About
Tucked in Owensboro, Kentucky, My Fish Doctor has carved out a loyal following as the tristate area's go-to destination for both saltwater and freshwater fish. Run by Jimmy and his team, the store operates primarily on Saturdays — a quirk that hasn't stopped regulars from making it a weekly ritual, even when they're not buying anything. The saltwater side is a genuine draw.
Multiple reviewers note it's the only saltwater shop in town, and the coral selection catches eyes the moment you walk in. The freshwater section is equally compelling, with a notably large selection of cichlids, including African cichlids that customers report arriving home healthy and thriving. Perhaps the store's most memorable resident is Harry the Pufferfish — and by multiple accounts, My Fish Doctor stocks more puffer fish varieties than anywhere else in the region.
What sets this shop apart from chain pet stores is the depth of guidance customers receive. Jimmy and his staff walk newcomers through every stage of tank setup, from cycling to stocking, and they've built a reputation for patience with first-time fishkeepers. Several customers with disabilities have praised Jimmy for personally helping maintain their tanks, reflecting a level of community care that goes well beyond retail transactions.
The store also handles professional tank installation and ongoing maintenance for those who need it. The recently renovated building houses impressively clean display tanks — a detail that experienced aquarists notice immediately and that speaks to the quality of livestock on the floor. Angelfish, platys, mollies, algae eaters, and a rotating cast of tropicals fill the freshwater racks, while the saltwater side features corals and marine fish that keep hobbyists coming back.
Pricing is consistently described as fair, and the staff won't push unnecessary purchases. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll order it. For Owensboro fish enthusiasts, Saturday mornings at My Fish Doctor have become something close to a community gathering.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Largest fish store in the tristate area with an exceptional puffer fish selection
- Strong saltwater department — the only dedicated saltwater shop in Owensboro
- Large cichlid selection including healthy African cichlids
- Professional tank installation and ongoing maintenance services
- Recently renovated building with notably clean display tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Awesome fish store! Great fish, and great staff. 90% of my fish were purchased here.”
— Don Riddlebaugh5.0a month ago“Much better fish selection than l9cal chain stores and very knowledgeable staff.”
— Lisa Riddlebaugh5.0a month ago“Thanks for the great service !!! New to having a fish tank and they have been more than patient and helpful giving advice so my fish will be happy and healthy once i get it all set up . And must say Harry the Pufferfish is without a doubt the coolest fish I’ve ever seen , thanks for taking the time to show him to me and my little girl !”
— ERIC HAYDEN5.0a month ago“Friendly and knowledgeable staff in a cool little store designated for aquariums and fish.”
— Jeffrey Werry5.010 months ago“I enjoy going to this store . Love the coral trying to figure out how to keep them”
— Tommy Rearden5.0a year ago“Always love coming here on the weekend and looking at all the fish !! 😅 They know me by name by now and they're are good people to get fish from :) we love all our fish we got from him!!! 😅 Great quality fishes ! :)”
— Sarah Bradley5.0a year ago“Super knowledgeable and extremely helpful!!”
— Chris Arp5.0a year ago“Fish doctor is very knowledgeable, and has plenty of great fish.”
— Bill Eyring5.0a year ago“cool fish”
— shane walch5.0Edited a year ago“I have been dealing with Mr.jimmy and his store for a long time and before I got my first fish tank one of his friends that used to own a rent to own business had a salt water tank so I used to go in his store and learn from hi and watch him and his workers as I started wanting and learning I got my fish tank and now got my secl even tho we are still working on a time to set it up when he isn’t to busy I have disabilities and there is a few people he tanks care of tanks for that has disabilities not just mine my disabilities are mild but he is a good person I love going in his store and look up to him I of course some times feel like I bug him to much because I do look at him more as a friend as well because I look to learn and I am still highly nervous with drilled tanks and would like to learn more about them before I get in to them but and scared of them because I have been told it weakens the glass but all and all he has tot me a lot and there is still more to learn from him I love going in his store so much health benefits from salt water tanks”
— Joe Paulin5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (270) 570-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting My Fish Doctor.