About
Tucked away in Liberal, Kansas, Fish World is a small independent aquarium shop run by a single dedicated owner whose warmth and fish knowledge keep loyal customers coming back. This isn't a big-box retailer with polished aisles — it's a neighborhood fish store where the proprietor knows his livestock intimately and takes the time to share that expertise with every visitor. The shop stocks a solid variety of freshwater and saltwater fish.
Reviewers highlight healthy bettas that rival or surpass what you'd find at chain pet stores, plenty of guppies, and a cute clownfish holding court in one of the saltwater displays. Koi are available for pond enthusiasts, and the owner has earned repeat business from customers building outdoor water features. A planted aquarium in the store catches the eye of visitors, and the owner has been known to share cuttings — one customer walked away with pothos and baby sun rose for free.
Fish World has also built a small community around fish rehoming: at least one reviewer brought in fish they'd been given and received store credit in return, a practice that speaks to the owner's commitment to keeping fish in good homes rather than just moving inventory. It's worth setting realistic expectations. Multiple reviews note the store's physical condition has seen better days, with some tanks looking worn and the building itself carrying a musty smell.
The owner has also scaled back on aquarium supplies and equipment, a casualty of competing with big-box retailers. What remains is almost entirely live fish stock. But what Fish World lacks in retail polish, it makes up for in the quality of its fish and the genuine care of its owner.
If you're in southwest Kansas looking for healthy freshwater tropicals, bettas, koi, or the occasional saltwater specimen, this is the local shop worth supporting. The prices are fair, the fish are healthy, and the conversation is always good.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner known for exceptional friendliness and deep fish knowledge
- Healthy bettas at competitive prices rivaling chain pet stores
- Koi available for pond keepers in the Liberal area
- Store offers fish rehoming with store credit
- Freshwater and saltwater fish including clownfish and guppies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Yes I will agree owner was very friendly but the store is in bad condition. The moldy mildew smell was so terrible and the fish tanks were extremely run down & dirty. Fish did all seemed healthy and there aquarium of plants looked good.”
— Islandbeat42.04 months ago“The gentleman that runs this fish's place is so friendly & knowledgeable about the fish he sells. I would totally recommend this place to purchase your standard household fish and Koi fish for ponds. We have purchased twice from here and both times we got very good services.”
— Jason Atchley5.07 months ago“Your one clownfish is cute. Thank you for the piece of pothos and baby sun rose. The betta I got is beautiful. The owner here is so kind. Support your local business. These betta are same if not better quality as petco at a pretty reasonable price.”
— Megan Skinner4.0Edited 7 months ago“Look asome and cheap”
— Isaac Villalvazo5.010 months ago“The tanks are healthy lots of happy fish i took in some fish that were given to me i was given store credit they have a lot of guppies”
— William Hucke5.0a year ago“Very kind shop owner and has a large selection of fish stock. Unfortunately, this is all his inventory is due to big pet stores taking over. As far as aquarium supplies he no longer sells any.”
— ruby acosta5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (620) 626-7390 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish World.