Fish Man Pet Center

Fish Man Pet Center in Springfield, Illinois has been a neighborhood institution for decades — the kind of family-run shop where longtime customers remember visiting as kids and still return as adults. Owned and operated by Greg, Becca, and a tight-knit crew, the store stocks a wide selection of freshwater and saltwater fish alongside reptiles, birds, small mammals, and feeder animals like mice, rats, and crickets. Multiple reviewers describe the tanks as vibrant and the fish as healthy and colorful, though at least one visitor had a less positive experience with tank cleanliness and fish handling.

Walking in, the store has a small-aquarium feel — rows of well-stocked tanks displaying a variety of species, including harder-to-find fish like blue phantom plecos. The shelves carry a solid range of aquarium equipment and supplies, and customers regularly note that they've sourced both fish and gear here over the years. It's the kind of place where the staff will walk you through pond or aquarium setup, offering genuine guidance rather than a hard sell.

What keeps Springfield fish keepers coming back is the personal touch. Greg and Becca are regularly called out by name for being helpful and knowledgeable, and the generational continuity of the staff means you're likely talking to someone who's been working with these animals for years. Several customers mention learning about fish care through repeated visits, building their setups piece by piece with advice from the team.

Fish Man isn't a gleaming big-box retailer — it's a working pet shop with personality. The parking lot is easy to navigate, the selection spans freshwater and saltwater species, and the store doubles as a resource for reptile owners and small-animal enthusiasts. For Springfield aquarists looking for specific species, reliable supplies, and staff who genuinely care about the animals they sell, Fish Man Pet Center remains a go-to destination with deep roots in the community.