About
Just east of Iowa City in the small town of West Branch, IA, the Fish Barn is the kind of aquarium store that hobbyists happily drive an hour each way to reach — several reviewers say they do exactly that. Owner Cody has turned a working barn into a sprawling aquatic destination, with regulars counting over 436 active indoor tanks plus 22 outdoor setups, an astonishing footprint for a small-town shop. Freshwater is the heart of the store, and longtime aquarists call it the best selection in the state.
Visitors turn up species they rarely see anywhere else — Urau, Red Shoulder Rotkeil Severums, Beckford's Pencilfish, pearl danios, and a rotating cast of corydoras and rasboras — alongside the everyday community fish. One customer who bought pearl danios here years ago reports they're still healthy and have spawned repeatedly, a testament to the quality of the stock. If you're hunting rare freshwater fish for sale in West Branch, IA, this is the place, and Cody happily takes requests and tracks down specific fish when he can.
Shrimp, snails, African dwarf frogs, axolotls, and bettas — each kept in its own tank rather than a cup — round out the livestock, and some saltwater species are available too. Outdoor tanks hold pond goldfish and koi. Live plants are a genuine strength, with hornwort, guppy weed, and java moss filling dedicated tanks, plus dry goods like filtration, driftwood, spider wood, rocks, crystals, fish food, and water treatments.
What customers mention most is Cody himself. Beginners describe him walking them through water cycling and tank safety without a hint of pressure — "like the uncle everyone loves," as one recent visitor put it. The tanks are immaculately clean, the fish healthy, and a loyalty rewards program sweetens repeat trips.
Add the friendly French bulldogs wandering the aisles, and this West Branch fish store earns every mile of the drive.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fish Barn in West Branch, IA
Fish Barn stocks rare and hard-to-find species, shrimp, betta fish, axolotls, cichlids, koi, goldfish, tetras, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in West Branch, IA. As an aquarium store serving West Branch, IA, it also carries aquarium equipment, fish food and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Rare SpeciesLive PlantsShrimpBettasAxolotlsCichlidsKoiGoldfishTetrasInvertebratesCatfishAquarium EquipmentFish FoodDry Goods
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Over 436 active indoor tanks plus 22 outdoor setups in a converted West Branch barn
- Best-in-state freshwater selection with rare finds like Urau, Rotkeil Severums, and Beckford's Pencilfish
- Owner Cody guides beginners through water cycling and tank safety, and takes special fish requests
- Bettas housed in individual tanks, plus strong live plants (hornwort, guppy weed, java moss)
- Loyalty rewards program and resident French bulldogs roaming the aisles
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Cody is very very knowledgeable about every situation be of his fish, their needs, literally made me feel better as he helped me make the best decisions for my beginner tanks. He went over everything from water safety, water cycling, I told he what I was thinking I wanted and he showed me so many options. He’s like the uncle everyone loves lol. Caring , down to earth and not pushy. So much so I came back the next day from an hour away! His business deserves any and all praise for someone who truly loves what they do!!!! And you can tell he wants your tanks to be the best too! We will be back! Tysm Cody”
— Katy Straughter5.022 hours ago“Gave some pretty terrible advice about what he said was a peaceful fish that ate it's tankmates and the other fish i got was dead withing 12 hours of beeing put into a thriving tank. Wast of time and money. The guy clearly wanted to just push his stock out the door with little care for the animal or the customer.”
— Ty Bailey1.03 weeks ago“Do you have clownfish at all and for a 14 year old what is the best option he wants clownfish but idk”
— Zeke5.04 weeks ago“I've gotten a majority of my fish from the fish barn. Cody, the owner is an amazing and informative individual. He's very kind and knows his stuff. I own 10 fish tanks myself, and go to him anytime I need food or to sell my extra fish. I would highly recommend taking a trip out to see him if you are in the aquarium hobby. 10/10”
— Logan5.0a month ago“Awesome owner, awesome fishies, awesome little store.”
— Mallory Smith5.0a month ago“My husband and I went for the first time recently and already can’t wait to go back! The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, the selection is great, and it is clear that they are very passionate about what they do at Fish Barn and prioritize the wellbeing of the fish there. So glad to have this local option for fish and supplies!”
— Amy Heath5.02 months ago“Nice people, good selection.”
— jake doudney4.03 months ago“Great selection and owner is happy to take requests for fish. The tanks are super clean and its a great place to go!”
— Savanah Willard5.03 months ago“I bought some pearl danios back in 2023 from fish barn and they have been super healthy and have had numerous fry in my tank! They’re at the end of their lifespan and have never had problems. Same with the shrimp I’ve gotten here. Fish barn gets good stock at good prices and I always enjoy seeing all the new critters when I go in.”
— Kelsey Turnis5.013 hours ago“Very helpful and knowledgeable. Will definitely go back.”
— Rachael Kruse5.06 days ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (319) 643-2666 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Barn.