At Something Fishy, we believe aquariums move people in amazing ways. They calm anxious minds, spark curiosity, and create moments of pause in otherwise busy environments. From healthcare spaces and corporate lobbies to hospitality settings and private homes, aquariums have a unique ability to shift how people feel.
Our work lives at the intersection of art, environment, and emotion. We design immersive aquatic experiences that reduce stress, enhance well-being, and transform spaces, handling everything from design and installation to long-term aquarium maintenance so our clients can simply slow down, breathe deeper, and enjoy the moment.
What began as a childhood fascination became a lifelong calling.
Founder Kurt “The Fish Guy” Harrington’s journey started at just eight years old, when he received a goldfish for Christmas and immediately wondered, “What if this could be bigger, better, more alive?” Like many kids, Kurt explored early hustles — lemonade stands, lawn mowing, paper routes — but in 1993, at age 15, a single opportunity set his future in motion. He began cleaning the fish tank at his dentist’s office in Westerly, Rhode Island — a small job that quickly grew into a steady client base and, soon after, a major account with the original Ocean House Hotel.
As Kurt moved through high school and pursued a degree in business administration, it became clear this wasn’t something he wanted to leave behind. In 1999, he officially formed Something Fishy, transforming a side hustle into a professional aquarium design studio built on craftsmanship, trust, and long-term vision.
Over time, the company expanded far beyond maintenance. Today, Something Fishy designs, installs, and maintains everything from tabletop aquariums to large-scale architectural exhibits — including the care of more than 1.2 million gallons of aquatic life at Mystic Aquarium. Growth was never accidental. Kurt often refers to the company’s “unique recipe”: people, process, and product — refined to make aquarium ownership simple and dependable.
While aquariums may be the visual centerpiece, Kurt will tell you the real joy is the people behind them. Today, his focus is on building an empowering, educational environment where designers, technicians, and creatives can grow their craft and do the best work of their lives — because helping others develop their skills is one of the most meaningful parts of the mission.
Something Fishy is a full-service aquarium design studio specializing in custom aquariums for residential, commercial, healthcare, and corporate environments. We design, install, and maintain bespoke aquatic installations that combine craftsmanship, reliability, and long-term care — delivering luxury aquariums that function as living centerpieces in the spaces people experience every day.
