About
Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store was a longtime mom-and-pop fixture near Porter Square in Somerville, Massachusetts, run by owner Armand (also known as Simon in some accounts). The shop specialized in tropical freshwater fish alongside birds, reptiles, and small animals, operating as a true one-person operation with all the charm and rough edges that entails. The freshwater fish selection leaned toward bettas — notably kept in tanks rather than cups — along with corydoras, platies, shrimp (including bamboo shrimp, which were regularly stocked), and axolotls.
The store also carried basic aquarium supplies and could special order items not in stock. A hanging lantern aquarium was among the more eye-catching display additions that regulars noticed over the years. Armand was the kind of owner who would spend as much time as you needed discussing tank setup and fish compatibility, and multiple customers praised his willingness to refuse sales when he felt an animal wasn't ready.
His knowledge was appreciated by many newcomers to the hobby, though more experienced fishkeepers sometimes clashed with him over care advice — particularly his views on betta tank sizes, which drew pointed criticism from seasoned aquarists. The store's atmosphere was polarizing. Longtime customers who grew up visiting saw a beloved neighborhood institution; others described the space as cramped, cluttered, and in need of better maintenance.
The tanks drew mixed reviews — some found the fish healthy and well-kept, while others noted dirty conditions. The bird section was similarly divisive, with some customers charmed by Louie the parrot and Armand's passion for his birds, while others raised serious concerns about the birds' living conditions. Reviews suggest the store has since permanently closed.
For years, though, Big Fish Little Fish served as Somerville's scrappy local alternative to chain pet stores — a place where you could pick up a healthy betta, grab bamboo shrimp, chat about freshwater setups, and leave with more knowledge than you came in with, even if the delivery wasn't always polished.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Bettas kept in tanks rather than cups
- Regular stock of bamboo shrimp
- Axolotls available
- Owner would special order items not in stock
- Conveniently located near Porter Square
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Store is closed at 5:48 pm, hours may differ.”
— Carter2.02 weeks ago“Permanently closed.”
— Max3.03 weeks ago“No cherry shrimp even though site claims they sell em.”
— Dana Bohan4.03 weeks ago“glad to see this place go! owner is a selfish person who doesn’t care in the slightest about the animals he sells. i remember bringing it to his attention years ago that all the birds looked sick, and he was breeding budgies with very severe foot deformities that they couldn’t even stand on the perch properly because their toes were permanently in knuckles. i remember the birds also having no food because the dishes were filled with empty seed shells. the owner was extremely rude and defensive! i offered to help as a volunteer because i raise birds and he totally refused. i didn’t even look at any of the other animals’ conditions because i had to leave after seeing the birds. that large macaw also had no toys in its cage and didn’t seem very happy or social as a macaw should be at all. such a shame because it was a nice little space and had great potential. i hope all the animals in the store at time of closure found a better life than what they had there, and whoever takes that space next does something better in honor of the animals that were abused and killed there….”
— Kristen Spires1.0a month ago“The best pet shop in the neighborhood! The owner takes excellent care of the birds, turtles, and even spiders. He warmly introduced his little animals and enthusiastically taught our child a lot about them!! Truly a pet shop run by someone who genuinely loves animals!”
— Bianca G5.03 months ago“I randomly had to come in for a kritter keeper in July. The store had everything I needed, and everyone who assisted me was kind and helpful.”
— Bryn Dunbar5.05 months ago“Great, mom and pop store. The owner full of knowledge”
— Joe Garbarino5.06 months ago“Good”
— Irfan Kamthewala5.0Edited 7 months ago“First pet store I ever visited as a kid! Great experience.”
— Faiz Khalifa5.07 months ago“I like this place for aquarium stuff. It's a one person operation so it's a little grungy but not too grungy and the fish seem happy. The owner is a nice guy and he'll also special order whatever isn't in stock.”
— Aaron Fan5.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (617) 666-2444 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store.