About
Tucked into Tupelo, Mississippi, Gone Fishin Exotic Pets is a locally owned shop that packs a surprising amount of aquatic and exotic animal variety into a modest footprint. It's one of the few stores in the area carrying saltwater fish alongside a robust freshwater selection, making it a genuine destination for aquarists — some customers drive an hour or more just to browse. Tanks are stocked with everything from vibrant guppies and otto catfish to shrimp, bettas, axolotls, live corals, and live plants, with staff happy to talk through compatibility and care for any setup.
The fish department shares floor space with reptiles, birds (including Quaker parrots and budgies), snakes, guinea pigs, ferrets, and small mammals, so the store doubles as a full exotic pet destination. Feeders — crickets and mice — are competitively priced, a draw for reptile keepers who stop in weekly. Supplies range from aquarium equipment and fish food to reptile habitats and dog and cat essentials, and reviewers consistently note that prices undercut the big-box stores.
Staff knowledge is the store's most cited strength. Employees like Bilal are praised for patience and genuine care, taking time to ensure customers have proper housing and understand the needs of the animal they're adopting. Multiple reviewers mention receiving honest, practical guidance rather than a sales pitch — a rarity that keeps people coming back.
The team even offers curbside help loading purchases. The shop's locally owned character shows: regulars say they're greeted by name. Tanks and cages are generally well-maintained and animals appear healthy, though a handful of reviews mention occasional fish losses after purchase and one or two encounters with less-than-friendly service from a particular staff member.
On the whole, Gone Fishin has built a loyal following by combining fair pricing, genuine animal welfare, and the kind of personalized expertise that makes the hobby approachable for newcomers and rewarding for seasoned keepers alike.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationDelivery
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- One of the only saltwater fish sources in the Tupelo area
- Freshwater selection includes guppies, bettas, axolotls, shrimp, and otto catfish
- Live corals and live plants available for reef and planted tank setups
- Competitive pricing frequently cited as lower than big-box pet stores
- Staff known by name for patient, honest guidance on animal care
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This local exotic pet and fish store is easily one of my favorite places to visit, whether I need supplies or just want to browse. They offer an impressive variety of reptiles, freshwater and saltwater fish, live plants and coral, birds, and a wide range of quality supplies for just about any setup. What really sets them apart, though, is the staff. They are extremely knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely willing to help with any questions you may have, offering practical insight and honest recommendations rather than rushed sales pitches. It’s clear they care about the animals and about helping customers succeed. I highly recommend this store to anyone interested in exotic pets or aquatics, and I often find myself enjoying the experience even when I don’t need to buy anything. I added a photo of my recent purchase of guppies very vibrant colors, and a plus is 24 hours after purchase one of my females gave birth how awesome to know theyre in a good environment that they'll breed!”
— Tyler Kennon5.02 weeks ago“Haven’t gone but my bestie told me all about it and I am going to go!!!!”
— Dixie Hilton5.0a month ago“Nice place plenty of exotic pets and supplies”
— Billy Stout5.0a month ago“Can not recommend enough. Many places mistreat their fish, rats, and other animals that are seen as "less than" But not once have I seen Gone Fishing's animals looking the least bit sad. In my five years of being a customer Gone Fishing has proven itself as a pet store that cares. The fish have massive tanks, well cleaned and happy. Ive never seen happier rats either. Everytime I shop for my rodent pets the shop clerk makes sure i have the means to properly take care of the animal i am adopting, making sure I have a cage already, the size is large enough, etc. I can no longer shop at any other pet store.”
— Jasper5.0a month ago“Love this place!! I go weekly for feeders for my reptiles and I'm never disappointed!”
— Sarah Ashton5.02 months ago“Gone fishing pets has a nice selection of animals and products at a fair price. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We will be going back for all our pet needs.”
— Shane Whiteside5.03 months ago“Knowledgeable well stocked variety. Locally owned and know customers by name upon entry. Competitive pricing mostly under big box stores.also curb service helping load purchases”
— Shane Turner5.0Edited 3 months ago“Always the best customer service, very cool animas!”
— Isaiah Parker5.03 months ago“Some stuff is over priced and the fish there look amazing but the place smells like they need to clean after pets more that smell is bad for pets lungs also the poor birds up front have dirty cages looking like haven’t cleaned in weeks. Last the birds in the back are shoved in a small tank can’t play or move around at all forced on one perch not nice.”
— Lea Ann Liske2.03 months ago“Always good service 👍”
— Tom L5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (662) 680-5585 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Gone Fishin Exotic Pets.