About
Tucked away in Kinston, North Carolina, Fin-Tastic Fish & Pets is the kind of local pet shop that earns its reputation one customer at a time — and owner Debbie is the driving force behind it. Reviewers consistently single her out by name, praising her willingness to special-order fish without requiring a deposit, stay well past closing time to answer every last question, and remember customers by name after a single visit. That level of personal investment is rare in any retail setting, let alone a small-town pet store.
On the aquatic side, Fin-Tastic stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish, including baby clownfish and corals such as mushroom corals visible on their live rock displays. The saltwater selection may be compact, but reviewers note a surprisingly decent variety for the store's footprint, and Debbie's willingness to source specific livestock on request effectively expands the inventory beyond what's on the shelves. She also carries fish tank stands and decorations, and staff — including Chris, who helps run the floor — are known for giving detailed, practical advice on saltwater setups and ongoing care.
But Fin-Tastic is far more than a fish store. The shop houses reptiles, amphibians, birds (including cockatiels), small animals like guinea pigs and rats, and a solid feeder selection that reptile keepers appreciate. Customers praise how well the animals are socialized and handled, and the store even accepts surrendered pets to rehome — a practice that speaks volumes about the shop's ethics.
Tanks are clean, enclosures are well-maintained, and the overall environment feels genuinely cared for rather than commercially sterile. What sets Fin-Tastic apart in the Kinston area is the combination of knowledgeable staff, honest pricing with deals cut at the counter, and a willingness to go above and beyond for hobbyists dealing with everything from a first freshwater setup to a saltwater emergency. It's a store built on relationships, and once you walk in, you'll understand why customers refuse to shop anywhere else.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- CoralsClownfish
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Debbie special-orders fish without requiring upfront payment
- Saltwater and freshwater fish including baby clownfish and mushroom corals
- Staff stays past closing to answer every customer question
- Clean, well-maintained tanks and animal enclosures
- Accepts and rehomes surrendered pets
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Went there for saltwater fish and corals. Small selection book fairly decent variety for the size of the store. Very friendly staff.”
— Peter Roina4.02 weeks ago“I only wanted fish water. The staff was nice and friendly”
— Lora Johnson5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Great place. This place is awesome. They go out of their way for their customers. The only pet store I would ever recommend!”
— Rhonda Hinnant5.0Edited 3 weeks ago“Debbie is amazing!!! She had the perfect fishtank stand. The store is a very nice place and they give great advice!!”
— Brunswick5.02 months ago“Miss Debbie and the feller that helps her, I’m thinking his name is Chris but not sure, either way they both are amazing to work with. My wife and I showed up around 4:30 on a Saturday and they closed at 6:00 that day, they were supposed to anyway until we walked in!!!! Lol Both of them stayed there without ever looking at a clock or mentioning the time and answered every one of our 1,000 questions with absolutely no attitude whatsoever ever. When we finally got out of their hair, this being the first encounter with us, she ordered certain fish that she didn’t have in stock without a penny upfront. Of course we spent a few dollars buying 3 different bags of fish and coral and some decorations. She cut us deals and called us immediately when our order had arrived. She remembered us by name and voice on the phone after one meeting. She is the only store that I will do any business with I don’t care to go to another store regardless of the of what they have or anything because she is willing to get us whatever we want at the best price possible I have no need to go anywhere else. Anyone in the fish tank hobby or other small animals you need to give her a try and I promise you will not regret it and you will go back. you have to look close at some of these photos, especially the white rock anyone that knows about coral and mushrooms and stuff will be able to pick them out. The fish are small. They are babies the clown, fish, and stuff like that. Period”
— Derek Austin5.04 months ago“We came in to look at baby rats, ended up adopting 2 very sweet, wonderful boys who were surrendered instead. Love any shop that does this. The store was also very nice inside, animals well taken care of, and the owner was very friendly. You can tell she really cares about the animals.”
— Vanessa Schwab5.04 months ago“Very knowledgeable about there animals and products. Great with reptile care and information best place for feeders!!!”
— LiL Blue5.04 months ago“Bought my daughters Guinea pig from here. Very friendly staff. We love our Oscar boy.”
— Amanda Reynolds5.04 months ago“Awesome place! Clean tanks, clean environment, u can tell they actually take time and effort into these animals and fish. They actually care. And the staff is really awesome. Laid back! Chill people. Definitely my favorite fish place!”
— Kayla Melton5.04 months ago“This little place was such a a treasure to find. The employees were so sweet and helpful and we enjoyed our trip to this pet store. Hope you enjoy a little glimpse. Be Blessed!! Update : 8/30/2025 This place really cares for their animals. All their animals are so friendly and love to be handled. It is always fun coming here to see their animals. We had to surrender a few animals due to moving and trust this place to find a new home for our animals. Thank you all so. Much ♥️ 🤗 #pets #petstore #kinston #family”
— Amber Nicole Selm5.0Edited 5 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.