Barrier Reef has been a part of Boca Raton for more than 50 years and is still making aquarists’ dreams come true!
The legacy will be continued on by a group who have spent their whole careers in the aquatic industry.
Meet the Team
The people you will talk to when you come in, and what each of them knows best.
Gary
Owner
Favorite fish: Queen Triggerfish
Gary's passion for fishkeeping began at five years old and grew into a lifelong career spanning retail, distribution, manufacturing, product development, and executive leadership.
He ran his own aquarium store in Queens, New York for eight years, then spent more than 25 years as Executive Vice President of Royal Pet Supplies, where he helped develop the Deep Blue line.
Melissa
Owner
Favorite fish: Porcupine Pufferfish
Melissa has spent her entire career in the pet industry, with decades of experience in animal care, operations, retail, and wholesale distribution.
She began as a veterinary technician and large kennel manager, then became a Wholesale Pet Supply Account Manager, building industry relationships and expertise in product sourcing.
Bob
Owner
Favorite fish: Brown Banded Bamboo Shark
Bob spent 21 years as CFO and President of Royal Pet Supplies, helping grow the wholesale distributor from a regional operation into a nationally recognized industry leader.
After retiring in 2012, he returned to the industry to help restore the 50+ year old Barrier Reef. A longtime Boca Raton resident, he believes a community is only as strong as its independent retailers.
Joey
Store Manager + Fish Expert
Favorite fish: Wartskin Frogfish
Joey has more than 10 years as a professional aquarist and is certified in aquatic animal healthcare and aquaculture practices.
He spent six years in marine biology research on fish and elasmobranch biomechanics and is a three-time published scientific author. He holds a B.S. in Neuroscience and an M.S.T. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
Robin
Fish Expert
Favorite fish: Adult Emperor Angelfish
Robin began his career at Fish Paradise in 1983 and joined Barrier Reef in 1998. With more than 40 years in the industry, he is one of the most experienced and trusted experts on the floor.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, he settled in Florida after Rochester and New Jersey. Outside the store, he enjoys snorkeling, fishing, and cars.
Terri
Fish Expert
Favorite fish: Black Ghost Knifefish
Terri has more than 20 years in the pet industry, with extensive knowledge of dogs, exotic animals, reptiles, and freshwater fish.
She has a background as a veterinary technician and professional pet sitter and also operates a reptile rescue. She is a Florida native and a proud Neocaridina shrimp keeper.
Oliver
Freshwater Specialist
Favorite fish: Fogo Peacock Bass
A Barrier Reef customer since he was four years old, Oliver returned to the team after first working with us in 2023.
He is an avid hobbyist who keeps multiple indoor and outdoor aquariums, with hands-on experience in freshwater fish, planted aquariums, reptiles, and amphibians.
The standard every animal in this store is held to is written down.