About
Tucked into the small town of Ilion, New York, Aquatics and Exotics Pet Shop is the kind of independently run fish store that earns fierce loyalty from its customers — and for good reason. Owner Kyle has built a reputation for maintaining some of the cleanest tanks in the region, stocking healthy freshwater fish and thriving aquatic plants that keep hobbyists driving 35 minutes or more to shop here. The freshwater selection punches well above what you'd expect for a small-format shop.
Reviewers rave about the bettas — kept in proper tanks rather than sad little cups — along with golden rams, rummy-nose tetras, harlequin rasboras, and neocaridina shrimp. The live plant inventory is a standout, with healthy specimens like corkscrew vallisneria and a variety of aquascaping supplies that draw planted-tank enthusiasts from across the area. Kyle's knowledge of aquatic plant care is a resource customers rely on, and many credit him with helping them build successful planted setups from scratch.
The store also carries one of the largest aquarium decoration selections in the region — ornamental rocks, driftwood, and both live and artificial plants — plus essential equipment and supplies. Kyle has demonstrated a willingness to go the extra mile on customer service, whether that means walking someone through a warranty claim on a broken heater or offering curbside pickup via Facebook Messenger. Multiple reviewers note that his guidance on fish compatibility and tank setup has directly improved their success in the hobby.
An unexpected bonus: the resident shop cats, who roam freely among the tanks and have become minor local celebrities. They've been known to "ring up" customers at the register, adding a layer of charm to an already welcoming atmosphere. One practical note — the shop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and phone contact can be unreliable, so checking hours before making the trip is wise.
But once you're through the door, the combination of pristine tanks, healthy livestock, competitive pricing, and Kyle's genuine passion for fishkeeping makes Aquatics and Exotics a destination worth planning around.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptionally clean tanks with healthy, well-cared-for freshwater fish
- Strong live aquatic plant selection including corkscrew vallisneria and aquascaping supplies
- Bettas kept in proper tanks rather than small containers
- Neocaridina shrimp regularly in stock
- Largest aquarium decoration selection in the Ilion area
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I'm 11,and I have very fond memories of this place,and the cats are the nicest cats you will ever see they sometimes will walk up to you for pets.”
— Jase Winter5.0a week ago“Love this shop so much! Beautiful, healthy variety of fish, as well as plants, snails and shrimp. Lots of beautiful decor and the owner was very kind and helpful. Absolutely my favorite fish store of all time!”
— Paigeycate.N175.02 months ago“The selection here is very large, and the tanks are well kept. Some of the cleanest fish store tanks I’ve seen. Kyle’s knowledge and customer service are always top notch. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure you do!”
— Timothy DeCarr (Crypt Keeper Aquatics)5.03 months ago“Great store!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful!!”
— Anthony Testa5.09 months ago“This place is great and the customer service was purrfect! Don’t let the guy behind the register fool you, the cats are really in charge. 😊”
— Pedro Giammona5.0a year ago“I love this pet store. The man who runs it is so nice and definitely knowledgeable. I’ve gotten most all of my supplies, fish, plants, feeders from him and I’ve never had a bad experience. One time I bought a more expensive tank heater and it broke from my own lack of knowledge. I took it back just hoping for help filling out the form and to buy another if needed. he was more than ready to help and just had me fill out the form and let me take a new one home and gave me some tips that definitely helped me. 10/10 not like your petsmart”
— Sara Rhodes5.0a year ago“Web site says open at 11 am but they were not open 10/11/24”
— Michael Laporte1.0a year ago“Animals are packaged with care when you buy them.”
— A Humble Bean Merchant5.0a year ago“Honest customer service and very knowledgeable”
— Deanna Varone5.0a year ago“I love supporting small businesses and this is a prime example of why. Clean tanks, knowledgeable staff, and great selection for a tiny store. All of my healthiest aquatic plants are from here! I’ll be picking up some beautiful corkscrew Val next time. I can’t wait. I highly recommend becoming a patron.”
— Annie Macy5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call ahead to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatics and Exotics Pet Shop llc.