About
The Ark Pet Shop has earned a reputation as one of the finest independent aquarium stores in northwest Indiana, drawing aquarists from as far as an hour and a half away to its densely stocked Merrillville showroom. " It's the kind of shop where simply walking the aisles is half the fun. The freshwater and saltwater selection is the real draw.
Regulars single out the cichlid and African peacock tanks, and you'll find bettas for sale in Merrillville, IN kept in roomy planted holding tanks rather than the cramped cups most stores use. Livebearers like mollies, plus ghost shrimp, rabbit snails, and orange mystery snails, round out the freshwater side, while the saltwater tanks keep clownfish and other marine fish looking sharp. Pond and water-garden keepers come in for rosy red minnows and floating plants, and planted-tank hobbyists swear by the aquatic plants here, including Dustin's Aquatic Plants, which several locals consider the best around.
Staff names like James, Daniel, and John come up again and again for genuinely deep knowledge across both fresh and saltwater. One reviewer joked they've learned more from the crew than from "Google university," and another called it the finest independent aquatic retailer since the 1970s. Beyond livestock, The Ark stocks a full range of dry goods, aquarium equipment, and fish food in frozen, pellet, and flake varieties, so most visits end with everything you need in a single trip.
Prices run a touch above the big-box chains, but regulars consider it a fair trade for healthy, locally bred fish and hands-on guidance you can't get from a warehouse store. For aquarium supplies and quality livestock available in Merrillville, IN, this aquarium store remains a regional cornerstone where you can inspect the tanks in person before you bring anything home.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Ark Pet Shop in Merrillville, IN
The Ark Pet Shop stocks cichlids, African cichlids, betta fish, livebearers, invertebrates, shrimp, clownfish, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Merrillville, IN. As an aquarium store serving Merrillville, IN, it also carries fish food, dry goods and aquarium equipment.
- Livestock & products
- CichlidsAfrican CichlidsBettasLivebearersInvertebratesShrimpClownfishLive PlantsFish FoodDry GoodsAquarium Equipment
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Standout cichlid and African peacock tanks alongside healthy, locally bred freshwater and saltwater fish
- Bettas kept in roomy planted holding tanks instead of the usual plastic cups
- Zoo-like atmosphere with a free-roaming parrot and an open, touch-tank-style saltwater display with clownfish
- Knowledgeable longtime staff (James, Daniel, and John) praised for hands-on aquarium guidance
- Full range of aquatic plants including Dustin's Aquatic Plants, dry goods, equipment, and frozen/pellet/flake fish food
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very helpful and knowledgeable about my little water garden project. I have 4 rosy red minnows and 2 orange mystery snails... seems very happy and healthy in approx 20 gal in my front yard. Also bought a floating plant and one that buried roots into the substrate quickly, producing needed shade.”
— V Williams5.05 days ago“This is an absolutely wonderful pet shop and well worth the trip, especially if you love the animal experience. The highlights are definitely the unique setups. They have a gorgeous parrot just hanging out completely out of the cage. While he’s a little unpredictable, he’s incredibly engaging and even took a stick right out of my fiancé's hand since he was busy chomping on them. They also have an open, running-water aquarium that feels like a mini touch-tank at a major aquarium (complete with little "Nemos," though you definitely shouldn't be sticking your hands in with the clownfish!). Beyond the usual geckos, bearded dragons, tarantulas, mice, and gerbils, they also had Nun birds—which are these beautiful black, white, and brown birds that instantly became my new favorite. The entire indoor fish setup is stunningly designed. While they have plenty of pet food and supplies, the real joy here is just being surrounded by the animals. It's a fantastic, comforting place to visit.”
— Angelena Shelton5.0a week ago“Amazing fish tanks. And just look at this guy in the loose😀”
— Cathy Norton5.0a week ago“The kids wanted ghost shrimp for the fish tank they have a great selection of fish salt and fresh water.”
— bryon cordova4.0a week ago“Most beautiful pet shop I have ever seen! Always grew up going to it as some magical adventure getting to see all the cool animals and that special bird! I really liked the little rays too! I got my rabbit from there a year ago and he is my absolute best friend in the whole world! I am thankful for this place!”
— Hailey Durnavich5.03 weeks ago“Staff is helpful and friendly ! It's a cool place to bring your Little one even if you have no pets.”
— Bojana5.0Edited a month ago“The absolute best place to buy fish around-- the staff is knowledgeable and helpful and their fish are healthy. Also just fun to visit- they have beautiful saltwater tanks.”
— Stephanie Eriks5.0a month ago“I've gained more knowledge from the staff than I could ever get at Google university. Always helpful.”
— Ar m4.0Edited 2 months ago“Nice store and staff”
— Channel J5.02 months ago“The place is fully stocked with everything you might need but what they are lacking is to train their staff on customer service. I'm sure they are not all bad but unfortunately we got the one bad apple. I opted out and cancelled the purchase and took my family to a place where we were welcomed.”
— Alvaro Carrillo2.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (219) 769-0661 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Ark Pet Shop.