About
7-star reputation the slow way — one remembered name and one honest deal at a time. Owner Debbie is the heart of the place; longtime customers single her out for special-ordering fish without asking a penny upfront, staying well past closing to field a thousand questions, and recognizing regulars by voice on the phone after a single visit. More recent visitors have started naming Ashley too, who one reptile keeper credits with patiently helping him for eight months to finally get his boa eating again.
That kind of follow-through is why people happily drive an hour to shop here. For aquarists, this doubles as a genuine saltwater aquarium store. You'll find both freshwater and saltwater livestock, with baby clownfish, mushroom corals, and live rock for sale in Kinston, NC — a compact reef selection that reviewers say punches above the store's footprint, and Debbie will track down specific fish on request.
On the freshwater side there are community fish, shrimp, and snails available in Kinston, NC, plus tank stands and decorations to finish a build. Several customers mention having their water parameters and fish acclimation walked through in detail before they left the counter. Fin-Tastic is more than a fish store, of course.
The shop also keeps reptiles, birds like cockatiels (including a beloved resident named Pumpkin), guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and one of the area's best feeder selections. Tanks and enclosures are consistently described as clean and well cared for, the animals are clearly handled and socialized, and the store regularly takes in surrendered pets to rehome. Prices are fair and deals still get cut at the counter.
For walk-in, hands-on help from people who genuinely love the hobby, Fin-Tastic is the local fish store Kinston regulars refuse to leave behind.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets in Kinston, NC
Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets stocks corals, clownfish, live rock, shrimp, invertebrates, betta fish and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Kinston, NC. As an aquarium store serving Kinston, NC, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Debbie special-orders fish without requiring any deposit upfront
- Saltwater selection includes baby clownfish, mushroom corals, and live rock
- Staff member Ashley spent eight months helping one customer get a boa to eat
- Clean, well-maintained tanks and enclosures; accepts surrendered pets to rehome
- Freshwater and saltwater fish plus tank stands, decor, and a strong feeder aisle
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets has been a true blessing for me and my pets. Since moving here from Massachusetts in 2020, I was searching for a place that could meet all of my pets' needs. I used to shop at Petco back home, and I wasn't sure I'd find a store here that offered the same level of service and selection. After trying other local options, I often found the prices to be much higher than expected and had difficulty finding staff when I needed assistance. Then I discovered this hidden gem, and I am so thankful I did! The staff at Fin-tastic Fish and Pet Store are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about both their customers and their animals. They have a great selection of pet supplies, reasonable prices, and they always make me feel welcome. Whether I need food, supplies, or advice, they are always willing to help. If you're looking for a local pet store that truly cares about its customers and their pets, I highly recommend Fin-tastic Fish and Pet Store. It's wonderful to support a small business that goes above and beyond for the community. Thank you for taking such great care of my furry and finned family members! 🐾🐠❤️”
— Demetris E. Thomas5.0a day ago“Ashley is absolutely amazing 👏 she knows ❤️ what she's doing Leroy loved her and we will be back”
— merita holmes5.04 weeks ago“Wonderful staff, extremely helpful! Really nice selection of fish.”
— Jeffrey Dodd5.0a month ago“Great selection I drove a hour and it was worth it great owner she really cares gor customers and cares about her fish and animals witch is very rare in these days and times”
— Scott Wilson5.0a month ago“Ive purchased birds... and fish from Fintastic Pets... never have i been disappointed. They know everything! Debbie is truly awesome... her staff is wonderful as well.”
— Berta5.0a month ago“We received great customer service. We surprised our son with a hamster for his 15th Birthday. We were educated on temperament, care instructions, and more. I didn’t get the ladies name, but she is the wife of the team and we want to say thank you for your help.”
— Sharina Gandy5.0a month ago“Ashley was a life saver for me she really knows reptiles and helped me for 8 months trying to get my boa to eat. I can't state enough how much relief she has given me taking care of my beloved snake. 5 STARS!”
— tyler mcclanahan5.02 months ago“Knowledgeable and so helpful. Feeders, pets and the information you need to care for them.”
— Larry Kesler5.0Edited 2 months ago“Knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful”
— Melissa KRC5.02 months ago“Very friendly people! I've bought several reptiles from here and they have all been taken very well care of by these staff. And how could I forget to mention pumpkin the bird.”
— rebecca rouse5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (252) 686-0909 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets.