Ken's Aquarium & Pet Supply

Ken's Aquarium & Pet Supply in Decatur, Illinois is a long-standing local pet shop that serves a dual audience: freshwater fish keepers and reptile enthusiasts. Multiple reviewers mention shopping here for years, sometimes across generations of family pets, picking up everything from fish to snakes to feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, and pinkies. The fish side of the operation carries a selection of freshwater species, and long-time customers note it as a reliable place to buy fish with helpful staff who are happy to answer questions.

That said, several reviews suggest the fish inventory has scaled back compared to what the store once offered, with one reviewer noting it's now primarily reptiles, small animals, and a few freshwater tanks. Reptiles are clearly a strong suit. Reviewers repeatedly praise the snake selection, with one calling it the best place to buy snakes, and several saying they wouldn't shop anywhere else for their reptiles.

The store also stocks reptile supplies, cages, and bedding. The store has undergone a transition in recent times, with new ownership and remodeling efforts mentioned in multiple reviews. This transitional period appears to have brought some growing pains — a few reviewers noted the store's condition and cleanliness as concerns, while others acknowledged these issues were likely tied to the renovation.

Staff, however, consistently earn praise for being friendly, polite, and willing to help, even when the store was mid-remodel. For Decatur-area pet owners, Ken's fills a niche as a locally owned alternative to chain pet stores. The freshwater fish selection, while not as expansive as it once was, still draws loyal customers, and the reptile inventory remains a clear draw.

If you're in the market for snakes or need feeder supplies, it's worth stopping in — just keep in mind the store is still finding its footing under new management.