About
Fish Tails Pet Emporium has become a destination for freshwater fishkeepers across central Maine, with customers regularly driving an hour or more to reach this locally owned shop in Waterville, ME. Its reputation rests on two things reviewers mention over and over: spotlessly clean tanks and owners who care more about the animals than the sale. The freshwater selection is the heart of the store.
Well-kept tanks hold tropical community fish, cichlids, and tetras set alongside lush planted displays and a strong run of live aquarium plants. If you are hunting for healthy tetras or cichlids for sale in Waterville, ME, this is the kind of fish store where staff steer you toward fish that fit your setup and gently talk you out of ones that do not. One detail the aquarium crowd loves: no betta cups.
Bettas here swim in proper tanks and get the same care as everything else on the racks. That care extends to how the owners run the place. A former teacher, one owner is known for taking time to educate kids and newcomers, whether the topic is keeping a community tank healthy or raising hornworms.
They work with local, reputable breeders, and they will tell you "no," kindly and with an explanation, if an animal is not the right fit yet. Staff like Warren are praised by name for matching customers to the right fish and plants. Beyond the aquariums, Fish Tails is a full mom-and-pop emporium stocking reptiles, birds, small mammals, and inverts, from bearded dragons and a resident chameleon named Carl to lovebirds and tarantulas, plus driftwood, cork, decor, and care gear.
Prices sit a notch above the big-box stores, but regulars insist the health of the livestock and the depth of advice make this the best fish store near me for anyone in the Augusta-Waterville area. Walk in with a question and you will leave knowing more than you did.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fish Tails Pet Emporium in Waterville, ME
Fish Tails Pet Emporium stocks tetras, cichlids, betta fish, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Waterville, ME. As a fish store serving Waterville, ME, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- No betta cups — bettas kept in proper community tanks with the same care as every other fish
- Spotlessly clean tanks and enclosures noted by nearly every reviewer
- Strong freshwater lineup: tropical community fish, cichlids, tetras, and lush planted tanks
- Owners (one a former teacher) educate kids and beginners and source from local, reputable breeders
- Customers regularly drive an hour or more from across central Maine to visit
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Brought in my Conure to have nails & wings clipped”
— Susan Mallette5.02 weeks ago“Great place for fish and reptiles , good prices , knowledgeable staff for newbies who never dabbled in the hobby or owned that type of pet. Will definitely be coming back to expand my fish tank.”
— James Rodenbaugh5.03 weeks ago“Been going here for years for dog, cat, and reptile needs and they always have what i need! The staff has always been kind and everyone is so full of knowledge here. 10/10 they beat out big box stores in every category; shop local!”
— Lev Affects5.03 weeks ago“Always love going here. They know their stuff! I always have questions and they always have answers. And beautiful animals to admire.”
— AshofOz5.03 weeks ago“They have a ton of pet accessories! But not a big selection of pets and fish.”
— Nicole Violette4.0a month ago“Fish Tails is the BEST! They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and truly have the best interest of the animals in mind at all times! They will not hesitate to tell you no if it's in the best interest of the animal. The welfare of the animal is more important than stuffing their pockets, and that is so rare these days. They won't just tell you no, however, they will educate you so you understand why. You will leave knowing more than you did when you walked in. I wish more pet stores and aquatic shops cared the way they do! They work with local, reputable breeders and have healthy, happy animals! They're also very responsive when you call or even send an email with questions, and if they don't have what you need, they can get it or it's already on it's way. I would give them 10 stars of I could!”
— Sarah Manfredo5.0a month ago“I usually buy dog treats and accessories here. I caught the owner racially profiling. She stood at one end of the aisle hiding behind me watching a poc with his dog at the other end. I asked her if she was waiting to move past me to enter the aisle. She awkwardly explained she was just watching. So disappointing to witness.”
— Allison F1.0a month ago“This place is honestly just fantastic all the way around! Not only is it very welcoming for newcomers but it's very family-oriented like they actually care for people; everyone is super kind there and the woman that owns it used to be a teacher and has gone above and beyond to help my child with his homeschooling journey. She's super knowledgeable and takes the time to educate him about certain insects and or animals within the store. My son's newest journey with them has been the hornworms and she's always there to meet him with the warmest smile.”
— Elizabeth Lamy5.0a month ago“The owners are awesome people! They have helped some a ton along my fish tank journey. They are extremely knowledgeable I can say just about every time I went against the advice the owners gave me. I have regretted it soon after 😂 listen learn ask if you don’t know and enjoy your journey !”
— Mathew Dawson5.0a month ago“Love this place. BEAUTIFUL fish well taken care of great variety of fresh and salt water. Will definitely be going back here for future fish tank needs.”
— Serena Theriault5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (207) 859-3000 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Tails Pet Emporium.