When Wirral Aquatics opened its doors in September 2024, few could have predicted how quickly it would make a name for itself. Less than 18 months later, the independent fish shop has scooped multiple accolades in the latest Practical Fishkeeping (PFK) Awards — a remarkable achievement for a newcomer.
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The Wirral store, located at 20 Upton Road, Moreton, has won the following:
- Discus Retailer of the Year — Wirral Aquatics earned top honours in this specialist cichlid category, underscoring the quality of its discus stock and expertise.
- Runner-up, Independent Retailer of the Year — In a fiercely competitive national poll, the Moreton shop impressed enough to claim second place overall among independent aquatic retailers.
- Regional Runner-up in the Readers’ Poll — Among northern UK retailers, Wirral Aquatics secured a top regional spot, reflecting strong community and customer support.
- Named among the UK’s “Top 40 Stores” — A badge of honour reserved for the country’s leading aquatic shops; Wirral Aquatics’ inclusion so soon after opening speaks volumes about its reputation.
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This string of awards is striking — especially given the shop’s youth. Indeed, Wirral Aquatics has become the first Wirral fish shop to recognised by these prestigious industry. The recognition is particularly meaningful to owner Stephen Halsey, who fulfilled his dream of opening the shop after overcoming a horrific car crash.
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Stephen survived a horrific car crash in 2016, which left him wheelchair-bound for years. During his recovery, Stephen turned to tropical fish as a source of calm and solace and over lockdown, he built a home-based fish room with around 100 tanks — a labour of love that eventually inspired him to launch Wirral Aquatics.
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A lifelong lover of fish, in September 2024 he fulfilled his dream of opening his own aquatics store and it quicky made a big name for itself. Employing friendly, knowledgeable staff and with a commitment to ethical fish-keeping and breeding, Wirral Aquatics quickly developed a formidable reputation amongst tropical fish enthusiasts.
Furthermore, Wirral Aquatics has hosted talks and workshops from leading industry experts, children’s education sessions and has also led regular community litter picks. Back in August, Stephen and the team fixed £5,000 worth of repairs to the fish tank at Arrowe Park hospital’s children’s ward — completely free of charge.
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The awards and recognition for Wirral Aquatics are more than just trophies: they reflect a broader shift in the aquarium hobby. As PFK’s 2025 Readers’ Poll underscores, votes come from real hobbyists and customers — meaning Wirral’s success stems from genuine community support.
Moreover, the shop’s ethical sourcing and focus on welfare align with growing consumer expectations for responsible pet-keeping. By championing UK-based breeders and emphasizing fish health, Wirral Aquatics helps set a standard for sustainable and ethical aquarium retail.
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The success of Wirral Aquatics is a powerful reminder: with passion, ethics and dedication, even a small independent shop can become a beacon for quality and care. Their PFK Awards haul celebrates not just commercial achievement — but a vision for responsible, hobbyist-driven fish-keeping.
Wirral Aquatics / 20 Upton Road, Moreton, Wirral / 07946 659242
