About
Wildlife Safari Animal Emporium is a sprawling, independently owned shop in Roswell, NM, and for local aquarists it doubles as one of the few non-chain places in town to buy freshwater fish in person. Owner David — known to regulars simply as Dave — has built a reputation as a walking encyclopedia of animal care, and the through-line in review after review is the time he spends talking customers through husbandry before they leave with a tank. He and his son run the floor together, and longtime shoppers say they keep coming back "for years to come" largely because of that hands-on guidance.
The fish department anchors a much larger menagerie. Reviewers single out the discus as a highlight — one buyer called the ones he took home "drop dead gorgeous" — so if you're hunting for discus for sale in Roswell, NM, this is the rare local counter that stocks them alongside a rotating selection of community freshwater fish. Prices are consistently described as reasonable, and the store keeps a wall of tanks plus aquarium accessories, fish food, and dry goods, so you can outfit a setup in one stop.
Wander the aisles and you'll also find reptiles, birds, parrots, and small animals — recent visitors have walked out with everything from a banana ball python to an African fat-tailed gecko and feeder rats for their snakes. This is a fish store with genuine expertise and hard-to-find livestock, though it's worth shopping the way you would any busy exotics shop. Experiences vary: many customers praise healthy stock and a fun, knowledgeable atmosphere, while some recent buyers have reported fish losses and uneven conditions.
Inspect the livestock, ask Dave plenty of questions — he welcomes them — and lean on his care advice before you buy. For Roswell residents who would rather support a local, owner-run shop than a big-box chain, the Emporium remains a community resource where curiosity is met with conversation, and aquarium fish are available in Roswell, NM without a drive out of town.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Wildlife Safari Animal Emporium, Inc. in Roswell, NM
Wildlife Safari Animal Emporium, Inc. stocks discus and freshwater fish for sale in Roswell, NM. As a fish store serving Roswell, NM, it also carries aquarium equipment, fish food and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- DiscusAquarium EquipmentFish FoodDry Goods
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner David ("Dave") and his son give hands-on, in-depth care guidance with every visit
- Discus and community freshwater fish for sale at reasonable prices — a rare local source in Roswell
- A full wall of tanks plus aquarium accessories, fish food, and dry goods for one-stop setups
- Independent, owner-run alternative to big-box pet chains
- Broad exotic inventory beyond fish: reptiles, birds, parrots, and small animals
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Just got a banana ball python!!!! Always like visiting this place.”
— D5.04 weeks ago“My heart sunk as soon as I came through the doors, the strong odor hits you as soon as you walk in. The rodents are crammed into tiny enclosures and literally stacked on top of each other. There were dead animals and some even missing eyes. The poor things were living in their own fecies. Their cages were infested with gross bugs and even had mold growing in tanks. This place is literal animal abuse!”
— Annabella Chavez1.02 months ago“We consistently have gotten mass fish deaths if we buy from this store. We have had fish from other store be thriving but as soon as we get any from here nearly 200+ dollars of our fish all die. I do not think this store is ethical. Will not return.”
— Sock1.02 months ago“They have lots of species there and at a great deal and the people their are so respectful”
— Ezekiel Miranda5.03 months ago“My partner and I have been coming here for quite a while to source live rats for our ball python and just recently adopted an African Fat Tailed Gecko as well. The owner takes the time to make sure you know how to provide proper care for the animals you take home but also makes you comfortable enough to ask questions if needed. Between him and his son they do the best they can and we will continue to go here for years to come!”
— Rae5.03 months ago“Here's the harsh reality. Running a pet store is hard, even more so when stuck with limited staff. Even so you must hold store owners accountable! I specifically went out of my way to travel to this very store because I heard the prices were affordable and the variety was good. I own many reptiles and have an entire room dedicated to their care and was looking forward to this encounter. I'm not sure if roswell just has no other alternatives or if what is deemed "acceptable" is a different standard here but in my brief time there. I would never purchase an animal from this place and here's why: 1. Right now if you go the day I'm writing this, you will see a dried up carcass of a tree frog directly above the tree frog enclosure. 2. The leopard geckos are terribly darkened some missing tails in overcrowded and dirty conditions. 3. Large species reptiles in enclosures so small they can't even turn around in them. 4. Every cage is dirty, every single one, any reptile owner knows that a cage only gets to that severity of dirtiness if no one is caring for them at all. We're talking months of buildup. 5. The bird section looks terribly overcrowded. 6. The snake rack system also terribly dirty. The most low maintenance solution for keeping snakes and even that was dirty, a bad sign indeed. This is not lack of knowledge or "a bad day" this is long term poor animal husbandry and a lack of caring by the community. I rarely post reviews but this, I can't stop thinking about. Those animals need rescuing. My only regret is that I didn't take photos while I was there. But I encourage you and go! See it for yourself! This needs more attention and raise awareness you must seek out this store and view it for yourself!!!!”
— Ahizer Farrera2.0a month ago“Not very well maintained and the animals looked sick”
— Victoria Farrera1.0a month ago“I appreciate the mentorship DS demonstrated to my son and I regarding the Costa Rican”
— Lenore Savage5.0a month ago“This guy sells the healthiest rats I've ever seen in my life and I used to frequent rat shows.”
— R5.0a month ago“Very helpful, very friendly. Gave us super good information that was needed, & answered every question. Store was great, & our experience in here was fun!”
— Destiny5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (575) 625-9453 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Wildlife Safari Animal Emporium, Inc..