The Liquid Zoo

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.