About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Freshwater stingrays and rare species like Golden Nugget plecos in stock
- Owner Warren sources fish transparently and can detail exact origins
- Reptiles and amphibians alongside tropical fish — snakes, lizards, and frogs
- Breeding pairs and baby fish on display for an educational experience
- Will special-order fish and livestock they don't currently carry
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Helpful and knowledgeable”
— Doug Stpeters5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Excellent service and knowledge. Only place I buy my fish from. If he doesn’t have it he will get it!”
— Alex Silvester5.02 months ago“Warren is a awesome person and full of knowledge about fish snakes lizards etc.. Highly recommend...”
— josh miller5.04 months ago“Very knowledgeable about aquariums and breeds of fish.”
— Karen Bodek5.04 months ago“Friendly and knowledgeable, responsible pet shop and reasonable pricing for pets and food.”
— Eddie Frieling5.08 months ago“Best in and out of town.”
— Brad Roach5.0Edited 9 months ago“Lots to choose from. Knowledgeable people in there. I finally found one item I've been looking for for my freshwater tank. Little sterp on prices.”
— Loretta Lupkey4.09 months ago“Always great to talk with Warren, Jenn, Amanda or Alex (the parrot). I'm always learning something while I'm there getting fish or supplies.”
— Ian Eggert5.0Edited 10 months ago“This is by far one of the best shops in Missouri and Illinois. They’ve always been incredibly helpful and they are the nicest people. The owner is a great guy always ready to share his stories from the fish world. It’s a great spot for all your fish needs!”
— Collin Tesreau5.0a year ago“Love this place! Staff is amazing and very helpful and informative”
— Mary Bushong5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (618) 946-7408 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Midwest Tropical Fish llc.