Chris's Pet Store

Tucked into Madison Heights, Michigan, Chris's Pet Store has quietly built a devoted following among metro Detroit's freshwater aquarium community. Owner Chris runs a tightly curated fish room where the emphasis is squarely on livestock health and variety — and it shows. Tanks are consistently described as immaculate, and the fish inside them look like they've been thriving, not just surviving.

The freshwater selection leans heavily into nano and schooling species that can be maddeningly hard to source elsewhere. Chili rasboras, celestial pearl danios, galaxy rasboras, rummynose tetras, cardinal tetras, and sterbai corydoras are among the species reviewers have called out by name. Chris also stocks what loyal customers call "guaranteed oddballs" — rare and unusual species you won't stumble across at chain stores.

The invertebrate game is strong too, with cherry shrimp and feeder snails like ramshorn and Malaysian trumpet available at fair prices. Live aquatic plants and hardscape materials round out the planted tank supplies, and Chris has been known to pull from his personal aquascaping collection to help customers lay out their first tank. Beyond the livestock, Chris has earned a reputation as a walking encyclopedia.

Multiple reviewers describe extended, passionate conversations about care, tank cycling, and species compatibility. He was spotted selling cardinal tetras at Aquashella in Dallas, which speaks to his reach beyond the local scene. Freshly hatched baby brine shrimp are occasionally available — a detail that nano fish and puffer keepers will appreciate.

The store also carries reptiles, including crested geckos, alongside fish food, accessories, and dry goods. The vibe is personal and unhurried — this is a one-on-one kind of shop where Chris remembers what you're working on. One consistent caveat: the posted hours aren't always reliable, with multiple visitors reporting closures during listed business hours.

Calling ahead before a long drive is wise. But when the lights are on, Chris's Pet Store delivers one of the best freshwater experiences in southeast Michigan — healthy fish, fair prices, and genuine expertise that's hard to match.