About
Tucked along the roads of Nottingham, Maryland, Tom's Tropicals is a family-run fish store that has been part of the local aquarium community for more than 60 years. It is an unapologetically old-school operation — part fish store, part reptile shop, part curiosity cabinet — where rows of clean freshwater tanks share the floor with taxidermy mounts, animal sculptures, and shelves of decorations that give the place a character entirely its own. Generations keep coming back: one recent visitor noted they have been shopping here for over 20 years, and another grew up coming in and now brings his own kids.
The freshwater fish selection remains the main draw, and reviewers continue to praise how healthy the livestock is — one recent customer said the fish are "so healthy and well taken care of" that she won't shop anywhere else. If you are searching for community fish for sale in Nottingham, MD, the variety runs deep, with a recent visitor noting a large mix of freshwater (and some saltwater) fish alongside pricing that customers repeatedly single out as genuinely affordable. Owner Tom is known for walking the floor with shoppers, helping match fish to tank size and offering practical stocking advice, while Jackie at the front desk stays a familiar, friendly face longtime regulars look forward to seeing.
Beyond fish, Tom's stocks hermit crabs, axolotls, reptiles, and small animals, and many customers come specifically for the reliable supply of feeder insects and feeder rodents. Hermit crab buyers mention the detailed care sheets included with each purchase, complete with habitat setup guidance. The shop also offers pet boarding, and several reviewers describe leaving their animals here during vacations, praising the handwritten care notes left by the front desk.
For freshwater fishkeepers and reptile enthusiasts hunting for a knowledgeable fish store near me in the Nottingham area, Tom's remains a reliable neighborhood institution — compact, packed with livestock, and rich with the kind of personality that keeps loyal customers returning for decades.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Tom’s Tropicals in Nottingham, MD
Tom’s Tropicals stocks invertebrates, axolotls and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Nottingham, MD. As an aquarium store serving Nottingham, MD, it also offers fish boarding and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- InvertebratesAxolotls
- Services
- Fish BoardingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-run fish store operating for over 60 years in Nottingham, MD
- Deep, healthy freshwater fish selection at prices customers consistently call affordable
- Owner Tom personally helps customers match fish to tank size with stocking advice
- Pet boarding with handwritten care notes from the front desk
- Stocks hermit crabs, axolotls, reptiles, and small animals alongside the fish
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very good”
— Scott Duong5.02 days ago“The extremely knowledgeable and very helpful”
— Tom Fisher5.0a week ago“Nice store Ms Jackie is always a joy to see when we visit”
— Jay Star5.0a week ago“I got there often. Pretty good selection and great customer service”
— Lolitia Young-Manley4.04 weeks ago“Tom's tropics is a great place it you are looking for just that. They have have a large variety of saltwater and freshwater fish. As well as snakes, lizards, spiders. Bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters and more....”
— Kaylyn Phipps4.0a month ago“Great variety of fish and reptiles. The best part was the prices 🤯 very affordable 👌”
— Charles Manley5.0a month ago“My fav pet store”
— ml5.0a month ago“Wide array of animals and so knowledgeable I have been going here for over 20 years”
— Rachael Keiner5.0a month ago“I stopped by today to get crickets and there was a grown bearded dragein(2-3yr) in a five gallon tank! Had a for sale sign 99$ this is terrible and was very very sad to see...”
— Dawn B1.02 months ago“This place is disgusting. First, seeing axoltls without a chiller system was disgusting, with many in one single tank, and to have them up by the door where people come in and out? Why are there bunnies in a place that sells fish and reptiles? Pick one. Not both. These two animals do not mix. There was also a VERY large Oscar in about a 35 gallon tank, disgusting when you’re supposed to be a fish store. Take care of them properly. Many dead fish in tanks. Many fish looked stressed. Water ALL over the floor. The owner was walking around without a shirt on. The lady up front tried to argue with us about our tank, like we don’t know what we are doing when we are experienced fish owners. Do not support this disgusting place.”
— Valerie Baker1.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (410) 256-0330 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tom’s Tropicals.