About
Fins on Fifth is a small, independently owned shop in downtown Hendersonville, NC, and while it bills itself as a non-traditional pet store, the aquatics corner gives local fishkeepers plenty of reason to stop in. " If you're hunting for freshwater fish, dwarf pea puffers, or planted-tank plants for sale in Hendersonville, NC, this is a genuinely local alternative to the big-box stores up the road. The selection skews freshwater, but the store reaches further than that.
One customer recently picked up koi for his backyard pond and fish for his saltwater aquarium on the same visit, which makes Fins on Fifth a rare aquarium store in the area covering pond, freshwater, and saltwater in one trip. Axolotls remain a perennial draw — kids press their faces to the glass over them — and you'll find them alongside reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, so a quick fish run easily turns into a longer browse. What keeps people coming back is the staff.
Review after review describes friendly, patient employees (owner Daryl among them) who answer questions and rattle off fun facts without rushing anyone toward the register. Families call it their kids' favorite stop downtown, and the shop has recently added a new terrarium bar for building out bioactive and reptile setups. Custom ordering is available if there's a specific animal or supply you're after.
The store has drawn criticism in the past over exotic-animal husbandry, so it's worth looking the livestock over and asking questions before you buy — though recent visitors consistently describe a clean, well-kept shop. Downtown parking can be a hassle, but for puffers, axolotls, koi, and planted-tank gear available in Hendersonville, NC, Fins on Fifth is worth the walk.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fins on Fifth in Hendersonville, NC
Fins on Fifth stocks axolotls, pufferfish, koi, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Hendersonville, NC. As an aquarium store serving Hendersonville, NC, it also offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Planted tanks and bioactive supplies, including hard-to-find isopods
- Dwarf pea puffers, axolotls, and pond koi available in-store
- Covers freshwater, saltwater, and pond livestock under one roof
- Patient, knowledgeable staff led by owner Daryl
- New terrarium bar for bioactive and reptile setups
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great little shop! Love the planted tanks and they have isopods which I had been looking for. They have a little bit of everything to make a nice bioactive set up.”
— Stephanie Martin5.03 days ago“Love going here they are all nice and place is very clean and friendly workers”
— Vicki Lively5.03 weeks ago“This is my kiddos favorite store! The guys that work there are friendly and happy to answer questions and fun facts about the animals too. I also see a lot of teenagers visiting the store so they must also like seeing all the cool animals. What a cool place to have in downtown!”
— NotYourAverageBear5.0a month ago“We live Fins on 5th! Best small pet store around. The new terrarium bar looks amazing.”
— Elicia Hyder5.02 months ago“This store is great ! I had got some koi for my pond and some fish for my saltwater aquarium, this store is very clean and set up amazingly! Very helpful employees and then next door shop was even better ! 😁 This was a great ! Can get shells for my saltwater aquarium crabs and for my self next door !”
— cody stanberry5.03 months ago“We had a great time visiting this store!”
— Diane Lassiter5.0a month ago“Great place with amazing owners. My little girl loves popping in for a visit every time we are downtown. We just purchased an Axolotl . Super happy”
— Ultimate Concrete Solutions5.0a month ago“very nice and informative staff and management.”
— Stephanie Castillo5.02 months ago“This place was so kind to my son he had wanted a bearded dragon for 2 years And when he saw this little baby bearded dragon he was so excited we adopted it The same day”
— Jessica Pykiet5.02 months ago“Love this place! Owner's son took lots of time with me and my grandson. Unfortunately we did not go to purchase that day, just to get information. He never once rushed us. When we are set up and ready, we will be repeat customers!”
— Tammy Kuykendall5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (828) 329-1057 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fins on Fifth.