Tucked away in Murray, Kentucky, Aquatic Life & Exotics is the kind of independently owned shop that anchors a community of fishkeepers and exotic pet enthusiasts across western Kentucky and beyond. Run by owners Will and Anita alongside employee Tyler, this store draws customers from as far as Jackson, Tennessee — a testament to its reputation in a region where specialty aquarium shops are few and far between. The saltwater section is a genuine draw.
Livestock and corals are well-maintained, and Will has earned a loyal following among reef hobbyists for his willingness to spend extended time walking customers through compatibility, feeding strategies, and getting finicky saltwater fish to eat. The freshwater side is equally stocked, with reviewers noting clean tanks, healthy fish, and competitive pricing. Multiple customers have returned weekly to add to growing collections, a strong signal of consistent livestock quality.
Beyond fish, the "Exotics" in the name earns its keep. Crested geckos, fancy geckos, bearded dragons, ferrets, sugar gliders, parakeets, and feeder rats share the floor with aquarium supplies and reptile equipment. The staff takes animal welfare seriously — they screen prospective owners and won't send animals to homes where they won't be properly cared for.
That protectiveness occasionally rubs visitors the wrong way, but regulars appreciate the accountability. Axolotl owners specifically call out the store as their go-to for supplies, and the shop carries enough dry goods and equipment to outfit tanks of all sizes. Several reviewers describe impulse visits that turned into full aquarium setups.
The atmosphere is personal and hands-on. With a small team running everything from bagging fish to ringing up elaborate orders, busy days can mean a wait — but the trade-off is genuine one-on-one attention. For fishkeepers and exotic pet owners in Murray and the surrounding region, this is the local shop that actually knows its animals.
Sam Mullinix
2 reviews
Bought several salt water fish from them. They are very knowlegeable about getting fish to eat
Lucy Jameson
5 reviews
Lot's of different varieties and the people were very kind and friendly
Gayla Freeman
14 reviews
So much stuffs. I love checking out places like this. Will be going back to start up fish tank.
Jes Leach
104 reviews
Went here to get small rats for our snake. Had what we needed in stock and much more. Nice to finally know of a place close to home where we can get what we need for our scaly friend. Thank you for being in business and affordable.
Casey Jefferson
2 reviews
Aquatic life is a great store with great people running it! Will is full of information! Any questions I’ve ever asked he’s got an answer for and is super helpful! They both work very hard to please everyone that comes in. It’s a process to do what they do and they make it work. Normally I can go in pick out what I want and be out the door. Some days it’s busy and people want multiple fish and they can only ring up one person at a time. The lady Samantha that made the bad review about Aquatics and her having nobody help her because she wasn’t buying fish, it’s untrue.. I was the customer in the store with her and The owner Was ringing us up at the register and said to the people in the store waiting he would be with them in just a moment.. We had bought fish, an aquarium a some other items but Will was doing the absolute best he could! He let her know he’d be with her soon as possible . They didn’t and don’t ignore people. They are super friendly, hard working, kind people just trying to make a living. . Aquatic Life thank you guys for keeping up literally the only Aquarium store around and for being as kind as you guys are. I love the store and the people inside and We love coming to shop!!!
Samantha Mcdowell
9 reviews
Owner is rude and refuses to help you. He goes great lengths not to help unless you are buying fish.
Kylie Nash
2 reviews
The staff was extremely helpful with learning what we need to know to best care for the animal we were getting and the process of picking and purchasing the animal was extremely smooth and they were very helpful throughout the whole interaction!
Jim Adkins
27 reviews
Great place & Everyone are great people.
C M
37 reviews
Great shop! Couple who owns it are super knowledgeable and very helpful and kind. Good prices and lots to choose from.
Earl Denney
The place had very little to choose from and stunk so horribly we couldn’t last more than 3 minutes in the store.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (270) 768-7103 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Life & Exotics.
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808 Chestnut St, Murray, KY 42071
February 7, 2026
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