About
" Another customer has shopped here for more than twenty years and credits the staff with talking him through a late-night "fish tank emergency" right over the phone. That hometown trust is the heart of this family-owned fish store in Hammond, IN. The focus is squarely freshwater, and the selection punches above what you'd expect from a compact independent shop.
Regulars have taken home dragon blood peacock and black widow frontosa cichlids, otocinclus catfish for algae duty, snails, and small community fish like neon tetras. If you're searching for African cichlids for sale in Hammond, IN, this is the local fish store keepers across the region point to first — new stock arrives often, so there's always a reason to drop in and see what's swimming. Beyond the fish room, Terry's keeps a bird and small-animal area with parrots and other birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles, and crickets and worms for feeding lizards and geckos.
The aquarium room is kept dimly lit for effect, giving the space a calm, almost hypnotic feel — kids tend to slow down and just watch. Some longtime regulars even stop in just to visit the store's resident dogface fish. What keeps people coming back is the staff.
Reviewers describe them as friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful — the team walked one customer through setting up her daughter's very first tank, from cycling to stocking. They'll talk through fish compatibility and care before you leave with a bag, though it's worth doing your own homework on less-common reptiles, where staff knowledge can vary. For freshwater fishkeepers hunting healthy livestock and fair prices near me, Terry's remains Hammond's go-to shop.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Terry's Aquarium & Pet Center in Hammond, IN
Terry's Aquarium & Pet Center stocks cichlids, African cichlids, catfish, invertebrates, tetras and freshwater fish for sale in Hammond, IN. As a fish store serving Hammond, IN, it also carries fish food and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned Hammond fish store operating since 1969 with multi-generational regulars
- Freshwater specialty: dragon blood peacock and black widow frontosa cichlids, otocinclus catfish, and snails
- Frequent new arrivals and fair prices that reward repeat visits
- Hands-on staff who help set up first tanks and even troubleshoot fish-tank emergencies by phone
- Dimly lit aquarium room plus a bird and small-animal area with reptiles, guinea pigs, and feeder insects
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Buying fish food and anything else that was necessary for fish tank they got it including the fish”
— Vanessa McCorker4.0a week ago“A great family business. Opened in 1969. I visited this pet store as a young child. Felt very comfortable and safe. Would come and go. Nice variety of pets ranging from kittens,birds,hamsters,guinea pigs,all types of fish, Chameleons,turtles, snakes ect. I've visited my favorite family neighborhood store again recently with my children. They were both amazed and did not want to leave. The aquarium area is dimly lit for effect. Children felt calm, safe and happy to be there. Make sure if you are bringing your children to use bathroom before going in. No public restroom. There's a Dunkin Donuts and Walgreens right next to Terry's Aquarium. Stop in and you'll see what I mean.”
— Sarah Hartline5.0Edited 3 weeks ago“That was her last week to get a few worms for my gecko; the staff there is extremely knowledgeable Pleasant and kind. That's what makes it keep coming back to a place plus they have the cutest mouse I really want to get we may have to go back for him next week so adorable.”
— george garcia5.03 weeks ago“I've gotten a few guinea pigs there Love their selection!!”
— Melissa Gibson5.03 weeks ago“I have been going here for over 20 years! Great staff who are usually very knowledgeable. They even helped me over the phone when I was having a “fish tank emergency”!”
— Anthony5.04 weeks ago“Staff is cool”
— az buck4.0Edited a month ago“The staff was nice, but some of the animals there are not being properly cared for. In particular, the guinea pigs. They are in small fish tanks and only get pellets and water, no hay at all. Ftr, guinea pigs are herd animals and usually do better with a mate and need a large enclosure with open air sides, not glass. They also need a constant supply of hay and should be getting fresh vegetables. They just look sad.”
— Mel Be2.0a month ago“Buen lugar cerca de mi para comprar comida y peces pequeños como neos.”
— Molina Mancilla5.0a month ago“I stopped by here hoping to find some fun stuff for my pets, but I was pretty let down. The store felt a little cluttered and it was hard to find anyone to help me when I had a question about the fish food. The tanks did not look as clean as I would have liked, so I probably won't be heading back here again.”
— Abandonado Blz2.0a month ago“Good customer service”
— Mongohnay5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (219) 931-6724 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Terry's Aquarium & Pet Center.