About
Tucked along the roads of Nottingham, Maryland, Tom's Tropicals is a family-run shop that's been serving the local aquarium and pet community for over 60 years. It's an old-school operation with a distinct character — part fish store, part reptile shop, part curiosity cabinet. Walk in and you'll find rows of clean freshwater fish tanks, an area filled with taxidermy animals, and shelves lined with animal sculptures and decorations that give the place a vibe entirely its own.
The freshwater fish selection is the main draw. Reviewers consistently praise the variety, with one longtime customer noting they've purchased "so many types of fish over the years" and wouldn't buy anywhere else. Owner Tom and staffer Jackie are regularly mentioned by name for their hands-on approach — Tom has been known to walk the floor with customers, helping them choose appropriate fish for their tank size and offering practical stocking advice.
Several customers report that fish purchased here outlast those from competing stores. Beyond fish, Tom's stocks hermit crabs, reptiles, small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, and a reliable supply of live and frozen feeder rodents for snake owners. One customer highlighted the detailed care sheets provided with hermit crab purchases, complete with habitat setup guidance.
The store also offers pet boarding services — multiple reviewers mention leaving their pets in Tom's care during vacations, praising the attentiveness of the team, including handwritten care notes from the front desk. Prices run reasonable across the board, from fish to snake supplies like bedding and heat lamps. The staff earns consistent praise for greeting customers at the door and taking time to answer questions without rushing.
It's a smaller footprint than big-box alternatives, but that compact space is packed with livestock and supplies that keep loyal customers returning for years. For freshwater fishkeepers and reptile enthusiasts in the Nottingham area, Tom's remains a reliable neighborhood institution with genuine personality.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Fish BoardingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned shop operating for over 60 years in Nottingham
- Wide freshwater fish selection with consistently praised livestock quality
- Pet boarding services with personalized handwritten care instructions
- Owner Tom personally assists customers with fish selection and stocking advice
- Stocks hermit crabs, reptiles, small animals, and feeder rodents
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Surely feeder insects from New sources can be troublesome. But the few crickets I purchased here killed my praying mantis in 2 days via bacterial infection. My gal had thrived for over a year when I got lazy and stopped in for a quick fix instead of ordering from my normal suppliers. I know ppl have had good experiences at Tom's. But I think its a rather dirty place.”
— Matt Hitt3.017 hours ago“Best fish store in the tri state. A must see. Fantastic prices.”
— Christopher O'Brien5.06 days ago“Excellent selection of aquarium fish”
— Wayne Holle5.02 weeks ago“Nice fish ...if you are looking for them they have many. Along with reptiles, spiders, etc.”
— Cindy Zak4.03 weeks ago“I love Tom's tropicals store.. I have bought many fish and other items for my aquariums over the yrs and am always pleased. The owners and staff are very nice.”
— Debora Roff5.0a month ago“For a couple of years now, Tom's Tropicals have been helping us taking care of our pets when we are away on vacation. They've an amazing team. The front desk lady also has the most beautiful classical cursive handwriting you've ever seen. She writes special notes to take care of our pets when we are away. Highly recommended 👌 👍.”
— Ramana Vinjamuri5.0Edited a month ago“This place had what I need Everytime The staff is very nice to”
— Thunderbolt5.0a month ago“1 star ,this place is a disappointment got out of breeding some years ago went in and asked some questions and the lady that’s behind the counter was extremely rude. Not to mention the dragons are 9 to a 10 gallon tank, missing tails ,feet etc also kept by the cold front door with minimal lighting. Smart comments , cutting someone off constantly isn’t good customer service she used to be really nice but I guess life hasn’t been kind to her. Will never visit This store again if my life depended on it. Overall just bad experience. Poor reptiles and aquatic life all in undersized tanks. The young guy working did ask me if I needed help initially so this is why they are even getting a star at all. How are places like this still in business but wet pet is closed.”
— Christopher Walpole1.02 months ago“Great place and excellent customer service”
— Eric B Sr.5.0Edited 2 months ago“Always clean and a friendly staff.”
— Wayne Adams5.03 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.