About
" This is a small, spotless freshwater fish store run by a genuinely warm couple, and the care shows the moment you walk in. Owner Dan has built a near-perfect reputation across more than 130 reviews by treating every customer's tank like it's his own, and the staff on the floor get described again and again as patient, kind, and knowledgeable. The livestock is the real draw.
You'll find healthy tropical fish, shrimp, and snails, plus harder-to-find rare species that pull hobbyists in from well outside town — one regular happily drives over from Decatur, another more than an hour each way, just for the selection and the care. Community staples like neon tetras for sale in Peoria, IL share space with the bettas, which are kept in proper planted tanks rather than tiny cups (each one named, a detail longtime customers love). Ask about whatever you're after; if Dan doesn't have it, he can usually track it down.
Aquascapers are especially well served. Live plants, rocks, and driftwood are priced noticeably below the chains, and the shop stocks rimless nano tanks alongside substrate and quality gear. One customer took her 55-gallon "from plastic and fake to natural and real," with the staff walking her through plants and hardscape until she left confident.
As an authorized Aquarium Co-Op vendor, the store keeps their popular nano food and products available in Peoria, IL, and Dan price-matches the big competitors. What sets the place apart is the consultation. Dan tests water samples, explains the nitrogen cycle, and asks the right questions — tank size, water parameters, experience level — before recommending anything, steering you toward compatible species instead of an upsell.
Don't miss the mudskipper in the tank by the register. For freshwater keepers anywhere in central Illinois, this is the one.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Fish Geek in Peoria, IL
The Fish Geek stocks betta fish, shrimp, invertebrates, rare and hard-to-find species, tetras, aquarium plants and freshwater & brackish fish for sale in Peoria, IL. As a fish store serving Peoria, IL, it also carries aquarium equipment, fish food and dry goods and offers aquarium setup, water testing, aquarium consultations and aquascaping.
- Livestock & products
- Live PlantsPlanted TanksBettasShrimpInvertebratesRare SpeciesTetrasAquarium EquipmentFish FoodDry Goods
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterBrackish
Highlights
What makes them special
- Lush planted display tanks throughout, built like little slices of nature
- Bettas kept in proper planted tanks and individually named, never tiny cups
- Rare and hard-to-find freshwater fish that draw hobbyists from across central Illinois
- Free water testing plus hands-on setup and aquascaping guidance from owner Dan
- Authorized Aquarium Co-Op vendor with rock and driftwood priced below the chains
From keepers
Customer reviews
“For as small as this place is, it's a really nice shop. The environment is amazing here and the lady running it is very helpful and nice.”
— Úlfhrafn5.02 months ago“Very kind and friendly staff! Excellent selection of well kept fish and other aquarium needs !! Its a small shop but very clean and quiet. I really enjoyed my experience here ☺️”
— Abigail Kern5.02 months ago“Best fish store in Central Illinois by a longshot. Everybody needs to check it out. You will not be disappointed.”
— Josh Coats5.02 months ago“The best customer service ever. Drove from Decatur to get my fish from here. Owner actually cares and has absolutely outstanding customer service. Will continue to make the drive for that level of care and customer service. Thank you.”
— Jeremy Fear5.02 months ago“Dan at this fish/aquarium store really knows his stuff. He took the time to walk me through aquarium setup and ongoing maintenance in a way that actually made sense, and he asked the right questions (tank size, water parameters, experience level) before recommending anything. What I appreciated most is that his fish suggestions felt responsible and realistic—he explained which species work well together, what to avoid, and why, instead of just trying to make a sale. If you’re new to the hobby or upgrading your setup, this is the kind of knowledgeable, trustworthy help that makes a huge difference. Highly recommend.”
— Charissa Buehler5.03 months ago“Quality products, excellent plants, healthy fish and exceptional aquatic expertise.”
— Sally Seipp5.03 months ago“I absolutely love this store. I took my 55g yank from plastic and fake, to natural and real. I have to say, I knew nothing about this venture. The staff at this store answered every single question, went through plants, rocks etc., and I left feeling confident. I love my new look in my tank! I couldn't recommend this store more!”
— Lori Simonds5.03 months ago“I LOVE this place! The owners are very nice and knowledgeable. The store is always clean and provide a lot of choices at good prices. The tanks are beautiful! A lot of scaping choices and plants. We’ve never had any problems with animals, even though it’s over an hour drive home. I can’t recommend this place enough”
— Carina McClung5.03 months ago“This place is the absolute COOLESTEST!!! The shop owner and staff are ALWAYS super duper nice and patient and knowledgeable as heck! Shopped here to stock my walstad tanks. Glorious selection of plants and fish, and they even sell those cool rimless nano tanks! Shop even has a bunch of really cool planted tanks on display, like a chunk of nature, I tell yuh!”
— Abigail Madrio5.03 months ago“Great selection. Good prices! Hard to find fish. Dan is super helpful!”
— Renee Alcorn5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (309) 232-7093 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Geek.