








Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center in Highland, Indiana is primarily known for its extensive reptile collection, but the aquatic side of the business draws its own loyal following. The store has operated for over 30 years under owner Brian's stewardship, and regulars speak highly of his deep knowledge across both reptiles and fish. Walk in looking for African cichlids, and you might leave with six healthy specimens plus a crash course on their care — that's the kind of hands-on education customers frequently praise.
The freshwater fish selection includes staples like bettas and panda corydoras, alongside the cichlid offerings that have earned repeat visits from hobbyists across Northwest Indiana. Multiple reviewers note that the fish tanks tend to be cleaner and better maintained than what you'd find at big-box pet stores, with healthy-looking stock and competitive pricing. One customer abandoned Petco entirely after getting better husbandry advice here for their leopard gecko, and that consultative approach extends to the aquatic department as well.
It's worth being upfront: this store generates sharply divided opinions. While many customers describe the owners as passionate, honest, and willing to spend real time helping people choose the right animal for their lifestyle, a significant number of reviewers have raised serious concerns about reptile enclosure conditions, cleanliness, and animal welfare — particularly regarding tortoises, snakes, and alligators. The smell has been mentioned by multiple visitors.
These aren't complaints to dismiss lightly. On the fish side specifically, feedback tends to be more consistently positive. Customers describe well-maintained aquariums, healthy fish, and genuinely helpful guidance from staff who clearly enjoy talking aquatics.
Brian has been known to open on his day off to help a customer in need, and the store has even boarded animals for owners who couldn't care for them temporarily. For freshwater fishkeepers in the Highland area looking for healthy cichlids, community fish, and old-school personalized service, the aquatic department here delivers. Just be prepared for a store that's first and foremost a reptile operation — the fish section is a worthy complement, not the main event.
Ryan Govert
I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience here. The owner and his wife were both extremely knowledgeable and they have an amazing passion for reptiles and fish. I went in to get african cichlids and I left with 6 and so much more knowledge about these fish than I previously had. All of the fish looked very healthy. I saw not a single dead or sick fish which is extremely uncommon in most pet stores. On top of all of that, the prices were very good compared to other stores that Ive visited in the past. I will absolutely be buying more fish from them in the future. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Bel Gar
43 reviews
Place doesn't care about anything other than making a huge profit. Will not go there again. I recommend other pet stores, that are well maintained & lower prices.
David
6 reviews
Great customer service and they took care of my frilled dragon when I couldn't 18 years ago. They will answer any questions if you have any problems about the pet you bought.
Michael Gellura
2 reviews
Honestly probably one of the best places I've been in a long time just walking in you see all different types of animals and exotic animals at that, but the main reason why I like The reptile emporium is because they treat you and your animal like your family and they only want what's best for your animal, also they are very knowledgeable in the care, medical and overall needs of your specific animal when me and my wife walked in with our sneak Rocky she was immediately diagnosed and is being treated..... They are not a veterinarian but they know everything a veterinarian would know and or more..... So I highly recommend anybody with an animal to go to The reptile emporium for any need for your animal
Zayna Laing
This place is not ethical at ALL! The ferret was kept in a cage not even fit for a bird. There are a few baby alligators in a small fish tank. Three tortoises in a small kitty pool. Snakes had little to no bedding. An absolutely disturbing sight to see all the animals in those conditions.
Kade Williamson
If I could give this place 0 stars I would, I felt so sorry for every single animal in their care. They have 3 large tortoise on the floor in a black plastic tub with little to no bedding. Baby alligators in small containers with only a little water and barely any room to turn around in. A ferret in a small cage with also little to no bedding that just layed in a corner barely moving. All the snake tanks had feces everywhere and snakes that weren’t shedding correctly. Please do not support this place !!!!
Fabian Santiago
35 reviews
I visited approximately four different sites for pets and reptiles, and this was by far the cleanest with a very wide variety of animals, and the owner was very helpful and informative, not simply looking to sell you whatever he had in stock I appreciated his honesty and assistance.
Venkata Bharath Chandra Dharmapuri
It was a really good experience meeting the store owner, who is a very knowledgeable and passionate person when it comes to animals. The store has a vast collection of reptiles, and he knows so much about each of them, even their history. If anyone is looking to buy a fish or reptile, this is a great place to visit! They take the time to help you decide what best suits your family or lifestyle and provide all the details you need about caring for the animals.
Donnell Sails
3 reviews
This place was absolutely disgusting. The reptile hygiene was terrible. ALL the snake bedding was filthy, multiple feces in every enclosure. Water bowls with feces in them, snakes with bad sheds. Adult Bearded Dragons all in one enclosure showing aggression and excessive head bobbing and solid black beards. No proper sized hides and water bowls. The amount of 🪰 on the animals was ridiculous. No one should buy anything from here unless they clean this store up and properly care for the animals.
Jaclyn M Hall
13 reviews
Place should be shut down by animal welfare. Depressing store with trashy owners. I cried after leaving- the state of those poor creatures in their care was appalling. These people have NO business caring for animals. Their two large sulcata tortoises (who they claim are their pets for 30 years) are confined to a tiny pool, SEVERELY malnourished with shell pyramiding & physical deformities from said malnutrition. Tortoises naturally walk around exploring vast distances, so it’s extra cruel to keep them cramped on top of each other like that with tiny light bulb fixtures. The other tortoises are being kept in glass terrariums, which is cruel to do to them, as it stresses them out because they can see out the glass but cannot go anywhere. They are also clearly malnourished, as evidenced by their shells. They aren’t even provided with enough substrate to dig or any objects to hide in, which is essential to their wellbeing. The big snake was frantic, stressed and trying to escape, which is indicative of discomfort and an improper environment- it had nothing to hide in. All the tanks were filthy and inadequate. I can’t believe they haven’t been shut down for animal cruelty. DO NOT give these people money to help them get more animals to mistreat. They should be arrested for neglect and abuse of animals.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (219) 838-8149 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Reptile Emporium & Aquatic Center.
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
2835 Highway Ave, Highland, IN 46322
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out