About
6-star rating built largely on the strength of its aquarium department. For a small Twin Tiers shop, the saltwater side genuinely surprises people — reviewers call it the only place to go in the area for anything saltwater and reef related, with a coral setup that visitors single out again and again. If you've been hunting for healthy corals, reef fish, or saltwater livestock for sale in Elmira, NY, this independently and woman-owned aquarium store is the local destination.
The freshwater side holds its own. Customers come in for tropical fish, cichlids, guppies, and the kind of harder-to-find shrimp varieties that are tough to track down elsewhere — one shopper drove in specifically and finally found the shrimp they'd been searching for. Reviewers consistently describe spotless tanks and lively, healthy animals, and the fish-department staff get singled out for being knowledgeable without being pushy.
Newer visitors mention employees like Tom taking time to help first-time fishkeepers find everything they need, and regulars note the team will happily send you to another store — even a competitor — if they're out of what you're after. Beyond the tanks, Sondra's is a full pet store: reptiles, birds, small mammals, puppies, feeder fish, and rats bred for temperament, plus little extras like guinea pig nail trims that local vets won't do. The shop partners with Tanner's Paws to help animals find new homes.
Prices run a touch above the big-box chains, but shoppers overwhelmingly say the quality of the livestock and the genuine care justify it. For anyone in the Twin Tiers looking for healthy fish, expert saltwater advice, or shrimp and cichlids available near me, Sondra's City Zoo is worth the trip to Elmira.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Sondra’s City Zoo in Elmira, NY
Sondra’s City Zoo stocks corals, reef fish, shrimp, cichlids and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Elmira, NY. As an aquarium store serving Elmira, NY, it also offers aquarium consultations and water testing.
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Standout saltwater and coral section many reviewers call the only place in the Twin Tiers area for reef and saltwater aquarium needs
- Healthy freshwater livestock including tropical fish, cichlids, guppies, and hard-to-find shrimp for sale in Elmira, NY
- Spotless tanks and lively, healthy animals praised across 700+ reviews at a 4.6-star rating
- Knowledgeable, no-pressure fish-department staff (like Tom) who will even send you to a competitor if they are out of stock
- Independently and woman-owned full pet store with reptiles, birds, puppies, rats bred for temperament, and a Tanner's Paws rescue partnership
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Always greeted with a smile (even though their masks) by the knowledgeable staff. Also, reasonable prices and willing to send you to another store (including competitors) if they don't have or are out of what I need.”
— Chad Maphis5.0Edited a week ago“Always has good selection of pet supply”
— J5.03 weeks ago“Cichlids are great!”
— Zachary Shearer4.03 weeks ago“Lots of variety and very healthy animals”
— Maria Rawson5.04 weeks ago“My 1st time buying a pet from here, Tom was very helpful with finding everything I needed i will definitely be back”
— Alexander Bryant5.0a month ago“I was very impressed with the quality of the fish and aquatic animals both salt and fresh. We were there to purchase my nephew his first fish and it is wonderful for his family to have a nearby store to purchase from as an alternative of the big box stores.”
— Stevie Moore5.02 months ago“Excellent”
— Hillory Stephens5.02 months ago“My son absolutely loves this pet store !!!!”
— Drea Cooper5.02 months ago“One of the nicest most diverse pet stores iv ever been too. They have reptiles, birds, salt and freshwater fish. Feeder fish and bugs, i saw spiders. That parrot is fun and parakeet. Update, last time i got fish here i brought home the ick.... unfortunately that happens sometimes. They are still a really good place and i will continue to shop here.”
— Luke Reisinger II4.0Edited 2 months ago“Great place love going here and seeing the animals”
— Heather Frisbie5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (607) 732-2700 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Sondra’s City Zoo.