About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- PlecosDry GoodsAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-run Springfield institution with decades of history
- Wide selection of freshwater and saltwater fish species
- Staff including Greg and Becca known for hands-on fish care guidance
- Stocks harder-to-find species like blue phantom plecos
- Also carries reptiles, birds, small mammals, and feeder animals
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Nice people that own the place parking is very easy nice size parking lot. Plenty of fish to choose from. Yeah you can buy also crickets and things for your reptiles.”
— Organic Honey5.0a week ago“Amazing place to get new pets”
— Leah Benning5.0a week ago“Its a Lovely Out of the Way store with Gorgeous Fish and helpful staff members. It feels more like visiting a small aquarium then a petstore.”
— Deana carnaghi5.02 weeks ago“Lots of species of fish. Shelves of supplies. The tanks are clean and the fish are healthy.”
— Doyn Kellerhals5.0a month ago“They are amazing super freindley”
— Brandon Lawson5.03 months ago“I go here all the time to get mt snake some food. Plentiful mice and rats, beautiful fish and a whole lot of accessories.”
— Snow Yakka5.03 months ago“Excellent products and knowledge.”
— Sheepdog Supertech5.04 months ago“Great local place. Greg and Becca are really nice and very helpful.”
— Lester Prier5.06 months ago“Family run business! We love supporting our local people. Extremely cool people! Can't say enough good things about them”
— Kim Spencer5.07 months ago“Best Pet Store in Town and surrounding area!! I have been going there since I was a little boy and a lot of the staff that works there are the same people from back then, still very helpful and knowledgeable about their animals and Fish. I recommend that anyone who wants to start a pond or aquarium go here to at least get some pointers. I> have learned a lot over the years about mine and have also gotten a wide variety of equipment and fish. Their fish are always very colorful and healthy. I have also gotten snakes and a couple different small rodents and furry creatures. They always make sure you get what u need to take care of them and teach you about then”
— Christopher Brown5.0Edited 7 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (217) 523-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Man Pet Center.