Bert's Pet Center

Bert's Pet Center in Ashland, Kentucky is a family-owned operation that has carved out a reputation as the go-to aquarium destination for fish keepers across the tri-state area, drawing customers from as far as Huntington, West Virginia and beyond. While it's technically a full-service pet store — selling puppies, birds, reptile supplies, and even trimming cockatiel nails — the fish department is clearly the main attraction, boasting what multiple customers describe as the largest freshwater and saltwater selection in the region. The freshwater side runs deep, with species like blue rams, otocinclus catfish, and over a thousand guppies worth of variety that you simply won't find at the big-box chains.

The saltwater department is equally compelling — owner Jim has personally stepped in to resolve issues with live rock, replacing problem pieces with coral-covered rock and cleanup crews at no extra charge. That kind of hands-on accountability from an owner speaks volumes. The store has a packed, old-school pet shop feel — aisles brimming with aquarium equipment, accessories, and supplies crammed into a modest footprint.

Reviewers note it can feel overwhelming, and those with mobility needs should be aware that navigation can be tight. But for most visitors, the density of inventory is part of the charm. If they don't have what you need, staff will order it.

Pond enthusiasts will find knowledgeable guidance here too — staff have been praised for patiently fielding extensive pond questions. The team's fish knowledge consistently earns praise, particularly around species compatibility and care requirements. Tanks are generally reported as clean and well-maintained.

Bert's isn't perfect — a few customers have reported cycling advice issues and occasional staff inconsistency — but the store's willingness to source uncommon species, combined with genuine expertise and a family-run atmosphere, makes it a destination worth the drive for serious fishkeepers throughout eastern Kentucky and the surrounding region.