Southside Pet Center And Grooming Salon is a family-owned Decatur, Illinois pet shop that has built a loyal following among local aquarists who swear by the health and variety of its fish. While the storefront may look unassuming, step inside and you'll find tank after tank stocked with freshwater species that are genuinely hard to come by in central Illinois — from baby angelfish and German blue rams to red devil cichlids and Shubunkin goldfish for backyard ponds. They also carry saltwater fish, a rarity for a smaller independent shop in the area.
What sets Southside apart is the staff's willingness to actually teach. One reviewer recounted bringing home baby angels and losing fish early on, only to have the team diagnose the problem — overfeeding and overcleaning — without trying to upsell a single product. They walked through proper feeding schedules, including frozen bloodworms for angelfish, and offered tank care guidance tailored to the customer's specific setup.
That kind of honest, personalized consultation is what keeps people driving from out of town. The shop offers water testing for just a dollar, giving hobbyists accurate readings without needing to invest in a full kit. They'll also special order fish and carry a solid range of supplies, from fish food to general pet products including crickets for reptile keepers.
The grooming salon side of the business has its own devoted clientele — one reviewer's 135-pound Great Dane apparently loves her nail trims there. The fish stock consistently gets praised for being healthier than what customers find at big-box competitors, and reviewers note the staff's deep knowledge of delicate species. A few customers have had less-than-pleasant interactions with management, so your mileage may vary on the customer service front.
But for aquarists in Decatur looking for rare freshwater specimens, pond fish, or saltwater stock backed by real fishkeeping expertise, Southside Pet Center delivers where it counts — in the tanks.
Amanda Stiltz
14 reviews
This was my first visit here, I will be going back. The ladies here were very nice and helpful. Big selection of fish and supplies.
Dylan
Was in the store today, saw the owner yelling in the face of children to the point they cry, owner was snotty and rude. Highly do not recommend going here.
Ciara Cohen
Overheard the owner yelling at kids today simply for the doorbell repeatedly going off. Very rude and snotty. (The doorbell they installed and picked the sound themselves)
Jeff Main
49 reviews
I came in to get a fish the owner was snotty and NOT helpful at all .I had drove a ways to get there .She seem to have Attitude .I had bought fish from there in the past .But I feel Im done .I love the fish there .Its just a shame I have to deal with that .
Jesse Durdel
6 reviews
Outstanding variety fish. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Local gem of a pet store especially if you are an aquarist.Fish are HEALTHY and well stocked.
Lyle Shinkle
21 reviews
Great selection of products no mater what your pet is. Awesome fish selection for the area without having to drive somewhere else.
Adam Mittleman
31 reviews
Cherie is wonderful. My dogs thoroughly enjoyed being groomed by her and looked great at the end of the day.
Joshua Hardesty
2 reviews
Absolutely love it. I will not buy my fish or fish product from any other store ever.
mary Pickerill
18 reviews
We started coming here because it was recomiendes by my team lead who has had fish for yrs . She said this is the only place she goes . Everytime we go in there always so nice and helpful and answer any of our questions . We now get all our fish there and they have rare fish you cant find anywhere else . Last Wednesday we went in super cold day we got 4 adorable baby angels and 2 rams we lost some fish which happens. When we explained this was our first tank we only yad it since September and were doing our best as new fish parents without selling us anything they asked how big the tank was how many fish we had alredy and what we were doing to care for them and we learned we were over cleaning and overfeeding they told us how to care for it how oftwn and even how often I should feed my angels drozen blood worms the explained and taught us what we were doing wrong and what we should do for the health of our fish and our tank as u see the babys are already achooling with the older angels its so fun to watch them please dont go anywhere but here to get your fish you will not regret it
Melinda Mclaughlin
Very friendly service and good selection of fish.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (217) 422-9933 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Southside Pet Center And Grooming Salon.
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1265 W South Side Dr, Decatur, IL 62521
February 7, 2026
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