Owning a pet is a universal joy, but owning an aquarium is unlike any other experience. An
aquarium doesn't just add a pet to your life—it brings a distinct peace into your world.
Sea Oddities, located on Broad Street in downtown Kingsport, has spent more than two
decades serving the fish-loving community and educating the public about the wonder of
having fish as pets.

“Fish don’t shed, they don’t bark and they don’t have to be walked,” said Cathy Cope, owner of Sea Oddities. “Having fish brings a different kind of peace into your world. It’s mesmerizing in how they do what they do all day long, and they interact with one another in ways you don’t
see with other animals.”

Cope was born and raised in Kingsport, graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School and has worked at Sea Oddities the past 27 years. Cope took over the business from her parents a decade ago and today, she and her 24-year-old son Max, run the store together.

“We knew the lady who started it back in the 90s and my dad told her if she ever wanted to sell the business, to let him know. And that’s what happened,” Cope explained.

In 1999, Cope’s family took over the business and in the beginning, it was a true family hustle. Cope’s dad maintained his full-time job while fulfilling his dream of owning a business; her mother managed the daily operations and Cope herself split her time between being a student at Northeast State and working at the store.

Sea Oddities offers a variety of freshwater fish like guppies and betas, live plants, all manner of
aquarium equipment and unique underwater creatures such as axolotls. However, it’s true
specialty is saltwater fish and invertebrates.

“Saltwater tanks offer you fish with more vibrant colors and ones usually only seen when you
go scuba diving,” Cope said. “Not everyone is going diving, so we’re bringing you a world that
most people don’t get to be a part of.”

Having an aquarium at home is more than a hobby. It can become a learning experience for the
entire family, Cope said. Children of all ages can enjoy raising fish and learning about
ecosystems, husbandry and responsibility. Plus, you get to see up close those beautiful
creatures that are down there on the reef.

Sea Oddities’ customers come from all walks of life. The downtown store serves families who
only have fish, families with cats and dogs, young couples with no children and seniors who use
fish to help rest and relax.

“Owning fish can be a great hobby and they’re used in therapy settings of all types,” Cope said.
“Fish have such a calming effect. It’s truly relaxing.”

Sea Oddities, originally located on Eastman Road near Moon Tuxedo, has called 128 Broad
Street its home for the past 20 years. Cope said she has no plans to leave downtown.

“Absolutely not,” she said. “Downtown is the heart and soul of any community, especially when
you look at us being a Model City. We love being a part of keeping that history alive.”

So, if you’re looking to start your first freshwater tank or want to dive into the world of
saltwater fish, pay a visit to Cathy and Max at Sea Oddities and let them help bring a little bit of
the ocean—and a lot of peace—into your home.