








Tropical Fish N More in Belen, New Mexico is a general pet store that, despite its name, deals more broadly in animals and pet supplies than strictly aquatics. Located south of Albuquerque, the shop serves as a local alternative for pet owners who don't want to make the drive into the city. The store stocks a range of live animals including freshwater fish, kittens, puppies, turtles, rodents, ferrets, and feeder animals like mice and crickets.
Long-time staff member Gaylen is frequently mentioned by regulars as helpful and knowledgeable, willing to answer questions and guide customers through purchases. Some reviewers describe a welcoming, personal shopping experience — one customer found a specific pet along with a complete cage setup, praising the patience and attentiveness of the staff. Loyal customers who have shopped here for years appreciate the competitive pricing and the owner's willingness to help with animal care questions.
However, the store's reviews paint a deeply divided picture. Multiple customers have reported purchasing puppies that tested positive for parvo shortly after bringing them home, raising serious concerns about animal health protocols and quarantine practices. Several visitors describe unclean conditions, noting dirty fish tanks, strong odors upon entering, and crowded animal housing.
Complaints about unresponsive customer service — particularly when health issues arose — appear alongside the positive accounts from regulars. The fish section appears to be a smaller part of the overall operation, with freshwater tanks on display but limited selection noted by some visitors. The store functions primarily as a one-stop general pet shop for the Belen community, carrying food, supplies, and a rotating selection of live animals.
For Belen residents seeking pet supplies without the trip to Albuquerque, the store offers convenience and familiarity. However, prospective customers — especially those looking for live animals — should be aware of the mixed reports regarding animal health and store conditions before making a purchase.
Gemma Marquez
They abuse all the animals here the poor fish are in the tiniest cups I’ve ever seen.
Dana Church
69 reviews
Thank you for all the mice & crickets! Also, we love our new turtles, who are both boys.
Bobbie Barreras
89 reviews
I think this is a cool spot and she really knows her stuff!!
Twila Trujillo
14 reviews
Wasn't open
Christina Benavidez
62 reviews
Gaylen has always been so helpful with any questions I ask.
sidney enterline
13 reviews
The absolute best! You can tell these people truly care about the animals they have there. They went so far above and beyond I live in all the way in ABQ and will never go anywhere else for my pets needs.
Jazlynn Lucero
Love this place the employees and the owner are always so helpful and answer all my questions the animals are all well taken care of!! This place has awesome prices as well whatever you need for your critters they will have it there!!!
Diana Lopez
45 reviews
How is this place still open? The smell when you walk in is horrible to start with. Tanks dirty. Couldn't move around well because of the 2 big dogs laying in there on the floor. They seemed like nice dogs though. No one even spoke to us and asked if we needed any help. Won't be going back!
Ashley Andrade
22 reviews
Came in today for the first time. They didn’t have many animal options. The store smelt bad when you walked in. The fish weren’t in the cleanest tanks. Not a single employee acknowledged me nor my mom. Don’t think I’ll be returning here.
Luna Lueras
10 reviews
This is the worst pet store ever, we bought a kitten full price today, brought it home and it has an eye infection and what seems to be parasites and worms… this owner keeps her pets in awful living conditions i dont know how she hasnt got shut down 😔 i wanted to give this shop another try despite all the awful reviews but i now know why… places smells horrible walking in as wel ugh so disgusting
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (505) 861-0198 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tropical Fish N More.
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19397 NM-314, Belen, NM 87002
February 7, 2026
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