Fish Bowl

Fish Bowl in Searcy, Arkansas is one of those local pet stores that keeps people driving long distances to browse its aisles. With a dedicated fish room stocking both freshwater and saltwater species, this shop has built a loyal following among aquarium hobbyists across central Arkansas. Customers have picked up everything from rope fish and Oscars to Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, plus mystery snails and hermit crabs — a solid invertebrate selection for a store in a smaller market.

The freshwater selection stands out as a particular strength, with reviewers specifically praising the healthy variety available. Betta fish are popular sellers, with repeat customers returning again and again. The saltwater side rounds out the aquatic offerings, giving Fish Bowl a broader appeal than a typical small-town pet shop.

Beyond fish, the store carries a full range of aquatic supplies, tanks, and equipment — enough to keep hobbyists browsing for hours, as several customers admit doing on their monthly visits. Fish Bowl is more than just an aquarium store, though. It's a full-service pet shop carrying birds like parakeets, cockatiels, and conures, alongside rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, snakes, and other reptiles.

One customer picked up a Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure and praised both the price and the staff's genuine concern for the bird's wellbeing. Another outfitted a full parakeet setup — cage, food, perch, and accessories — for $120. The staff draws consistent praise for friendliness and willingness to answer questions, with several reviewers singling out knowledgeable young employees who clearly care about the animals.

Pricing tends toward competitive, especially compared to the chain alternatives, though a few items run higher. Some experienced fishkeepers have noted inconsistencies with species identification and labeling — something to keep in mind if you're shopping for specific shrimp varieties or snail species. For Searcy and the surrounding area, Fish Bowl fills a real gap.

It's the kind of independently owned shop where you walk in for one thing and leave two hours later with a new pet.