About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank SetupAquascapingFish Breeding
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterBrackish
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Matt breeds some fish in-house and can special order species not in stock
- Bettas housed in individual tanks rather than cups
- Exceptional live plant selection with lasting quality
- Aquascaping materials and hardscape supplies available
- Stocks rare and uncommon freshwater species including bichirs and axolotls
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The nicest most friendly owners. They are very polite and will sell you an algae eater. Petsmart sucks!This business is the most knowledgeable of there fish!! I will be a lifetime customer of there’s.”
— Tammy Forste5.06 days ago“Very helpful and knowledgeable”
— Jessica Faucett5.0a month ago“Awesome fresh water fish stock amazing staff matt (owner) can answer any question you have”
— Chuck5.0a month ago“This place is awesome they hooked me up with everything I needed for my first tank thanks. liquid zoo!!!”
— Ashton Lake5.02 months ago“Best Fish store in the 4-state area! We buy all of our fish from here! We started out with no information, came here and asked questions got alot of help and information, now we have 3 fully planted, fully established tanks at our house. Never a bad experience and we've been coming in for over a year. Wouldn't go anywhere else.”
— Alexis Johnson5.03 months ago“We got our axolotl here! Matthew is very knowledgeable and helpful. He goes above and beyond for his customers!”
— Matt Rush5.03 months ago“This is my favorite local fish store, by far. There are so many types and variances of fish here, some I’ve not seen anywhere else. The tanks are arranged well and the owners displays are amazing. The fish are well kept and vibrant. Even the bettas have their own tanks. The owner is very supportive and knowledgeable, always offering a solution to any issues I’m having with my tanks. Highly recommend.”
— Sara Johnson5.03 months ago“Super clean pet fish store. Workers are so friendly and helpful. Great place to take your kids. Great prices!”
— Denise Burns5.03 months ago“Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!!”
— J W5.03 months ago“Super helpful, great variety and always friendly”
— Grant Mundy5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call ahead to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Liquid Zoo.