Midwest Tropical Fish llc

Tucked away in Jerseyville, Illinois, Midwest Tropical Fish LLC is the kind of independently owned shop that makes you wonder why anyone would bother with a big chain pet store. Owner Warren has built a loyal following across both the Missouri and Illinois sides of the river, and it's not hard to see why — the man genuinely lives and breathes aquatic life. The freshwater selection here is impressive for a small-town operation.

Customers have picked up everything from Golden Nugget plecos to bettas to freshwater stingrays — yes, stingrays in Jerseyville. Warren sources his stock carefully and can tell you exactly where each fish came from, a level of transparency that's rare in the trade. The tanks are clean and well-maintained, and the fish arrive home healthy, which is a testament to how seriously he takes husbandry.

Beyond fish, Midwest Tropical also deals in reptiles and amphibians — snakes, lizards, and frogs share floor space with the aquariums and terrariums. They stock food, tanks, and accessories, making it a genuine one-stop shop for exotic pet owners in the greater Jerseyville area. If they don't have something in stock, multiple reviewers note that Warren will track it down for you.

The real draw, though, is the expertise. Warren and his team — including Jenn, Amanda, and Alex the parrot — create an atmosphere where every visit turns into an education. Customers describe leaving with not just a new fish but a deeper understanding of tank chemistry, compatibility, and care.

Breeding pairs and their babies are sometimes on display, giving visitors (especially kids) a front-row seat to aquatic life cycles. The shop does operate an online store and has shipped fish and equipment to out-of-state customers, though the in-store experience is where Midwest Tropical truly shines. Pricing is fair and competitive with shops in larger cities.

For freshwater enthusiasts, exotic fish collectors, or anyone looking for reptiles and amphibians in the Illinois-Missouri corridor, this is a destination worth the drive.