---
type: store
name: "The Liquid Zoo"
city: "Joplin"
state: "MO"
rating: 5
reviews: 54
url: https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/joplin/the-liquid-zoo
---

# The Liquid Zoo

Fish store in Joplin, Missouri

- **Address**: 1651 W 7th St Unit 19, Joplin, MO 64801, Joplin, MO, 64801
- **Website**: [www.facebook.com/theliquidzoomo/](https://www.facebook.com/theliquidzoomo/)
- **Rating**: 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

## Hours

| Day | Hours |
| --- | --- |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 – 6:00 PM |

## 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.

## Specializations

- **Water Types**: Freshwater, Brackish
- **Livestock & Products**: Live Plants, Bettas, Planted Tanks, Axolotls, Rare Species, Shrimp, Plecos, Livebearers
- **Services**: Consultation, Tank Setup, Aquascaping, Fish Breeding
- **Known For**: Reptiles & Amphibians, Knowledgeable Staff, Beginner Friendly

## Highlights

- 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

## Customer Reviews

**"Tammy Forste"** - 5/5 - 6 days ago
> 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.

**"Jessica Faucett"** - 5/5 - a month ago
> Very helpful and knowledgeable

**"Chuck"** - 5/5 - a month ago
> Awesome fresh water fish stock amazing staff matt (owner) can answer any question you have

**"Ashton Lake"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago
> This place is awesome they hooked me up with everything I needed for my first tank thanks. liquid zoo!!!

**"Alexis Johnson"** - 5/5 - 3 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.

**"Matt Rush"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago
> We got our axolotl here! Matthew is very knowledgeable and helpful. He goes above and beyond for his customers!

**"Sara Johnson"** - 5/5 - 3 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.

**"Denise Burns"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago
> Super clean pet fish store. Workers are so friendly and helpful. Great place to take your kids. Great prices!

**"J W"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago
> Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!!

**"Grant Mundy"** - 5/5 - 5 months ago
> Super helpful, great variety and always friendly

## Nearby Stores

- [Becky's Aquarium Works LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/joplin/beckys-aquarium-works-llc) - Joplin, MO - 4.8/5
- [Scales Tails - Aquatics Emporium & Pet Store LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/joplin/scales-tails-aquatics-emporium-and-pet-store-llc) - Joplin, MO - 4.1/5
- [Liberty Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/ofallon/liberty-reef) - O'Fallon, MO - 4.9/5
- [Mississippi Mutts](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/cape-girardeau/mississippi-mutts) - Cape Girardeau, MO - 4.9/5
- [Pure Fish Magic LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/valley-park/pure-fish-magic-llc) - Valley Park, MO - 4.9/5
- [Art Of Aquaria](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/st-louis/art-of-aquaria) - St. Louis, MO - 4.8/5

---
*Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/missouri/joplin/the-liquid-zoo)*
*Last updated: February 7, 2026*