Tom’s Tropicals

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.