Tucked away in Boise, Idaho, Awesome Axolotls is a dedicated axolotl breeding operation run by Michelle, a breeder whose passion and expertise shine through in every customer interaction. This isn't a traditional fish store — it's a specialized breeding business focused entirely on axolotls, offering them in a range of colors and life stages, from tiny juveniles to mature adults. Visitors have even caught a glimpse of eggs about to hatch during their visits.
What sets Awesome Axolotls apart is the depth of education that comes with every purchase. Michelle routinely spends one to two hours with customers, walking them through care instructions step by step — covering feeding, tank setup, and what to expect at each stage of an axolotl's life. One customer drove five hours just to meet her and pick up their new pet. Another called from out of state for care advice and received thorough, patient guidance. The recurring theme across dozens of reviews is Michelle's genuine investment in each animal's long-term wellbeing — she's even helped customers diagnose sick axolotls and guided them back to health after the sale.
For those who can't make the trip to Boise, Awesome Axolotls ships nationwide. Customers consistently praise the packaging — insulated, secure, and arriving on time with care instructions, extra food, and water included. The starter kits are a popular add-on, giving new owners everything they need to set up a proper freshwater axolotl tank from day one.
Pricing is described as reasonable, and Michelle works with customers on payment when issues arise, even accommodating those without PayPal. She's also earned trust as someone willing to sex axolotls and provide honest second opinions when other breeders fall short.
Pets named Kirby, Toothless, Maria, Shim, and Petrye are all thriving in homes across the country — a testament to the care that starts here. If you're serious about axolotl ownership, Michelle's operation in Boise is the real deal.
Tucked into a garage shop in Meridian, Idaho, Quality Saltwater Fish and Corals LLC has built a devoted following across the Treasure Valley on the strength of one thing: owner Shane's relentless commitment to doing saltwater right. This is a specialty reef store through and through — no freshwater distractions, no half-measures. Shane, who spent years working in the public aquarium space, runs every fish through a full quarantine program before it ever hits the sales floor. Customers rave about being able to add livestock straight to their display tanks with confidence, a luxury that saves both money and heartbreak.
The coral selection punches well above the shop's modest footprint. Reviewers consistently note that frags here are sized like mini colonies elsewhere, spanning beginner-friendly softies to high-end collector pieces at competitive prices. The Black Friday mystery grab bags — $35 for a guaranteed $50-plus value — had one Utah visitor estimating their haul at over $100. Tangs, anemones, and a rotating variety of reef fish fill clean, well-maintained systems, and Shane stocks dry goods that are genuinely hard to find at other local shops.
What truly sets this place apart is the consultation experience. Shane routinely spends an hour or more with newcomers, walking them through saltwater setup from scratch without upselling unnecessary gear. His "moonshine program" — a proprietary treatment approach — has earned fans who credit it with saving sick livestock. He offers free water testing, in-home tank services, and even aquarium sitting for customers who travel. One reviewer whose tank crashed after receiving bad water from a competitor described Shane's patient guidance through the rebuild as transformative.
For reef hobbyists in Boise and surrounding areas who've been underwhelmed by big-box alternatives, this small Meridian shop delivers an experience built on genuine expertise, healthy livestock, and a community-first ethos that keeps customers driving across the valley.
Sunken Ship Aquatics in Caldwell, Idaho has earned a devoted following across the Treasure Valley, with customers regularly driving past closer shops in Boise and beyond just to walk through its doors. The store stocks an impressive range of freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, live plants, and aquarium supplies, all housed in rows of meticulously maintained, sparkling-clean display tanks that double as visual inspiration for hobbyists planning their own setups.
The staff — names like Kinzy, Dilan, Lily, Grace, and Kenzie come up repeatedly in reviews — are clearly the engine behind the store's near-perfect rating. They're known for spending real time with customers, whether that means walking a first-time fish owner through the basics of tank cycling or helping an experienced keeper select the right nano fish for a planted community tank. One long-time customer of six or seven years noted they stopped buying fish from big-box pet stores entirely after discovering Sunken Ship, citing dramatically healthier livestock that actually thrives at home.
The selection goes well beyond the usual tropical staples. Reviewers mention snails, shrimp, guppies, axolotls, and a rotating lineup of species that keeps regulars coming back to see what's new. The store also carries a strong inventory of live aquatic plants, and at least one customer called it the only real aquascaping store they know of in Idaho. Axolotl owners specifically praise the staff's expertise in setting up proper habitats.
Sunken Ship also offers fish rehoming — a thoughtful service for hobbyists who've outgrown a tank or need to downsize. The store's willingness to take in larger fish speaks to a genuine commitment to animal welfare that goes beyond the sale.
With its broad freshwater and saltwater inventory, knowledgeable team, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere that makes browsing feel like visiting a small public aquarium, Sunken Ship Aquatics is a destination-worthy stop for anyone in southwestern Idaho.
Aquarius AquaCare in Nampa, Idaho is a freshwater-focused operation run by Manny and his family that combines livestock sales with hands-on tank maintenance services. The business has built a loyal following in the Treasure Valley through personal attention and genuine aquarium expertise that customers consistently praise.
On the livestock side, Aquarius AquaCare carries a solid selection of guppies with beautiful coloring, mystery snails, shrimp, bettas, assorted fry, and tiger fish. Customers specifically call out the health and vibrancy of the animals — the shrimp, in particular, have been described as exceeding expectations. Pricing is noted as fair, and Manny takes time to walk new fishkeepers through everything from water parameters and tank cycling to betta behavior and feeding schedules.
What really sets this Nampa shop apart is the maintenance and service arm of the business. Manny arrives equipped and knowledgeable, handling everything from deep cleans on heavily stocked tanks to full setup and prep work on larger aquariums. One customer with a 20-year-old turtle tank — notoriously demanding to keep clean — trusted Manny with a deep clean and was impressed not only by the thoroughness of the work but by the cleanup afterward. Another had a 75-gallon tank turned around fast and left spotless. Whether it's a routine maintenance program or a one-time job, Manny brings professional-grade care with a personal touch.
The consultations are equally valued. Manny has a reputation for patience, walking first-time fishkeepers through proper tank setup step by step and ensuring their animals thrive after they leave. His enthusiasm is infectious, and multiple reviewers note that conversations about fish and tanks go well beyond a simple transaction.
For Nampa-area freshwater hobbyists looking for healthy livebearers, shrimp, or bettas — or anyone who needs reliable tank maintenance from someone who genuinely understands the hobby — Aquarius AquaCare delivers.
Tucked into southeastern Idaho's Chubbuck-Pocatello corridor, Aquatic Oasis Reefing has built a devoted following as the region's go-to destination for saltwater reef enthusiasts and exotic animal lovers alike. Owner Ross and his team have cultivated something rare — a store where coral frags rival what you'd find from top online vendors, but at noticeably better prices and with the advantage of seeing livestock in person before buying.
The saltwater selection is the crown jewel. Reviewers who've kept reef tanks for over a decade describe a HUGE variety of coral, from high-end frags to reef tank supplies, all maintained in pristine, well-organized systems. The store stocks Neptune equipment and carries a full line of saltwater livestock and supplies, making it a genuine one-stop shop for reef hobbyists — some of whom drive two hours or more to get here. For those outside driving range, Aquatic Oasis ships coral with meticulous packaging and proactive communication, earning glowing reviews from mail-order customers who received healthy, vibrant specimens.
Freshwater fishkeepers aren't overlooked either. Multiple reviewers highlight a diverse freshwater selection that puts big-box pet stores to shame, with species you won't find at your local Petco. Bettas are stocked, though some customers have noted they'd love to see them in larger enclosures.
Beyond aquatics, the store doubles as a mini zoo of exotic reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates — dart frogs, boas, crested geckos, leopard geckos, jumping spider supplies, and more. Many animals are bred on-site or sourced from local ethical breeders, a detail that matters to conscientious buyers. Ross personally takes time with customers to discuss enclosure setup, animal care, and husbandry specifics, turning first-time owners into confident keepers.
The store is impeccably clean, the animals visibly healthy, and the atmosphere welcoming enough that families bring kids just to look around. For anyone in the Idaho Falls or Pocatello area pursuing the reef hobby or searching for ethically sourced exotic pets, Aquatic Oasis is the clear first stop.
FreshwaterSaltwaterCoralsReefInvertebratesConsultationShips Fish
Fish Aquariums & Stuff has been a Boise staple for years, quietly serving the Treasure Valley's freshwater and saltwater hobbyists from a compact but impressively stocked shop. Owner Bill Knight is frequently cited as one of the most knowledgeable aquarium professionals in the valley, and longtime staffers like Dave and T.J. round out a team that customers trust with everything from tank cycling questions to diagnosing sick fish.
The store carries a genuinely wide selection of both freshwater and saltwater livestock, including corals that reviewers describe as huge and stunning, invertebrates, shrimp, snails, and community fish like multis. The saltwater section draws particular praise, with live corals that surprise even experienced hobbyists. Beyond livestock, the shop stocks tanks, hang-on-back filters, fish food, medications, and a notable used equipment section where secondhand tanks and accessories move at fair prices — a feature customers call a "great idea" and a real draw.
What sets this place apart in Boise is the hands-on guidance. Staff regularly test customers' water, walk newcomers through the nitrogen cycle, and offer honest advice about stocking and tank health. Multiple reviewers describe returning three or more times a week during their first setup, always finding someone willing to talk through the process. The show tanks throughout the store double as education and inspiration.
The shop is on the smaller side physically, and during busy periods the lean staff can get stretched thin. A handful of reviewers have noted inconsistencies — one well-documented incident involved a paid-for betta being accidentally sold — but the overwhelming majority of the store's nearly 750 reviews reflect genuine loyalty. Many customers say this is the only place they buy fish and supplies in the Boise area, and several have been shopping here for years. For aquarium keepers in southwestern Idaho looking for real expertise and healthy livestock, Fish Aquariums & Stuff delivers where it counts.
Corals4Cheap in Meridian, Idaho is a saltwater-only shop that has built a devoted following in the Treasure Valley by doing exactly what its name promises — offering an impressive coral selection at prices that won't wreck your budget. Owner Josh runs a clean, well-organized operation packed with frag tanks holding everything from SPS and LPS to softies at varying price points, alongside a rotating stock of saltwater fish, invertebrates, and live rock.
The centerpiece of the shop is a massive display reef tank that stops visitors in their tracks. It sets the tone for the whole space — meticulous, vibrant, and clearly maintained by someone who genuinely loves the hobby. Beyond the eye candy, Corals4Cheap stocks salt mixes, test kits, substrates, and both new and used equipment, including refurbished lights. They even offer premixed RODI saltwater at low cost and free RODI water if you bring your own container — a practical perk that keeps reefers coming back weekly.
What truly distinguishes this shop is Josh's approach to customer relationships. Multiple reviewers describe him steering them away from purchases they weren't ready for — turning down easy sales to protect both the customer's wallet and the animal's welfare. He's walked newcomers through complete tank setups from scratch, held fish for traveling customers, and even sourced a freshwater species he doesn't normally carry just to help someone out. One customer needed a specific small clownfish to pair with a survivor after a loss, and Josh picked out a perfect match that was eating within minutes of arriving home.
The shop accepts trade-ins for in-store credit on frags and equipment, which fosters a community feel among local hobbyists. Evening hours make it accessible for those with day jobs. For anyone building or maintaining a reef tank in the Boise-Meridian area, Corals4Cheap delivers honest guidance, fair pricing, and livestock quality that punches well above its price tags.
CDA Pet Market in Dalton Gardens, Idaho, is a locally owned pet supply store that has quickly earned a loyal following in the Coeur d'Alene area. This isn't a fish-focused aquarium shop — it's a well-curated pet supply destination that prioritizes quality, healthy products over the mass-market offerings you'd find at big box retailers.
Walk in and you'll notice right away that the store is clean, well-organized, and stocked with intention. Reviewers consistently praise the selection of high-quality, grain-free, and organic pet foods, including raw dog food brands that are hard to find elsewhere in the CDA area. One customer noted it's the only local shop that consistently carries the raw food brand their dog needs. The bakery case stocked with dog cookies is a charming touch that gets regular shoutouts.
The product range extends well beyond food. Customers have found everything from durable stuffed toys for aggressive chewers to leather bones, wool balls, cat trees, halters, jackets, and leashes — all curated with a focus on quality over quantity. One visitor with four dogs, each with different preferences, managed to find something perfect for every one of them in a single stop. The store also offers special ordering for items they don't regularly stock, which speaks to their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Staff members like Hazel have earned specific praise for taking the time to walk customers through food options and make personalized recommendations. The team is consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about pets — they'll chase a puppy around the store to fit a halter if that's what it takes. A rewards program sweetens the deal for repeat customers.
Pricing is competitive with chains like Petco, and while a few reviewers note it can run slightly higher on certain items, most feel the quality and service justify the cost. For pet owners in the Dalton Gardens and greater Coeur d'Alene area who want to support a local business while getting premium products, CDA Pet Market delivers.
Tucked away in Twin Falls, Idaho, EPIC Corals has built a loyal following across the Magic Valley for doing exactly what their name promises — delivering stunning corals alongside a well-rounded saltwater and freshwater operation. The coral side of the store is the undeniable star, with reviewers describing the selection as incredible and noting they stop in almost weekly to see what's new. Staff member Ethan and his crew have earned a reputation for deep saltwater expertise, walking customers through reef tank setups from scratch and making sure nobody walks out with gear they don't need.
The store is split into distinct saltwater and freshwater sections, both kept immaculately clean — a detail multiple visitors mention with genuine surprise. The saltwater side dominates, stocked with corals they grow themselves along with a rotating cast of beautiful reef fish. The freshwater section, while more modest, offers plants, snails, and a solid variety of fish. Several reviewers note it's the best option for saltwater supplies in all of southeast Idaho, and the store's recent expansion has only deepened that inventory.
Practical purchases are well-covered too. One customer picked up an RO water system on sale and praised both the price and the staff's patience in walking them through the purchase. Tanks, stands, and dry goods round out the offerings, with reviewers mentioning fair prices and occasional killer discounts on equipment packages. The staff takes a genuine consultative approach — checking in on how your tank is doing, offering species-specific care advice, and helping newcomers assemble complete setups with confidence.
What sets EPIC Corals apart in the Twin Falls fish scene is the combination of specialty coral inventory and small-town attentiveness. The crew clearly cares about the livestock they sell and the tanks those animals end up in. For anyone running a reef tank in the Magic Valley, this is the shop that keeps pulling people back week after week.
Bob's Pet and Pond in Lewiston, Idaho is the kind of locally-rooted pet store that inspires multi-generational loyalty. Customers talk about coming here as kids with their parents and returning decades later to find the same warmth, expertise, and sense of wonder intact. One reviewer drives a 140-mile round trip just to tap into Bob's personal aquatic knowledge — and considers it worth every mile.
The freshwater fish selection is the main draw for aquarists. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and health of the fish, noting that Bob's carries species you won't find at big box stores like Petco. The store also stocks axolotls, lizards, birds, and puppies, making it a full-service pet shop rather than a fish-only operation. Bobby, the go-to staff member for pond questions, has built a reputation as someone who will walk you through pump selection, water output calculations, and everything else related to water features and pond setups.
The staff's willingness to spend real time with customers stands out across dozens of reviews. Whether someone needs help dialing in the right food for a sensitive dog or figuring out the perfect addition to their aquarium setup, the team takes a consultative approach rather than rushing people through. One reviewer mentioned getting personalized service while searching for the right fish, and appreciated that the animals in the store's care looked healthy and well-maintained.
The store recently moved into a larger, more accessible location with wheelchair-friendly layout — a thoughtful upgrade that long-time customers have noticed. Shelves are stocked with supplies for fish, reptiles, small animals, and dogs, plus live feeder insects for bearded dragons and other reptile keepers. Prices run competitive, especially compared to chain stores, with reviewers flagging decent sales and fair pricing on enclosures and supplies.
Bob's Pet and Pond is a Lewiston institution with nearly 30 years of community trust behind it, anchored by staff who genuinely care about the animals they sell and the people who keep them.
