About
Tucked into the small town of Manchester, Iowa, Fish Shack is the kind of locally-owned pet store that inspires loyalty — the kind where customers drive 55 miles past closer shops, or make the hour-long trip from Dubuque, just because owner Bill and his crew make it worth every mile. This is a place where fish keeping feels personal, where the staff remembers your name and the pleco you sold them years ago is still thriving in one of their tanks. Fish Shack carries a wide selection of freshwater fish alongside reptiles, birds, and small animals.
The store's resident celebrity, Peaches the parrot, is known for striking up conversations with visitors when she's in the right mood — and multiple reviewers cite her as a reason to stop in on its own. Beyond the animals, Bill stocks supplies, fish food, and notably affordable used equipment, making it a practical destination for hobbyists looking to stretch their budget. If he doesn't have what you need on hand, he'll order it for you.
What sets Fish Shack apart from big-box alternatives is the depth of knowledge behind the counter. Reviewers consistently highlight Bill's willingness to spend real time talking through animal care, drawing on years of hands-on experience rather than reading off a care sheet. One customer put it bluntly: the difference between Fish Shack and a chain store is the difference between genuine expertise and a kid who watched a video once.
The store also buys fish and animals back from hobbyists, creating a community-driven ecosystem where livebearers might come home with surprise bonus fry. The shop is admittedly small and a bit cluttered — this isn't a polished retail showroom. But for the Iowa aquarist who values honest pricing, real conversation, and a family-run atmosphere where your kid might just dream about opening their own pet store someday, Fish Shack delivers something no chain ever could.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- PlecosLivebearersDry GoodsAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Customers regularly drive 55+ miles and up to an hour to shop here
- Peaches the parrot entertains visitors with conversation
- Affordable used and second-hand aquarium equipment
- Owner Bill provides personalized consultations and special orders
- Buys back fish and animals from hobbyists
From keepers
Customer reviews
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – Our Favorite Pet Store in Iowa My son Odin and I first visited Fish Shack when we moved to Iowa three years ago, and it instantly became our go-to pet store. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with warm smiles, laughter, and the kind of friendly atmosphere you can’t fake. Every visit is a good time, even if we’re just stopping in to see the animals and, of course, the true star of the shop: Peaches the bird. Peaches alone is worth the trip! What makes Fish Shack so special is the way it becomes part of your family’s story. My son has been so inspired by this place that he tells me he wants to work there when he’s older and even dreams of having his own pet store someday, all because of the experiences he’s had here. This is exactly what you imagine a genuine, small-town pet and feed store to be, and I’m so grateful this business is part of my son’s childhood memories. Thank you, Fish Shack, for being a place we look forward to visiting every single time. ❤️🐠🦜”
— Annelise Huppert5.0a month ago“This is just a small fish and pet store in Manchester, but the owner Bill is fantastic! He has everything at great prices. I drive to him every couple of weeks 55 miles rather than to go to the fish shop around the corner.”
— Kevin Landen5.02 months ago“We love coming in here to chat with Susie ❤️”
— Rylee Z5.05 months ago“Great prices”
— Bobdog5.05 months ago“There the best around”
— Jeremy Poulin5.08 months ago“Peaches the parrot when she's in a good mood she will give a great conversation”
— Dewanda Martin5.010 months ago“Amazing people and great service”
— Joshua Allen Kraus5.011 months ago“Love this place ❤️”
— Scott m Smith5.0a year ago“Great people very fair price!”
— Jeffrey Puccio5.0a year ago“This is a neat place to check out.”
— Brock Bailey5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (563) 927-5581 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Shack.