--- type: store name: "Fish Barn" city: "West Branch" state: "IA" rating: 4.9 reviews: 152 url: https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/west-branch/fish-barn --- # Fish Barn Fish store in West Branch, Iowa - **Address**: 5345 Herbert Hoover Hwy NE, West Branch, IA 52358, West Branch, IA, 52358 - **Phone**: (319) 643-2666 - **Website**: [fishbarniowa.squarespace.com/](http://fishbarniowa.squarespace.com/) - **Rating**: 4.9/5 (152 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | Closed | | Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | | Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | | Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | | Friday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | | Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | | Sunday | 3:00 – 8:00 PM | ## About Tucked into a pastoral setting just east of Iowa City in West Branch, Iowa, the Fish Barn is the kind of place that makes aquarium hobbyists drive an hour each way and call it worthwhile. Owner Cody has transformed a barn into an astonishing aquatic destination housing over 436 active indoor tanks and 22 outdoor setups — a staggering footprint for a small-town operation that routinely leaves visitors speechless. The freshwater selection is the main draw and arguably the best in the state. Reviewers rave about finding species they've never encountered elsewhere — Urau, Red Shoulder Rotkeil Severums, Beckford's Pencilfish, pearl danios, and a rotating cast of corydoras and rasboras. The common stuff is here too, but with notably better genetics; longtime fishkeepers report zero issues with neon tetra disease, which speaks volumes about Cody's sourcing. Shrimp, snails, African dwarf frogs, axolotls, and bettas — each kept in proper individual tanks rather than cups — round out the livestock. Some saltwater species are available as well, and the outdoor tanks cater to pond enthusiasts with goldfish and koi. Live plants are a real strength. Hornwort, guppy weed, java moss, and other aquatic plants fill dedicated tanks, making the Fish Barn one of the few reliable sources for fresh plants in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids corridor. The dry goods section covers tanks, filtration systems, driftwood, spider wood, rocks, crystals, fish food, and water treatments. What sets this place apart beyond the sheer volume of livestock is the care behind it. Tanks are immaculately maintained — crystal clear water, no floaters, live plants in the display tanks themselves. The staff answers questions patiently, never upsells, and will even track down specific species on request. A loyalty rewards program sweetens repeat visits. And yes, the French bulldogs wandering between the aisles are as charming as everyone says. The Fish Barn is a destination store that earns every mile of the drive. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater, Pond - **Livestock & Products**: Rare Species, Live Plants, Shrimp, Bettas, Axolotls, Cichlids, Koi, Goldfish, Tetras, Invertebrates, Catfish, Aquarium Equipment, Fish Food, Dry Goods - **Services**: Consultation - **Known For**: Knowledgeable Staff, Great Selection, Healthy Fish ## Highlights - Over 436 active indoor tanks and 22 outdoor tanks in a converted barn setting - Exceptional rare freshwater species including Urau, Rotkeil Severums, and Beckford's Pencilfish - Strong live plant selection including hornwort, java moss, and guppy weed - Bettas kept in individual tanks rather than cups - Loyalty rewards program for repeat customers ## Customer Reviews **"Kelsey Turnis"** - 5/5 - 13 hours 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. **"Rachael Kruse"** - 5/5 - 6 days ago > Very helpful and knowledgeable. Will definitely go back. **"Dr. Zin"** - 5/5 - a week ago > Great selection of fish and accessories. Friendly staff and great prices. **"TR 1"** - 5/5 - 2 weeks ago > Good selection. **"Diane Harrington"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > Knowledgeable helpful staff. A wide variety of HEALTHY fish and shrimp. **"Justin Halter"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > Very nice place and the employees are super friendly and helpful **"Becky S"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > First visit to Cody’s Fish Barn. Great selection, hundreds of tanks in excellent condition, lots of spider wood pieces, so much to see. Highly recommended. About ten minutes east of Iowa City, very easy to find. **"J C"** - 5/5 - Edited 2 months ago > the best. **"Phyllis Black"** - 4/5 - 3 months ago > Great variety of fish. Knowledge staff. **"Kyle Nobes"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Good selection, can't to wrong supporting a local business. ## Nearby Stores - [Fish Fix](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/thayer/fish-fix) - Thayer, IA - 5.0/5 - [Iowa City Tropicals](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/iowa-city/iowa-city-tropicals) - Iowa City, IA - 5.0/5 - [Fish Shack](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/manchester/fish-shack) - Manchester, IA - 4.8/5 - [GroFin Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/sioux-city/grofin-aquatics) - Sioux City, IA - 4.8/5 - [Loess Hills Pet Collective](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/mapleton/loess-hills-pet-collective) - Mapleton, IA - 4.8/5 - [Something Fishy](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/dubuque/something-fishy) - Dubuque, IA - 4.8/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/iowa/west-branch/fish-barn)* *Last updated: February 7, 2026*