About
Animal Instincts Aquarium and Pet Center has been a Fall River, MA institution for decades — a family-run aquarium store where customers who first wandered in as kids now bring their own children in to pick out a pet bunny. Owner Bob and his team treat regulars like family, taking time to talk with everyone who walks through the door, hand-feeding the animals and remembering names. The aquatics department is what keeps hobbyists driving in from Boston and across state lines.
Reviewers call it the best saltwater fish store on the South Coast, and the reef selection backs it up: hand-selected coral frags that range from small zoanthid colonies to pieces "as big as my hand," vibrant and fairly priced. Shawna — described by one regular as practically an encyclopedia of aquarium knowledge — is the name that comes up again and again, and she'll steer you toward what your system is actually ready for instead of pushing a bigger sale. Shane rounds out the saltwater crew.
There are saltwater fish and corals for sale in Fall River, MA that you won't find at the big-box chains, alongside a deep freshwater side stocked with rare species, plecos, bettas, and live aquatic plants for planted tanks. Beyond the fish room, this is a full pet center. Bob helped one shopper track down a new pleco for their tank; another regular credits the staff with guiding her axolotl care.
The reptile room keeps bearded dragons and leopard geckos, and keepers stop in weekly for gut-loaded feeder insects like dubia roaches. You'll also find rabbits, birds, and small mammals under one roof. Free water testing, patient tank-setup and aquascaping advice, and a no-pressure rewards program make this a genuine local resource — and on Sundays there's complimentary coffee and donuts.
For Fall River aquarists building a first reef or a fifth community tank, Animal Instincts is the shop that keeps earning the drive.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Animal Instincts Aquarium and Pet Center in Fall River, MA
Animal Instincts Aquarium and Pet Center stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, rare and hard-to-find species, axolotls, plecos, betta fish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Fall River, MA. As an aquarium store serving Fall River, MA, it also carries aquarium equipment, dry goods and fish food and offers aquarium consultations, water testing, aquarium setup and aquascaping.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefLive PlantsPlanted TanksInvertebratesRare SpeciesAxolotlsPlecosBettasAquarium EquipmentDry GoodsFish Food
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Widely called the best saltwater fish store on the South Coast, with hand-selected coral frags ranging from small zoanthid colonies to pieces as big as a hand
- Deep freshwater selection including rare species, plecos, bettas, and live aquatic plants for planted tanks
- Family-run for decades by owner Bob with a knowledgeable aquatics crew led by Shawna and Shane
- Free water testing plus patient, no-pressure tank-setup and aquascaping guidance
- Full pet center with a reptile room (bearded dragons, leopard geckos) and gut-loaded feeder insects; complimentary coffee and donuts on Sundays
From keepers
Customer reviews
“None of the snakes have hides. I'm guessing there's no hides so customers can view them at all times but you should be putting the animal's needs first over profit. Not having a place to feel safe is extremely stressful to snakes. The blood python was trying to soak in a tiny water dish he couldn't fit in. You have appropriate sized water dishes for sale how about you put one in his bare bones tank to give him at least a little bit of comfort. While you're at it you should give him a hide too, try caring about the snakes well-being. Housing snakes, no matter what species, in tiny glass terrariums with only tiny water dishes and no place to hide is so cruel. Wish people would open their eyes and see that. If you're worried about them hiding all day, something that's part of their natural behavior, take pictures of them and put them on the glass so customers can see what's in there. Again, you should be caring about the animals basic needs over making money.”
— Elle1.02 days ago“I love this place! I truly have not come across a pet store with such an impressive variety of fish, many of which I have not seen stocked at any other stores. The variety of products for basically any pet you can possibly imagine makes this a one stop shop for all of your pet needs. I have to shout out Shawna as well, since she always goes out of her way to provide spot-on information and advice on fishkeeping. I eagerly drive down from Boston just to check out what they have in stock--it's well worth it!”
— Kali Tindell-Griffin5.03 days ago“We’ve been coming here for a couple years now for our salt water tank. Shane and Shauna are absolutely amazing, knowledgeable, and helpful. They always take good care of us whether we’re going in for a water test, water, or just to stock the tank. They have the best selection in the area of saltwater fish and coral and are always willing to help. My only qualm is that I wish the store stocked more variety for cats, but I do understand it’s more of a spot for fish and small animals/reptiles.”
— Samantha McNamara4.04 days ago“Amazing family owned business! Been going here since I was a kid but this week we had an amazing experience bringing our daughter in and letting her pick a pet bunny. The owners took such great care of us and as always treated us like family! Top-notch establishment, and very knowledgeable!”
— Ryan Sullivan5.06 days ago“Owner took the time to talk to everyone I seen walk into his store, including myself. He was extremely knowledgeable and humble. 10/10 recommend stopping in!”
— Tyler5.0a week ago“We love going here! The hour and a half round trip is worth it! They’re always so helpful, giving multiple recommendations on how to grow my fish tank and never make me feel rushed to make a decision. One time I had an issue with my tank and when I told them I wanted to go home and work on the problem rather than buy fish that would ultimately perish in my tank they were understanding and offered possible solutions to my issue”
— Shelby Andrade5.0a week ago“Unbelievable friendly staff unlike any other store I have been in no exaggeration!!And they are so knowledgeable and volunteer info for whatever you buy”
— Sally Bernier5.02 weeks ago“Beautiful healthy fish and tanks very clean an the store is very clean an fair prices for there rare fish and there normal fish🫶🏼✅”
— Carl Labossiere5.04 weeks ago“Great staff. Super friendly and very knowledgeable.”
— Eric McMackin5.0a month ago“Absolutely wonderful staff and endless consideration into the health of their animals, as well as diligence in care instructions to ensure they go to safe homes! I have moved states since starting my tank, and to this day will still insist on driving state lines to get my fish and plants from Animal Instincts with absolute confidence that my critters will be healthy and well fostered! When I wanted to start a planted freshwater tank with minimal experience, Bob & Shauna gave me thorough explanations and thoughtful insights that aligned realistically with my budgetary constraints to ensure I was fostering a healthy ecosystem. Both of them are amazing— Shauna is practically an encyclopedia of aquarium knowledge! This place truly cares about the outcomes of their animals, and to have sustained and helpful conversations with customers… They also have complimentary donuts and coffee on Sundays, which is just incredibly sweet (literally)! I’ll forever recommend this shop to anyone, especially aquarium hobbyists!”
— Nicole Van Deusen5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (508) 673-6755 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Animal Instincts Aquarium and Pet Center.