Creature Comforts

Creature Comforts in Binghamton, New York, is the Southern Tier's go-to independent pet store — a sprawling destination that covers everything from dogs and reptiles to a serious aquatics department. While it's a full-service pet shop rather than a dedicated fish store, the aquarium section draws attention from freshwater, saltwater, and pond enthusiasts across the region. The fish department features freshwater staples, bettas, shrimp, glofish, and pond fish, along with live plants and a range of tank equipment.

Multiple reviewers note that the in-store aquarium displays are genuinely impressive — flourishing ecosystems that show real care and expertise behind the scenes. One long-time hobbyist with 25 years of experience across both fresh and saltwater setups noted that while the fish themselves can be pricey compared to competitors, the store excels at sourcing tanks and equipment, and can order specialized gear if it's not on the shelf. Staff with aquarium knowledge are available, and several customers mention getting solid advice on tank setups and fish compatibility.

Beyond aquatics, the store stocks a massive selection of pet food (Nutro is a customer favorite), feeders including various sizes of mice for snake owners, and supplies for exotic pets like jumping spiders and PacMan frogs. Staff members like Steve have earned loyal followings for going above and beyond — sharing personal amphibian-keeping experience, walking customers through setups step by step, and treating people like family rather than transactions. The atmosphere is generally clean and welcoming, though a handful of reviewers flag inconsistent experiences with certain employees and note that the store can get very busy.

Ventilation in warmer months has been mentioned as an issue. Prices trend higher than big-box competitors, which is the trade-off for shopping local and getting personalized service from people who genuinely know their animals. For Binghamton-area aquarists looking for equipment, live fish, or simply good advice from staff who maintain beautiful display tanks, Creature Comforts delivers a level of expertise and selection that chain stores can't match.