About
Tucked into Joplin, Missouri, The Liquid Zoo is the kind of freshwater fish store that rewards a slow walk past every tank. Owner Matt runs the shop alongside his wife and helpers like Kristie and Emily, and together they've built a reputation across the four-state area for healthy stock, a spotlessly clean facility, and the patience to teach. Regulars describe spending whole afternoons here, and a little shop dog named Daisy greets you at the door.
The variety is what people come for. You'll find neon tetras, balloon mollies, guppies, and bristlenose plecos alongside fish you simply won't see at the big-box chains — bichirs, axolotls, salt-and-pepper corydoras, and a few brackish species and shrimp. Shoppers who keep brackish tanks often come back specifically for puffers.
The bettas each get their own individual tank rather than a cup, a small detail that says a lot about how this store treats its livestock. If they don't have a species in stock, Matt can usually special-order it, and he breeds some of the fish he sells in-house. The live plant and aquascaping selection is a genuine standout.
One customer built a complete aquascape for around $100; another bought $50 worth of plants that were still thriving months later. Hardscape materials sit alongside the greenery, and the owner's display tanks double as living inspiration. For anyone building a planted tank, this is the place to find live plants and shrimp for sale in Joplin, MO.
What keeps people loyal is the teaching. First-time fishkeepers walk in with no idea where to start and leave with a stocked tank and the confidence to maintain it; several credit the staff with helping them grow from a single tank to multiple established, fully planted aquariums. Prices are consistently called fair, families bring their kids to browse the tanks like a mini aquarium, and for anyone searching for healthy freshwater fish near me around southwest Missouri, The Liquid Zoo is the definitive local destination.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Liquid Zoo in Joplin, MO
The Liquid Zoo stocks betta fish, axolotls, rare and hard-to-find species, shrimp, plecos, livebearers, tetras, catfish, aquarium plants and freshwater & brackish fish for sale in Joplin, MO. As a fish store serving Joplin, MO, it also offers aquarium consultations, aquarium setup, aquascaping and fish breeding.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterBrackish
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Matt breeds some fish in-house and can special-order species not kept in stock
- Bettas housed in their own individual tanks rather than cups
- Standout live plant and aquascaping selection, with customers reporting plants thriving months later
- Stocks uncommon freshwater species like bichirs, axolotls, and corydoras alongside a few brackish fish and shrimp
- Welcoming, kid-friendly shop with a resident dog named Daisy and a strong four-state-area reputation
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This guy knows his fish! He was so kind and helpful we will definitely be back in the future!”
— Ashley Sharp5.0a week ago“Fantastic fish store very clean and super selection of all kinds of freshwater and a few brackish fish and shrimp very friendly and helpfull staff highly recommended”
— Eric Mccoy5.0a week ago“Great people. I've been setting up my first tank the past 5 weeks and they've both helped me tremendously. Healthy stock and clean facility”
— Kala Brooks5.02 weeks ago“Great staff very knowledgeable”
— Jennifer Thomas5.0a month ago“Best place to get anything for fish. I love this place and will be a life time customer.”
— Eric Burres5.02 months ago“Do not judge a book by its cover. Best aquarium shop in Joplin. We spent the whole day on the search for two beta fish. And found this hidden gem of a shop. As soon as I walked in the doors and saw the little tiny dog named “Daisy” I was hooked. Had a very nice variety of fish and plants. And also have stuff for the kids, which is always a plus. I have been in the hobby for 10+ years. And have always tried to shop local, especially when you’re getting fish. I will be returning for more 10 out of 10 place and People!”
— Dakoda Baxter5.02 months ago“Lotta good fish”
— William Tucker5.02 months ago“Great place to buy freash water fish. Buitiful fish. Smelled good to. Lots of variety that you do not see in petco/smart.”
— Andrew Hagerman5.02 months ago“Best place in Joplin to get fish and anything aquarium needs the staff are the best people I know Very Knowledgeable”
— Tyler Howard5.02 months ago“Kristie and Emily were Awsome!!!! Very kind, professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. Liquid Zoo is the place to go to get your fish in Joplin. Beautiful healthy fish, reasonable, and a very large assortment. My husband and I highly recommend Liquid Zoo!!!!!!”
— Michelle Victoria5.02 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.