Walking into The Liquid Zoo in Joplin, Missouri, you're greeted by rows of meticulously maintained tanks and the kind of fish variety that makes you slow down and look twice. Owner Matt and his wife have built something special here — a freshwater-focused shop that stocks everything from vibrant neon tetras and balloon mollies to bichirs, bristlenose plecos, and axolotls. The bettas each get their own individual tanks, a small but telling detail about how seriously this store takes fish health and welfare. If you're looking for something specific they don't have in stock, Matt can likely order it for you.
The live plant selection is a genuine standout. Multiple reviewers report buying plants that are still thriving months later, and the store carries aquascaping hardscape materials alongside their greenery. One customer built out a complete aquascape setup for around $100, and the store's own display tanks serve as living proof of what's possible. For anyone building a planted tank in the four-state area, this is the place to start.
Matt and his team breed some of the fish they sell, which speaks to the quality you'll find in the tanks. Customers consistently report that fish purchased here arrive home healthy and stay that way. The store also carries some brackish species alongside their primary freshwater inventory, giving hobbyists a broader range to explore.
What truly sets The Liquid Zoo apart is the educational environment. First-time fishkeepers walk in with zero knowledge and walk out with fully stocked starter setups and the confidence to maintain them. Several reviewers credit Matt with helping them progress from a single tank to multiple fully planted, established aquariums. He takes time with every customer — explaining compatibility, offering suggestions, and troubleshooting tank issues on the spot.
The prices are consistently praised as fair to excellent, making it easy to justify the drive from across southwest Missouri. Families bring their kids to browse like a mini aquarium, and the welcoming atmosphere keeps people coming back weekly. For freshwater fishkeeping in the Joplin area, The Liquid Zoo is the definitive destination.
Mississippi Mutts is not a fish store — it's a beloved locally owned pet supply shop in downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri, run by owners Sherry and Barb with a dedicated team that clearly adores every animal that walks through the door. While it won't help you stock an aquarium, it has earned a fiercely loyal following among dog and cat owners across the region.
The store's self-service dog wash bays are a major draw, featuring raised tubs and a selection of high-quality scented shampoos that make bath time easy and mess-free. Monday bath specials at half price keep regulars coming back weekly, and the post-wash doggie cologne is a fun finishing touch. Nail trimming services are offered on weekends and every other Wednesday, and the staff also handles gland expressions — services that are surprisingly hard to find at independent shops.
What sets Mississippi Mutts apart is the curation. The sales floor is compact but thoughtfully stocked with premium foods, supplements like Ultra Oil, CBD products, durable toys, collars, and treats for both dogs and cats. They even make custom "gotcha day" cakes with 24 hours' notice, along with seasonal treats — Halloween goodies that one reviewer said smelled good enough for humans to eat. When a traveling beagle named Sonny rolled in something foul, staff recommended Earth Rated's no-rinse shampoo, solving the crisis on the spot.
The community involvement runs deep. Mississippi Mutts has hosted events like "Mardi Paws," a pet parade downtown, and throws parties outside of pandemic years. Customers routinely describe the atmosphere as feeling like family — one rescued Chihuahua named Popsicle, typically wary of strangers, warmed up to the staff immediately. Multiple reviewers drive from out of town specifically to shop here.
This is a pet supply destination built on genuine relationships, honest product recommendations without upselling, and a palpable love for animals that customers — and their pets — clearly feel the moment they walk in.
Tucked away in O'Fallon, Missouri, Liberty Reef has quickly become the go-to saltwater destination for reef keepers across the greater St. Louis area. Under the ownership of Brad and his family, this store has built a reputation for one thing above all else: an extraordinary coral selection. Reviewers consistently call it the best coral shop in the region, and it's easy to see why. The store stocks everything from beginner-friendly frags to high-end torches — their torch collection alone draws enthusiasts from hours away — along with acanthophyllia, scolymia, and a rotating cast of rare and exquisite specimens.
What sets Liberty Reef apart from other local fish stores is the condition of the livestock. The tanks are described as spotless — no grimy glass, no aiptasia, no algae-choked displays. Corals sit vibrant and open in pristine systems, which tells you a lot about the care happening behind the scenes. The fish section is growing too, with healthy, vibrant saltwater species rounding out the inventory. Their invertebrate selection, including cleanup crews, is well-stocked and competitively priced.
Beyond the brick-and-mortar experience, Liberty Reef runs a thriving online operation. Their website and Facebook live auctions have become genuinely addictive for hobbyists, with competitive pricing and the thrill of bidding on unique pieces. Shipping is generally fast, with corals arriving well-packaged and insulated with heat packs. Multiple reviewers note that online orders arrived the next day with livestock in excellent condition.
Staff members Brad and Jenna are repeatedly praised for their willingness to spend time answering questions without talking down to customers — a rarity in specialty retail. They remember returning customers' tank setups and offer tailored advice. The store also carries a solid range of reef-keeping support products, from coral food to essential dry goods.
For saltwater hobbyists in the St. Louis metro, Liberty Reef delivers competitive prices, immaculate livestock, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people driving back.
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Tucked away in Valley Park, Missouri, Pure Fish Magic LLC has quickly earned a devoted following among freshwater enthusiasts across the greater St. Louis area — with customers driving from as far as Winfield just to browse the racks. This is a true aquarium store, not a big-box afterthought, and the difference shows in every tank. The fish are healthy, vibrant, and largely sourced from local breeders, which gives the stock a quality edge you won't find at chain retailers.
The selection covers community staples alongside harder-to-find species. Bristlenose plecos, Rummynose tetras, male Endlers, and bettas are among the fish reviewers have picked up here, and the store breeds fish on-site as well — you'll spot tanks of fry and juveniles growing out in the back. Live plants, Catappa leaves, and a solid range of tanks and supplies round out the inventory, making it easy to leave with everything you need for a new setup or an existing one that needs attention.
What really sets Pure Fish Magic apart is the personal investment of the owners and staff. Brian and the rest of the team take time with every customer, asking about your tank, your goals, and your challenges before making recommendations. One visitor came in worried about a sick betta and left with a simple, affordable treatment plan involving plants, Catappa leaves, and aquarium salt — and reported the fish was already improving. Another was given free Catappa leaves to help struggling Rummynose tetras thrive, a small gesture that earned a loyal customer. The store will even special-order specific fish and call you when desired species come in stock, as one Endler enthusiast happily discovered.
The shop also helps newcomers get started right, walking customers through tank cycling with hands-on guidance and even sending them home with cycled water to jump-start the process. Pure Fish Magic is the kind of local fish store that builds community one tank at a time — passionate, patient, and genuinely invested in your success.
Corals & More in St Peters, Missouri has quickly become one of the most talked-about aquarium shops in the STL area, and for good reason. Owned and operated by Logan and Maggie, this locally run store delivers a deeply personal experience that big-box pet retailers simply cannot match. Walk in and you'll immediately notice the immaculate tanks — clean, well-maintained, and stocked with vibrant, disease-free livestock that clearly reflects careful sourcing and quarantine practices.
The saltwater side is where the store truly shines. The coral selection is regularly described as next-level, with vibrant pieces sourced from reefs around the world. Gorgeous display tanks showcase what's possible, and Logan's team is ready to guide customers through coral care, anemone selection, and pairing clownfish with their new hosts. One reviewer shared that the shop helped them find a mature male clown to pair with a female that had been solo for years — the kind of personalized attention that builds lasting loyalty.
Freshwater enthusiasts haven't been overlooked either. The shop carries a solid selection of freshwater fish and has become a go-to destination for live aquatic plants, with multiple reviewers specifically calling out the plant inventory. Shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates round out the offerings.
Beyond retail, Corals & More provides hands-on tank maintenance services, with long-term customers crediting the crew with years of routine upkeep and even crisis management during near-crashes. They also handle tank setup consultations for first-timers, walking new hobbyists through equipment choices and stocking plans at prices that consistently undercut the chains.
Staff members Logan, Maggie, and Kelly are mentioned by name across dozens of reviews — a telling sign of a shop where relationships matter. They take special orders seriously, proactively reaching out when they find something a customer has been searching for. With 406 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, Corals & More has earned its reputation as the St Peters area's premier destination for saltwater and freshwater aquarium enthusiasts alike.
Becky's Aquarium Works LLC has earned a devoted following in Joplin, Missouri, by pairing a carefully curated selection of freshwater and saltwater fish with the kind of hands-on guidance that chain pet stores simply can't match. Walk through the door and you'll notice it immediately: immaculate tanks, healthy fish, and a staff that genuinely wants to talk aquariums with you — not just ring up a sale.
Owner Becky is the driving force behind the shop's reputation. Customers regularly describe her as someone who will break down the science of aquarium keeping in plain language, whether you're troubleshooting a cloudy tank that won't cycle or choosing compatible tank mates for a new setup. One reviewer credits her recommendation of adding a sponge filter alongside a hang-on-back filter for finally clearing persistent cloudiness within three days. That kind of practical, experience-based advice keeps people coming back.
The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater livestock, including corals, alongside the dry goods and equipment needed to maintain healthy systems. Becky also offers water testing — a service multiple customers have praised as far superior to what big-box retailers provide. For those setting up saltwater tanks for the first time, staff have walked hobbyists through the entire process from equipment selection to stocking decisions.
Beyond fish sales, the shop provides tank maintenance and cleaning services, and the team is readily available for consultation via phone or Facebook message even when you're not buying anything. Several reviewers mention bringing in sick fish questions and receiving thoughtful, knowledgeable responses. One couple described spending an extended visit discussing a tank upgrade and leaving feeling genuinely supported.
The atmosphere is welcoming enough that Becky has helped children learn about aquatic life alongside seasoned hobbyists upgrading their setups. For anyone in the Joplin area looking for a dedicated local fish store with real expertise and consistently healthy livestock, Becky's Aquarium Works delivers on both counts.
Art of Aquaria has carved out a devoted following in the St. Louis aquarium scene by doing things a little differently. Tucked into a space that's bigger than it first appears, the shop is built around a passion for aquascaping, live plants, and thoughtfully curated livestock rather than sheer volume. Reviewers consistently call out the plant selection as the best in the area — lush, healthy, and varied enough to anchor everything from a simple nano setup to a full planted display tank.
The shrimp selection is another standout. Multiple customers describe it as the best in the St. Louis metro, with colorful cherry shrimp varieties, blue dream, and crystal shrimp drawing hobbyists from across the region. The store also stocks a compelling range of small community fish, Bolivian rams, plecos, and other species you won't find at big-box chains. A dedicated room houses driftwood and hardscape rocks — much of it sourced locally — giving aquascapers a hands-on way to plan their layouts.
Frameless and micro tanks line the shelves alongside premium fish foods and dry goods, and the shop has expanded into corals, saltwater, reptiles, and terrestrial invertebrates. Tanks throughout the store are notably clean and well-maintained, a detail that comes up in review after review. Free water testing is available, and the staff — often the owners themselves — are praised for spending real time walking customers through setups, cycling questions, and livestock compatibility.
The vibe is relaxed and knowledgeable rather than pushy. One customer recounted meeting an owner at a MASI (Missouri Aquarium Society) swap meet and being directed to freshly stocked Bolivian Rams at the shop. Another credited the team with helping them build their very first aquascape from scratch, supplying everything from substrate to tips and tricks.
Art of Aquaria rewards the visit. It's a store shaped by people who clearly keep tanks themselves, and that sensibility shows in every detail — from the livestock health to the carefully chosen inventory.
STL Aquatics in St. Louis has carved out a reputation as the go-to saltwater destination in the metro area, though freshwater enthusiasts and pond keepers will find plenty to love too. The store, which underwent a remodel under new ownership, is compact but densely packed — wall-to-wall livestock and gear organized with care. The real draw is the coral selection: reviewers consistently call the frag racks the best in town, with a rotating inventory that makes every visit feel like a treasure hunt. Their standing "buy 3 frags, get 1 free" deal sweetens an already competitive pricing structure.
Staff members Matt, Harrison, Shane, and Jonathan come up repeatedly in reviews, and for good reason. They've walked countless first-time saltwater hobbyists through the entire process — from selecting a tank and dialing in equipment to explaining the nuances of reef keeping with genuine patience. Harrison has been spotted helping customers with pond problems before the store was even officially open for the day. That kind of dedication defines the place.
Beyond retail, STL Aquatics offers hands-on services that set them apart. They'll haul a 120-gallon tank across town with a professional game plan, install and stock new aquariums in your living room, and even helped a teacher plan and build a nano reef for a middle school classroom. Customers describe the team as honest — more interested in setting you up for success than upselling.
The livestock quality is consistently praised. Fish arrive healthy and stay that way, with reviewers reporting strong long-term survival in their home tanks. Pink-tailed triggers, engineer gobies, and a shop shark tank give a sense of the range on display. Freshwater options include bettas and other staples, and pond supplies round out the inventory.
STL Aquatics feels like the kind of local fish store that builds a community around it — a place where you walk in with a question and leave smarter, more excited, and probably carrying a bag of frags you didn't plan on buying.
The Corner Reef in St. Louis has built a devoted following that regularly drives an hour or two just to walk through its doors — and that kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident. This is a dedicated saltwater shop, and owner Steve has carved out a reputation for running one of the best reef stores in the St. Louis metro area.
The store's coral selection is a major draw. Reviewers consistently mention finding species and specimens they wouldn't encounter at a typical fish store, and the tanks are kept immaculately clean. Beyond corals, The Corner Reef stocks a solid range of saltwater fish, invertebrates, pods, and reef-keeping equipment and additives. Steve price-matches Bulk Reef Supply and also buys and resells used equipment at significant discounts, a practical touch that reef hobbyists on a budget genuinely appreciate.
What sets the shop apart is how it treats people who are new to saltwater. Multiple reviewers describe walking in as complete beginners and being patiently guided through their first tank setup — not upsold, but genuinely educated. Steve has a reputation for recommending only what customers actually need, even if it means a smaller sale. For hobbyists already deep in the reef-keeping world, the store holds its own with a curated inventory and the ability to fulfill special orders.
The Corner Reef has recently undergone a notable expansion, with more space for livestock and supplies, and reviewers are excited about what's still to come. The shop is well-organized and thoughtfully laid out, making browsing easy even for visitors from out of town. It's worth noting this is almost exclusively a saltwater operation — those looking for freshwater will want to shop elsewhere.
For reef keepers across central Missouri, The Corner Reef has become the kind of local fish store people wish existed in every city: transparent pricing, genuine expertise, and a coral selection worth the drive.
Busch Pet Products in Cape Girardeau, Missouri is not an aquarium or fish store — it's a dedicated pet supply shop focused primarily on dogs and cats, with a standout self-service dog wash that has earned a loyal following across the region. Owner Stacey and her team have built a reputation for personalized, attentive service that keeps customers driving in from out of town just for a bath and a bag of treats.
The self-service dog wash stations are the heart of the operation. For around $15, customers get access to a clean, well-equipped stall with a choice of shampoo scents and conditioners, towels, cologne, and ear wipes — everything needed for a thorough grooming session without the mess at home. Membership options are available for regulars, and service dog owners receive a discount. Staff walk first-timers through the process and can even create custom fragrance shampoos tailored to a pet's needs. Reviewers consistently praise how clean and easy the facilities are to use.
Beyond the baths, the store stocks a curated selection of pet foods, treats, chews, toys, blankets, and accessories — including harder-to-find items like Thundershirts that bigger chain stores may not carry. The staff is known for going above and beyond: one employee ordered rubber ducky pajamas for a customer who mentioned seeing them online. When local families adopt pets through organizations like SEMO Pets, Busch sends them home with a welcome package of selected products and a free wash — a thoughtful touch that has turned many first-time visitors into regulars.
The shop occupies a convenient Cape Girardeau location and maintains a clean, inviting atmosphere. Staff members like Faith remember returning customers and their pets by name. While a couple of reviewers have noted occasional tension around store policies, the overwhelming consensus is that Busch Pet Products offers a warm, community-oriented alternative to big-box pet retailers, with a product selection and level of care that keeps people coming back.
