Taylor's Aquarium

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.