Fish Shack

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.