About
J & M Aquatics & Pet Center is Grand Junction's go-to independent pet store, sprawling across a spacious retail floor packed with aquarium fish, reptiles, feeders, and pet supplies. Reviewers consistently point to the freshwater fish selection as a standout — one customer called it "the best selection I've seen west of the Mississippi" — and the store stocks everything from bettas in aerated cups to koi for backyard ponds. They're reportedly the only place in the valley where you can pick up both duckweed and freshwater algae in a single trip, making them a practical stop for planted tank enthusiasts and pond keepers alike.
The fish department covers a wide range of freshwater species, and shrimp keepers will find live stock available (though one reviewer learned the hard way to double-check your bags before leaving). Several customers mention the store as a resource for learning about aquatic breeding and fish compatibility, with staff willing to advise on tank setups and stocking choices. The blonde-haired associate, for instance, earned praise for walking a customer through which fish would work together in a new tank.
Beyond aquatics, J & M is deeply rooted in the reptile community. Grand Junction locals rely on the store for feeder rats, crickets, fruit flies, and Madagascar hissing roaches, and the reptile enclosures draw browsers who want to see snakes, chameleons, and tree frogs up close. Dog and cat owners benefit from competitively priced quality food brands and a frequent buyer program, and the shop cat adds to the lived-in, local feel.
Service experiences vary — many reviewers rave about friendly, knowledgeable staff members like Ali and Crystal, while others have encountered frustrating communication gaps, particularly around special orders. The store offers a veteran's discount, which loyal customers appreciate. At its best, J & M functions as Grand Junction's all-in-one pet hub: a place where a 10-year-old can pick out fish, a pond owner can stock koi, and a snake keeper can grab feeders — all under one roof.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationFish Breeding
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Only store in the valley carrying both duckweed and freshwater algae
- Koi selection for pond owners with staff-assisted picking
- Wide freshwater fish variety with shrimp available
- Extensive reptile feeder selection including crickets, fruit flies, and feeder rats
- Veteran's discount offered
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I can’t express my disappointment in how this shop handles customer service. After special ordering fish and being told it would take 1-2 weeks, we heard nothing. After week two we called and were told that the fish were not ever ordered and it would be another week of waiting. Another week later and a combined month of waiting and still zero communication from J&M and we call back today and find out that it will be ANOTHER week. My 10 year old who has been super loyal to this shop has called and been told over and over that the time has changed again with no apology. Are they this disorganized? A curtesy call or any kindness and accountability would have gone a long way here. Will avoid ever supporting this shoo in future.”
— Angelie1.0a day ago“I'm fairly new to this store, so it might be a one off thing. But the last two Friday afternoons I've went in for crickets, there's always a girl with glasses that always seems frazzled at the front desk while she has the drawers open while everyone else is busy, and I always feel bad asking her for help. I went in on Sunday hoping for a different staff, so I could get some fish for my new tank setup. The same girl was there, but while everyone was running around and helping people, she was just standing up front and staring at the computer screen and ignoring customers, there was even a big line and she didn't acknowledge them. I had to practically BEG to get my fish, and even then, someone else came and helped me while she stood up there. The only bonus was that the young lady with the blonde hair that helped was very nice and told me what fish could go in my tank and was very informative. Normally I'm not one to be negative about a business, especially a local one, but customer service needs work.”
— Ashley2.0a week ago“Fantastic store with a great selection and even better staff!”
— Reece Rarden5.02 weeks ago“Very good for feeder rats”
— Nathan Rogers4.02 weeks ago“Staff will not offer help they just stand up by the registers and visit with each other... Have to chase them down for fish and they dont even acknowledge you entered the damn store!!!!”
— Daniel Newton3.02 weeks ago“Friendly knowledgeable staff, they are so helpful. All of the pet things, seriously, so much. Competitive prices, in fact, it seems the quality dog food here is a much better price than at the "big" stores. They sell rabbits, rats, fish, all kinds of reptiles, spiders, snakes... I have to spend 30 minutes looking at all the cuties, before I can do my shopping. That's a me problem. I'm truly happy to be able to support a local business!”
— Alison Brixius5.03 weeks ago“I absolutely LOVE this pet store. They really seem to care about our animals and the staff if friendly and knowledgeable. Marley and Pearl APPROVE!!”
— Heather Kehr4.04 weeks ago“I had went in and bought some mice for my snake I fed my snake. I woke up the next day and my snake was Dead i was sold a bad pack of Mice”
— lil Bleezy1.0a month ago“Love the staff at this store. They are super nice and knowledgeable.”
— Georgia Hoaglund5.0a month ago“Best reptile food stop in grand junction.”
— brandan schumacher5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (970) 245-2526 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting J & M Aquatics & Pet Center.