About
Aquatics & Exotics is a locally owned aquarium store in Waterloo, IA that pulls hobbyists in from across the Cedar Valley and well beyond — customers regularly mention driving an hour, or coming from Iowa City, because the selection and the prices are worth the trip. Owner Greg and his team have built a reputation for stocking freshwater and saltwater fish you won't find at the chains, from large plecos and red tail catfish to cichlids and bettas kept in proper tanks instead of cups. Reef keepers can browse corals and saltwater stock, and planted-tank enthusiasts consistently praise the healthy live aquarium plants for sale in Waterloo, IA.
What keeps reviewers loyal is the honesty. More than one shopper has been gently steered away from an impulse buy — one couple looking for a large pleco was told what was actually best for the fish instead of being sold whatever they pointed at. That patience shows up again and again: a customer who walked in knowing nothing about a shrimp tank left fully set up and educated, and staff member Justice earned a shout-out for taking the time to teach a young visitor about reptiles.
Beyond fish, this is a true exotics shop, with reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and millipedes — many of them ethically sourced and bred locally. The supply side is deep too: tanks, filters, foods, and accessories for both aquatic and terrestrial pets, at prices reviewers call reasonable. Recent visitors highlight clean, well-kept displays and high-quality stock, with friendly help on hand whether you're picking out starter fish or finishing a big aquarium build.
For anyone searching for cichlids, plecos, or freshwater and saltwater fish for sale near me in the Waterloo area, Aquatics & Exotics is the go-to local destination — strong on livestock variety, honest guidance, and animals you simply won't find anywhere else in the region.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Aquatics & Exotics in Waterloo, IA
Aquatics & Exotics stocks corals, cichlids, betta fish, plecos, shrimp, invertebrates, catfish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Waterloo, IA. As an aquarium store serving Waterloo, IA, it also carries fish food and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and fish breeding.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationFish Breeding
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Freshwater and saltwater fish plus corals, with plecos, red tail catfish, cichlids, and bettas kept in proper tanks instead of cups
- Owner Greg and staff (including Justice) known for honest guidance and hands-on education over upselling
- Ethically sourced animals, many bred locally, spanning reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and millipedes
- Healthy live aquarium plants and a deep selection of tanks, filters, food, and supplies at reasonable prices
- Clean, well-kept displays and high-quality stock noted by recent visitors; draws customers from across Iowa
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly service. Clean displays.”
— Believe_That FD5.0Edited 5 days ago“Interesting place, im an out of stater visiting, and they had water bowls that ive been searching for recently.. also grabbed a banana male off them aswell!”
— zippyy123 (Thunderbuddy)5.02 weeks ago“Everyone was friendly very helpful too. Also seem very clean. Daughter had a lot of fun. Excited to get our fish soon.”
— Kayla Dean5.02 weeks ago“Amazing place, High quality stock. Customer service is fantastic!”
— Angel Arnett5.03 weeks ago“Great selection, knowledgeable staff.”
— Ann Sebetka5.0a month ago“Best fish and reptile place around the Waterloo area!”
— zach Kiefer5.0a month ago“Nice selection, very helpful staff”
— Benjamin Amdahl5.02 months ago“Snakes”
— Yt GreenStar5.02 months ago“Very welcoming and knowledgeable staff w/ healthy animals, clean tanks, a large selection of equipment, food, and other supplies.”
— John Elias5.03 months ago“I drive from Iowa City bc it’s cheaper to drive to Waterloo than charge for outrageous shipping like breeders do on sites like MorphMarket good deals, quality tarantulas and millipedes.”
— D Daniel5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (319) 595-1779 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatics & Exotics.