Taking A Dive Into the Community

Exotic Fish & Coral

Eliana Stockwood and Abby Babcock | April 13, 2026

Latest Coral Imports: The latest exotic coral up for purchase, February 2, 2026. Photo courtesy: Eliana Stockwood.

If interested in adding a new touch of sea life at home, or just looking to improve the quality of life for one’s fish, Exotic Fish and Corals can fulfill all those needs and more. Located on New Haven Ave in Milford, Connecticut, they offer a wide array of marine life, including octopuses, axolotls, and sharks.

Exotic Fish and Coral has been in operation for over 35 years, during which Bob Chimel, a Foran alumnus, has been the owner.

His business was established formally during his junior year of high school. Chimel adds that he has always had an affinity for fish. “I got into fish when I was one, and I’ve loved them since then,” he states.

The business offers fresh, cleaned coral for aquariums, and its selection includes many unique designs and colors.

Exotic Fish and Coral ensure prices are suitable for all customers and that proper care practices are maintained, ensuring their animals are sent to safe places.

A loyal anonymous customer notes that they prioritize customer satisfaction over their own financial gain.

“I remember a time when I was incredibly young and tried to net a catfish, but got its spine stuck in the net, [the owner] came out to the shop to help cut the net off and didn’t take any payment at all,” he recalls.

“The best part about the business is how amazing they treat the animals,” he continues.

Smooth Hound Sharks and Ray Tank: Two Smooth Hound Sharks and a Ray resting in a tank, February 2, 2026. Photo courtesy: Eliana Stockwood.

Exotic Fish and Corals takes care of their fish and works to ensure customer satisfaction.

The business helps customers find what they are looking for while also providing background information to ensure the animals remain at the appropriate levels in their new home.

“We make sure to use extensive maintenance, also using top-quality food and water…” Brazyli Smolinski, a consultant at the business, says.

In the future, Chimel hopes to host birthday parties where guests can grow their own corals and watch them grow on a livestream over 4-5 weeks, until they are ready to be sold.

With a surge of large-scale retailers, like Petco, shopping at mom-and-pop shops is an essential way to support local businesses.

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About the Contributors

Eliana Stockwood, Staff Writer

Hi, my name is Eliana Stockwood, and I’m a sophomore at Foran High School. This is my second year taking journalism, and I am a staff writer. I picked journalism because I love writing and like keeping people in the loop about what’s going on around them. At Foran, I am involved in Key Club. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and going out to places. Some other things about myself are that I’m always trying to go out and do more with others, and drawing.

Abby Babcock, Staff Writer

Hi, my name is Abby Babcock and I’m a freshman at Foran High School. This is my first year taking journalism. I picked journalism because I love writing and learning about the people and places around me. At Foran, I am involved in lacrosse and fencing. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and shopping.