Born and raised in Utica. There is absolutely nothing out there. The "best" out there is a chain store. Their people are smart enough to send people West to check out what real saltwater fish look like...lol.
Aaron, if you want ideas of what is out there in terms of pet stores. There is Tropical Grotto on Genesee Street right near the railroad tracks about 5 mins South of the Parkway. There is Pet Supplies Plus on Commercial Drive. Those are the only two I know are still around.But there is nothing in comparable terms to stores out in the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse area. HTH dude.