Fish Tails Pet Emporium

Fish Tails Pet Emporium in Waterville, Maine has built a devoted following across central Maine — and beyond. Customers routinely drive an hour or more to visit, drawn by word-of-mouth praise for the store's outstanding animal care and deeply knowledgeable staff. Walk in and you'll immediately notice how clean every tank and enclosure is, a detail reviewers mention again and again.

The freshwater fish selection is a major draw. Tropical freshwater species, community fish, cichlids, and tetras fill well-maintained tanks alongside beautiful planted displays. One customer came in with a large cichlid that had outgrown its welcome in a community setup, and staff member Warren — frequently praised by name — helped them rehome it and select suitable replacements.

That kind of hands-on, personalized guidance defines the Fish Tails experience. One detail that earns particular affection from the aquarium community: no betta cups. Bettas here swim in proper tanks alongside other fish, receiving the same level of care as everything else in the store.

It's a small thing that speaks volumes about the owners' philosophy. The live plant selection also draws praise, with several reviewers highlighting the planted tanks as a standout feature. Beyond fish, Fish Tails stocks a surprisingly wide range of reptiles, birds, small mammals, and invertebrates — including tarantulas and uromastyx lizards.

The staff provides educational information on every animal, and they won't sell you a pet if they don't believe you're prepared to care for it properly. Multiple reviewers describe this as the first pet store where the animals genuinely look happy. The supply inventory covers freshwater fishkeeping essentials along with products for reptiles, birds, and small animals.

Prices run slightly higher than big-box competitors, but customers consistently say the quality of livestock, the health of the animals, and the expertise of the staff justify the premium. For freshwater fishkeepers in the Augusta-Waterville corridor, this locally owned shop has become the definitive destination.