Godfrey said he and the staff – which includes service technicians and store employees – “just try to provide the best service to everyone.”
For more about House of Fins, visit the store on Bruce Park Avenue, check out houseoffins.com or call 203.661.8131.
