About
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.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Southside Pet Center And Grooming Salon in Decatur, IL
Southside Pet Center And Grooming Salon stocks angelfish, rare and hard-to-find species, goldfish, livebearers, cichlids and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Decatur, IL. As an aquarium store serving Decatur, IL, it also offers water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Water testing available for just $1 with accurate results
- Carries rare freshwater species including red devil cichlids and angelfish
- Saltwater fish selection — uncommon for the Decatur area
- Shubunkin goldfish and other pond-suitable species in stock
- Staff provides hands-on consultation for tank care and feeding
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great place knowledgeable staff. Great products.”
— Wendy5.0a week ago“For a small locally owned and operated business it's absolutely charming. The ladies that own and operate are very helpful and don't aim to sell you something you dont need (unless its another pet! Lol). They know what they are talking about and have been around a while now. They can always get you something if they dont have it on hand. They only buy animals from reliable suppliers that they have history or referrals for. They have an amazing selection of fish and aquarium life of hardy well breed species. I've had great luck with them! Lots of live feeder varieties as well: fish, mice, crickets, worms, ect. Not your local dog and cat food suppliers. They do have unique treats for them though!”
— Tia Kuenzel5.03 months ago“Big help with my aquarium issues”
— Brian Clark5.04 months ago“Never busy prices a little high but very convenient location. And veryvhelpful”
— Stephanie Tackett5.04 months ago“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.”
— Amanda Stiltz5.0a month ago“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.”
— Dylan1.03 months ago“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)”
— Ciara Cohen1.03 months ago“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 .”
— Jeff Main1.04 months ago“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.”
— Jesse Durdel5.06 months ago“Great selection of products no mater what your pet is. Awesome fish selection for the area without having to drive somewhere else.”
— Lyle Shinkle5.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
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.