About
Roe Aquarium & Pet Co is a family-owned, family-operated fish store that has been part of Rock Island, IL for more than four decades, and hobbyists across the Quad Cities will happily drive past other shops to get there. The focus is freshwater, and the store has built its reputation on tropical fish that arrive healthy and stay that way. Reviewers who furnished entire setups here, including one 50-gallon tank stocked almost entirely from Roe, report their fish thriving long after they got them home.
The selection runs deep for people who know what they want. If you keep livebearers, longtime staffer Phil is the person to talk to, and the shop also keeps an interesting rotation of cichlids, plecos, and other freshwater species, with new arrivals showing up regularly. Just as celebrated is the live plant selection, repeatedly called the best around, paired with the cool hardscape rocks and decor that make browsing feel more like wandering a curated aquarium gallery than a retail aisle.
You can find freshwater tropical fish, live aquarium plants, tanks, substrate, filtration, and decor for sale in Rock Island, IL, usually at prices friendlier than the big-box chains. What sets the place apart is the care behind the counter. The family that runs it quarantines new and recovering fish and is upfront about it, so what you carry out has already been vetted.
They take time for real conversations about stocking and compatibility, and regulars describe being greeted like family on return visits. One recent reviewer recalled a daughter pulling a decoration out of a potted plant for an aquarium and waving off the cost with a smile. Then there is the resident celebrity: a 43-year-old catfish the family has kept since she was four inches long, still perfectly content in her tank and worth the trip on her own.
For anyone building or maintaining a freshwater aquarium near Rock Island, Roe Aquarium is the kind of neighborhood fish store hobbyists keep coming back to.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Roe Aquarium & Pet Co in Rock Island, IL
Roe Aquarium & Pet Co stocks livebearers, cichlids, plecos, catfish, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Rock Island, IL. As a fish store serving Rock Island, IL, it also carries dry goods and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and fish quarantine.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned and operated for more than four decades, deeply rooted in the Quad Cities
- Standout live aquarium plant selection plus hardscape rocks and decor for aquascaping
- Freshwater depth in livebearers, cichlids, and plecos, with Phil's expert guidance
- New and recovering fish are quarantined before sale and disclosed honestly
- Beloved 43-year-old resident catfish the family has kept since she was four inches long
From keepers
Customer reviews
“What a nice place! Will be back!”
— jake doudney5.0a day ago“They gave a 43 yr old cat fish that can't even turn around in it's tank because the tank is too skinny.”
— Nova McBride1.0a week ago“Was rude to me and my wife. Assumed we had no interest in supporting their business and treated us according. The sad thing is I would have spent all the money in the world to support my wife in her new hobby, but the staff convinced me that it was the wrong choice. Unfortunate. I’ll take my business across the river. If you are afraid the internet is destroying your business, I heavily recommend not assisting the process.”
— Adam Bernheimer-Wyffels1.0a month ago“The leaky tank and stand we got for super cheap. Was so worth it we resealed it and reinforced the stand can't even tell it ever leaked.”
— Julie Erbst5.02 months ago“Excellent selection of fish and pet supplies. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
— Matthew McClain5.03 months ago“A family run business really gives you that home style feel! Will do what they can to fill your needs. Friendly and informative. They know what they're doing. Been in business a long time successfully. One of the daughters pulled a decoration out of a potted plant for me to go in my aquarium and said "don't worry about it I'll order another one" with a smile on her face! Loved it! The catfish is a must see she's 43 years old and perfectly happy in her space. They have had her since she was 4 inches long. A definite recommend for your freshwater aquarium!”
— Gregory Wolber5.04 months ago“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Best of the best in town! Great family owned business, with amazing selection of tropical fish, tanks, decor, other pet supplies, and more! Incredibly knowledgeable, loving, and passionate, family operated for over 4 decades. Shop local. Support Roe's ❤️🐟🐠🐡”
— Caleb Roe5.04 months ago“Love that it is family owned. Thay have amazing stuff.”
— Jessica Mcgartland5.04 months ago“Has the best selection of plants and cool rocks. They are well educated when it comes to fish and anything scaly. The customer service is amazing as well. Love this family owned business. These fish were bought from Roe and have been doing fabulous. Even if your not in the market to buy things there, it's a cool place to peek into. Edit: went in and still greeted like family. I love this place. Go take a peek and have some good conversations too :) Edited again: their set up is always so beautiful, and their fish so healthy 🫶”
— Nicole5.0Edited 17 hours ago“Friendly knowledgeable people.”
— Rebecca Hoffmann5.0a week ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (309) 788-7153 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Roe Aquarium & Pet Co.