About
Tails & Scales Pet Shop has been a Derby, KS fixture for years, pulling customers from across the Wichita metro who make the weekly drive for its mix of freshwater fish, reptiles, and small animals. The fish room is a genuine draw: regulars rave about the variety and the consistently stocked feeder fish at prices reviewers say they simply don't see anywhere else. New livestock lands weekly, so the tanks are worth checking often.
If you're hunting freshwater staples, this is a real local fish store rather than a big-box aisle. You'll find bettas, plecos, and community favorites, and one cichlid keeper mentions stocking a 90-gallon tank with African Lake Malawi fish bought right here. Feeder fish, bettas, and plecos are reliably available for sale in Derby, KS, alongside tanks, lighting, and fish food that several reviewers note runs cheaper than the chains.
The shop also takes in surrendered pets, setting them up with proper enclosures and lighting — something loyal customers specifically point to as a reason they keep coming back. The staff is the most-praised part. Reviewers describe the owner and team — including the younger employees — as genuinely knowledgeable, happy to field a kid's endless questions about every animal and to walk a first-timer through betta care or reptile husbandry.
Free nail clipping for small pets is a quiet perk, and there's often a friendly German shepherd around to greet you at the door. Fish health can vary from tank to tank, so it's worth inspecting livestock before you buy — but the store inspires real loyalty, with longtime regulars driving in weekly. For Derby and greater Wichita keepers after affordable freshwater fish, feeders, and staff who can actually answer husbandry questions, Tails & Scales is a locally rooted alternative to the chain pet store experience.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Tails & Scales Pet Shop in Derby, KS
Tails & Scales Pet Shop stocks betta fish, plecos, cichlids, African cichlids and freshwater fish for sale in Derby, KS. As a fish store serving Derby, KS, it also carries dry goods and fish food and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- BettasPlecosCichlidsAfrican CichlidsDry GoodsFish Food
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Cheap, consistently stocked feeder fish reviewers say they can't find elsewhere, with new freshwater stock arriving weekly
- Freshwater favorites like bettas, plecos, and African Lake Malawi cichlids available in Derby, KS
- Owner and team — including younger staff — repeatedly praised for genuine fish and reptile husbandry knowledge
- Tanks, lighting, and fish food priced below big-box chains, plus free nail clipping for small pets
- Takes in surrendered pets and rehouses them with proper enclosures; a longtime, locally rooted Derby fixture
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Extremely friendly and helpful!!”
— last_horse_on_the_left Stacey Urban5.0a month ago“Phenomenal service! We’ve gone countless times to purchase the end several times just to look at the fun animals. Staff has always been helpful, friendly, and willing to let my daughter ask as many questions as she wants about each animal no matter how busy they are. The snake we purchased is healthy, sweet, and I think happy, although it’s kind of hard to tell with a snake ha ha.”
— Courtney Brittain5.02 months ago“Knowledgeable, accommodating and kind! They've also got an abundance of various tails and scales as well as supplies for your critters at a reasonable price. Definitely a neat place worth checking out!”
— Erin Guiot5.02 months ago“Owner has knowledge and walking in the door was a lesson for me. Thanks for talking with us. You rock”
— Jason Folkes5.02 months ago“Love their whole team! And they always have the best quality animals as well. We love our rats from Tails and Scales”
— Amanda Hackerott5.02 months ago“Our favorite place to get supplies for our pet reptiles and fish.”
— R & A Davis5.02 months ago“We're here often and the staff is always friendly”
— Josh Earls5.03 months ago“Friendly staff cool reptiles and geckos frogs n spiders.”
— Sue5.03 months ago“I had no idea that Derby had this type of store with all kinds of reptiles and fishes”
— Kevin “KD / Seve'” Seal5.03 months ago“Always a great place, with helpful people.”
— Travis5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (316) 788-1100 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tails & Scales Pet Shop.