About
Tucked away in rural Dunn, North Carolina, Taylor's Aquarium operates out of a building that — from the outside — looks more like an abandoned convenience store than a thriving fish shop. But step through the door and you'll find a well-curated local fish store that draws customers from as far as Fayetteville, many of whom say the drive is absolutely worth it. The shop carries both freshwater and saltwater fish across clean, well-maintained tanks.
Customers have walked out happy with Jaguar cichlids, Corydoras catfish, clownfish, and vibrant bettas displayed in what reviewers describe as an eye-catching setup. Live plants and corals round out the livestock selection, and new inventory arrives weekly — something the store announces through Facebook restock updates that have built a loyal following. Owner David Taylor and his family, including his granddaughter who helps on the floor, run the kind of operation where staff will spend real time with you.
Multiple reviewers mention being walked through the entire process of setting up a saltwater aquarium, learning about filtration, bubblers, oxygenation, and plant care. For newcomers to the hobby, that patient, pressure-free education is a major draw. If Taylor doesn't have a specific fish or product in stock, he'll take your number and special order it — a flexibility that big-box stores simply don't offer.
The supply side covers tanks, gravel, decorations, cleaners, and staples like Seachem Prime and Stability. There's even a small reptile section for anyone in a pinch. Prices consistently undercut the chain pet stores, which reviewers note repeatedly.
Taylor's also supports local breeders by purchasing fish from them for in-store stock, keeping the hobby community connected. It's a family-run shop with genuine expertise, fair pricing, and livestock that customers report arriving home healthy and thriving. For aquarium hobbyists in the Dunn area and beyond, this unassuming little store has become the go-to destination.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Weekly new fish and coral inventory with Facebook restock updates
- Both freshwater and saltwater sections with healthy, well-maintained tanks
- Family-run by owner David Taylor with patient, educational customer service
- Special ordering available for fish and supplies not in stock
- Supports local fish breeders by stocking their fish in-store
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Fantastic staff and very healthy fish!”
— Tiffany Sessoms5.03 weeks ago“Great selection of fish big and small, along with very nice people running the place. Thank you for my Jaguar cichlid!! He’s doing great in the Aquarium!!”
— cameron hoffman5.04 weeks ago“Nice change of pace from chain retail stores . Had a decent variety”
— B. Faircloth5.03 months ago“Great and knowledgeable people. I highly recommend . They take the time to talk and explain things. Im new to saltwater fish and it is awesome to have someone to help me with my new saltwater aquarium 😁”
— afterglow 20205.04 months ago“Fish are healthy and well taken care of unlike major chain pet stores like PetSmart ECT if you looking healthy fish id highly recommend”
— Claudia5.05 months ago“Great little hole in the wall fish place. Nice variety especially considering rural area, well worth the impromptu trip”
— Laura Hodson5.06 months ago“Extremely helpful. Listens and cares about his customers and helping them with their aquarium needs. Highly recommend.”
— Brittany Howard5.06 months ago“Reviews didn't lie staff were amazing and that have a ton of options of fish to choose from and ghere prices are pretty good to”
— Point Zero5.06 months ago“This is the best aquarium shop around. Love the staff, super clean and healthy fish.”
— Judy Kell5.08 months ago“Very informative good selection of fish and great service”
— Danny Alford5.0Edited 8 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (910) 567-5377 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Taylor's Aquarium.