Shark's Cove Pet Shop

Shark's Cove Pet Shop in Sterling, Illinois is the kind of independently owned local fish store that's increasingly rare — a one-man operation run by Edward (Eddy), who has built a loyal following over nearly two decades through sheer personal investment in his customers' success. Reviewers dating back to 2004 describe a shop where the owner takes time to diagnose problems, identify mystery critters, and offer honest advice about what fish will actually work in your tank size. The store carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with tropical plants and a broader range of pet supplies including ferrets and reptile feeders like super worms.

One long-time customer credits Eddy with helping them set up a complete saltwater system in 2004 that's still running beautifully today. On the freshwater side, Eddy helped a goldfish owner solve aggression issues between fantail goldfish with a simple stocking suggestion that worked immediately. He also identified a hitchhiker organism a customer found in their tank, tracing it back to ghost shrimp purchased elsewhere.

The shop is small — some visitors note limited fish inventory and a somewhat dim interior — and it's clearly a place where Eddy will special order fish and supplies if they're not in stock. This willingness to accommodate individual requests, like regularly stocking super worms for a bearded dragon owner, is what turns first-time visitors into regulars. Multiple reviews mention becoming genuine friends with the owner over time.

It's worth noting that a few reviewers have had negative experiences, citing rudeness and concerns about tank maintenance. The store also closes on Mondays and may shut early on Saturdays, so calling ahead is wise. But for Sterling-area fishkeepers who want personalized guidance rather than a big-box experience, Shark's Cove offers something increasingly hard to find: an owner who remembers your setup, knows your fish, and genuinely cares whether they thrive.