About
Appalachian Reptiles & Aquatics sits in Hagerstown, MD, and has grown from what longtime regulars fondly call a "tiny little hole in the wall" into a thriving shop that pulls aquarium hobbyists from an hour or more away — many making the drive twice a month. Owner Josh and a staff reviewers single out by name (Shaun among them) run the kind of old-school, animal-first operation customers say they can't get at the big chains. The aquatics side is a genuine destination, not an afterthought.
Tanks are clean, naturally decorated, and appropriately stocked, and the fish stay healthy long after they go home. Shoppers come for freshwater livestock like Endlers, guppies, and cherry barbs, for hypomelanistic axolotls (one family's "Lola" earns a shout-out), and for a deep bench of invertebrates — ghost shrimp plus Nerite and assassin snails for natural algae and pest control. If you're hunting African cichlids for sale in Hagerstown, MD, this is where one reviewer sourced an entire tank's worth.
Aquatic plants are always available, there's a real selection of tanks and gear to build around them, and a few unique saltwater display setups draw the eye. What keeps people loyal is the guidance. Staff test your water samples in-store before you bring an animal home, answer the 400th question as patiently as the first, and steer you toward what actually fits your tank rather than the priciest option.
The floor is spotless — several reviewers note how good the place smells for a shop housing this many live animals — and the naturalistic enclosures double as inspiration for your own aquascape. Half the fun is simply wandering: a giant monitor lizard, a turtle pond, and rows of reptiles share the building with the aquariums. For axolotls, shrimp, planted-tank plants, and healthy community fish near me, this Hagerstown aquarium store has earned its near-perfect rating the honest way.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Appalachian Reptiles & Aquatics in Hagerstown, MD
Appalachian Reptiles & Aquatics stocks axolotls, invertebrates, shrimp, livebearers, African cichlids, cichlids, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Hagerstown, MD. As an aquarium store serving Hagerstown, MD, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and water testing.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Healthy freshwater livestock — Endlers, guppies, cherry barbs, axolotls, ghost shrimp, and African cichlids — in clean, naturally aquascaped tanks
- In-store water testing before you take an animal home, plus hands-on advice from owner Josh and his staff
- Deep invertebrate selection including Nerite and assassin snails for natural algae and pest control
- Aquatic plants, tanks, and gear always in stock, alongside a few unique saltwater display setups
- Grown from a 'tiny little hole in the wall' into a regional destination customers drive over an hour to reach, twice a month
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great small business! I've been going to this shop for year for all of my fish and snake needs. They have wonderfully cared for fish with a great selection. Along with very high quality live and frozen feeds for your reptiles.”
— Sarah Winpigler5.03 days ago“The only local place i could find with what i needed and a vast selection for pet needs.”
— Brendan Smith5.0a week ago“The staff were very friendly and answered all my questions about the animals I was interested in. The store is also well organized and thoughtfully laid out. I received a ball python from them and she's doing great with no health issues or other complications. All the animals look healthy and the enclosures are satisfying. Some animals are kept in a rack system, (which was clean and well maintained), so you might need to ask for assistance to see the animals inside. I had a great experience and I'd definitely make the trek to visit again.”
— Liam Sherr5.02 weeks ago“Very clean, and friendly atmosphere! Staff was very respectful and knowledgeable! Fair prices for great quality reptiles and aquatic needs. Fish and reptiles look and seemed super happy and healthy! Josh was very helpful and informative on my family's questions and needs and was just all around a down to earth guy! 10/10 recommend this place for all your reptile and aquatic needs!”
— Heather Lynch5.03 weeks ago“Have several varieties of snails and aquatic plants”
— Erin Oster5.0a month ago“Purchased some Endlers and aquatic plants today. Love the updates. Keep up the great service.”
— Kirk Rafter5.0a month ago“Top-tier experience from start to finish. Shaun, Josh, and the entire staff operate with excellence—knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely invested in helping you make the right decisions. It’s rare to find a team that combines professionalism with real passion for what they do. This is more than just a store—it’s a place you can trust. Highly recommend to anyone serious about reptiles.”
— Lamar Mitchell5.02 months ago“Went in to purchase a bearded dragons. The owner helped us get everything we need. Answered any questions we had. Highly recommend!”
— Nicole Zorn5.02 months ago“This place is a small treasure! I purchased my first axolotl here. The staff was very helpful and my hypomelanistc axolotl Lola is gorgeous! I have back several times since and bought drifting wool and ghost shrimp. I would have given a 5 star but my red wigglers I bought were in not so great of shape even though the staff checked them. This is definitely my favorite place to shop for my axolotl and aquarium needs!!”
— Buffie Tolbert4.03 months ago“If you need anything for your scaly or aquatic buddies, Appalachian Reptile and Aquatics is the place to go! We stop by regularly to stock up on Dubai roaches (our bearded dragon's crunchy snack of choice) and frozen rats for our ball python - because, apparently, snakes are too fancy for regular food. The owner is super chill, and the staff always seems genuinely happy to help - even if we ask for the 400th time, "Do you have those tiny lizard bow ties yet?" Shopping here feels like hanging out with folks who actually get your obsession with reptiles. Honestly, half the fun is wandering around the store. There's a giant lizard who looks like he could star in his own action movie, plus a turtle pond where the turtles are plotting world domination (or maybe just lunch). The selection of fish, plants, and tank gear is huge. Whether your aquarium dreams are big or small, there's something here for everyone - including people who just want to buy a plant and pretend they're responsible pet owners. 😊🦎”
— Norah Cartwright5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (301) 465-0891 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Appalachian Reptiles & Aquatics.