About
Rick's Fish & Pet Supply has been a Frederick, Maryland fixture for decades, and walking through the door feels like stepping into a densely packed aquatic and exotic animal bazaar. The aisles are tight, shelves are stacked high, and inventory spills into every corner — this is not a sleek chain store, and that's precisely the point. Rick's earns its reputation on sheer variety and old-school expertise rather than polish.
The freshwater selection runs deep, from feeder guppies and swordtails to rarer finds that rotate through regularly. Saltwater enthusiasts will find a respectable coral section featuring pulsing Xenia at $10 per stalk, zoa frags, hammer corals, and copepods and phytoplankton for reef tank feeding. They stock wrasses, pistol shrimp, anemones, and a rotating cast of saltwater fish.
Rick himself is often on the floor, fielding questions about everything from nitrate levels to fish transport — one customer recounted how he opened the shop after hours on the Fourth of July for someone who'd driven two hours. Staff members like Jake and Arty draw specific praise for patience and willingness to educate, particularly around water chemistry. The store does water testing and will walk customers through results, even when the news isn't what they want to hear — one swordtail buyer learned their test kit was faulty rather than getting an automatic refund, and left better informed for it.
Beyond fish, Rick's is a full pet emporium with reptiles, birds, rodents, and invertebrates. Ball python buyers report consistently healthy animals at fair prices. The supply side covers dry goods, food, and equipment across species.
The store's cluttered atmosphere and occasional strong odor are consistent notes in reviews — this is a high-density operation in a compact space. Some customers have also reported mixed experiences with animal care standards and staff attentiveness. But for Frederick-area fishkeepers who value selection and hands-on expertise over aesthetics, Rick's remains a go-to local fish store with a loyal following built over many years.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Pulsing Xenia at $10/stalk, zoa frags, and hammer corals in stock
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish with a wide rotating selection
- Owner Rick and staff provide hands-on water testing and fish care education
- Copepods and phytoplankton available for reef tank feeding
- Long-established Frederick institution with decades of loyal customers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Been in this store twice, and both times I was struck by the poor quality of the animals. At one point they even had a red parrot in an incredibly small enclosure (it could not spread its wings). The snakes and fish all looked sickly, and there was a horrible smell permeating the tank area that suggested to me, as a snake owner, that substrate had just been layered rather than going through a full clean. It was so disheartening that I've never been back. I hope the conditions have improved, but cannot recommend this location as a professional rescuer and rehabber.”
— Kourtney DeBoer1.0a week ago“Bought three swordtails. One died - went back with receipt, dead fish, and water sample. Water sample revealed insanely high nitrate levels. Didn't get the replacement or refund bc my water wasn't good, but that's fair. The educated me on the high nitrates. Turns out my testing bottle was junk.”
— Joshua McGoun5.0a week ago“Great selection of fish and pet supplies. Very helpful staff.”
— Monique Washirapunya5.02 weeks ago“Outstanding products and service for as many years as I have lived in the area.”
— Wb Benzing5.0a month ago“Good Selection of Corals, very friendly staff and you are able to choose the amount of pulsing Xenia wanted at $10/stalk. They have ample amount! Zoa Frags are $26 each and they have reasonable priced Hammer rocks. Copepods and phytoplankton as well. Also had a decent selection of saltwater fish. They have a large selection of fresh water fish along with reptiles and rodents.”
— Jade Onyx5.0a month ago“As per one of the employees, whose name I'll keep anonymous, the owner of this store cares about ALMOST all of the animals, but some, especially the tarantulas, said owner could care less if they have enclosures suited for their existence. I walked in here being very impressed with ALMOST most of the setups. Then I looked at the tarantulas and was beyond appalled. Spoke to aforementioned employee in which they claimed to have made it a point to say to the owner that these tarantulas are being neglected but the owner does not care Where as I had 300$ worth of stuff I needed and wanted to purchase today, I walked and noped out of there so fast because I will not support shitty retail owners that pick and choose what lives they care about , when they host space for all of them . The employees were great, but I wouldn't give this store my money if it was the last store standing, not when the owner picks and chooses what is important because it will make them the most money.”
— K Sav1.0a month ago“Amazing selection and staff and a shoutout to arty he was an amazing and knowledgeable employee 5/5 would definitely buy stuff from here again”
— oliver5.0a month ago“Have plenty of fish to choose from”
— Shawn Fogle4.02 months ago“Have purchased many ball pythons, all healthy and happy. Fair pricing is what brings me back!!”
— Daniel Anderson5.02 months ago“Have always had a good experience here. The wrasse and pistol shrimp I purchased here are both doing great. Rick is very knowledgeable and helpful.”
— Garrit Zwakenberg5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (301) 694-9664 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rick's Fish & Pet Supply.