About
Avalon Exotics in North Tonawanda, NY is first and foremost a reptile and exotic animal shop, but it earns its place among local aquatics keepers thanks to its captive-bred axolotls and the custom planted aquariums and bioactive enclosures that line its walls. If you've been hunting for healthy axolotls for sale in North Tonawanda, NY, this is the rare spot that builds the tank to match — one recent visitor had owner John assemble a custom aquarium ready to plant, then helped her pick out a couple of bumblebee dart frogs to round out the setup. Everything here is captive-bred in-house, never sourced from wholesalers, and the difference shows in the temperament and health of the animals.
Walk in and you'll find snakes, bearded dragons, crested and gargoyle geckos, poison dart frogs, Amazon milk frogs, spiders, and a rotating cast of exotics housed in meticulously built displays that double as inspiration for your own. The staff — led by owner Jon, with breeders like Liam producing many of the animals — are deeply knowledgeable and genuinely eager to teach. Customers routinely leave with not just a new pet but a full crash course in husbandry: one family came in curious about crested geckos and walked out "completely confident," while another brought young children looking for their first pet and got a warm, patient welcome.
The custom tank and terrarium work deserves special attention. Whether it's a bioactive vivarium for dart frogs or a planted aquarium for an axolotl, Avalon stocks the substrates, plants, and décor and walks you through each step. The shop is also the go-to feeder source for reptile keepers across Western New York, hosts hands-on homeschool tours with its rainforest residents, and even books birthday parties.
Reviewers consistently call out the spotless enclosures and the healthy, well-socialized animals. For exotic pet and aquatics enthusiasts in the Buffalo-Niagara region, this North Tonawanda fish store has become a definitive local destination.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Avalon Exotics in North Tonawanda, NY
Avalon Exotics stocks axolotls, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in North Tonawanda, NY. As a fish store serving North Tonawanda, NY, it also offers custom tank builds, aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- AxolotlsPlanted Tanks
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Captive-bred axolotls and custom planted aquariums built to order
- All animals bred in-house (by keepers like Liam), never wholesaler-sourced
- Bioactive terrariums and dart frog setups — bumblebee dart frogs and Amazon milk frogs
- Owner Jon and staff teach husbandry one-on-one, from crested geckos to axolotls
- Trusted Western New York feeder source that also hosts homeschool tours and birthday parties
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing pet store. Very friendly and well informed staff. If you love frogs check them out.”
— miranda douglass5.0a week ago“Everyone is so nice and knowledgeable. John build me a custom tank ready for me to plant it. And when it was ready he found me couple of bumblebee dart frogs.”
— Ilka Ortiz5.0a week ago“Fantastic first time experience. Very informative and welcoming for a couple young children looking for their first pet.”
— Devon Leach5.0a week ago“The knowledge of everyone and the time they take to make sure you have everything you need along with an explanation is second to none! Best pet store around not even a close second”
— Jehad5.04 weeks ago“Amazing atmosphere, knowledgeable staff! The animals all look healthy and happy unlike other stores. And the best part is they will gas a rat for you so your pet can have fresh food not frozen! Even if the price went from free to $1 to even a few more I'd pay it! Its not a way for them to make money just a way to be able to still offer such a great service in this economy! Always love keeping money in OUR community with small businesses not some big corporation! If I could give more than a 5* I would! I have been going there for a while and will continue to support such a great place! Highly recommend!”
— Matthew Konkle5.0a month ago“Our favorite spot! We also booked a birthday with them and it was 10/10. Highly recommend for all the things!”
— Jessica Hajdu5.0a month ago“John was super helpful for my fiancé and I. I had been looking at getting a gargoyle gecko for some time, and he made it happen. Very knowledgeable and informative. Will definitely become a regular!”
— Matt Tiedemann5.0a month ago“This is the greatest place in NT actually in the entire area. Went in looking for a turtle dock and they gave me a massive basking platform for free lol. They are awesome and have the coolest selection and best customer service”
— Natalie Chiodo5.02 months ago“It’s great!”
— Chloe5.02 months ago“Amazing selection, super friendly owners. Very kind to me and my daughter. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for an exotic Pet.”
— Jon Schuerholz5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (716) 291-9715 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Avalon Exotics.