Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store

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.