About
For roughly three decades, The Fish Store Pet Center has been a fixture in Atlantic, Iowa — a family-run shop with roots so deep that longtime owner Rick has become the town's unofficial authority on tropical fish and pet care. Housed in a historic building that once served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, the store carries a character you simply won't find in a big-box chain. The freshwater fish selection is the main draw.
Reviewers consistently praise the wide variety of cichlids, knife fish, and snails, along with large display tanks that showcase the store's inventory. One customer noted picking up a baby axolotl, and another highlighted the impressive range of aquariums and supplies available. Rick's encyclopedic knowledge of tropical fish means customers regularly leave with personalized advice on stocking, compatibility, and tank setup — he once helped a family choose the right fish for their tank and even tracked down a fitting lid on the spot.
But The Fish Store is more than fish. The shop carries birds (including cockatiels that are hand-friendly and well-socialized), reptiles like chameleons and bearded dragons, small mammals such as guinea pigs and rabbits, plus feeder insects, mice, and rats for reptile owners. One customer has relied on Rick for pet food recommendations for nearly 30 years, trusting his nutritional guidance for cats, dogs, and birds alike.
The staff — described over and over as genuinely friendly and willing to chat — makes the experience feel personal rather than transactional. They'll happily order in stock they don't have on hand and take time to answer every question, no matter how small. For reptile owners in particular, the store offers affordable feeder animals and supplies that keep people driving in from surrounding towns.
Atlantic is lucky to have a shop with this kind of institutional knowledge and heart. It's the kind of place where a kid can talk fish with someone who truly listens, and where three decades of passion still show in every recommendation.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Nearly 30 years in business under longtime owner Rick, an expert on tropical fish and birds
- Wide variety of freshwater cichlids, knife fish, snails, and axolotls
- Full pet center with birds, reptiles, small mammals, and feeder animals
- Personalized consultation and willingness to special-order stock
- Historic building with speakeasy-era roots adds unique atmosphere
From keepers
Customer reviews
“My daughter has 2 beaded dragons, 2 Leopold Geckos, and a snake. She absolutely loves this store and is able to get all the bugs/mice/rats needed to feed her Reptile Gardens! The guy is always friendly and will answer any questions you have. They have a wide variety of animals available for purchase and all the supplies you may need.”
— Denise V5.02 months ago“Affordable for reptile owners! We'll maintain store and animals”
— Savannah5.02 months ago“Friendly and knowledgeable person”
— Jo Davis4.04 months ago“Kind, friendly, and knowledgeable people!”
— Jeanette Vietti5.04 months ago“Love visiting, live food for my snake, plus beautiful fish.”
— allen gray5.07 months ago“I will not support any pet store that supports backyard breeders. This store was fantastic and a first go-to before it switched owners. A further fact, reputable breeders do not sell to pet stores. It goes against the breeder code of ethics.”
— Melissa Burg1.08 months ago“I LOVE this place, best place to get a pet and they are well taken care of and loved. It's obvious the owners and workers care about their animals. They carry everything you could need, and are open and honest about how to proceed with care.”
— Jolene M5.010 months ago“Got lots of choices but could be cleaner inside ,helpful people if not buzy”
— Dennis Scarpello3.010 months ago“It was very clean and had a variety of animals. Staff very nice and polite.”
— Darci Richter5.0a year ago“Very clean, great customer service. Wide variety of cichlids, knife fish, and snails. Supplies for just about any pet.”
— Amber Heiny5.0Edited a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (712) 243-1760 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Store Pet Center.