About
Red River Exotics and Aquatics has earned a devoted local following as one of the friendliest fish and exotic pet shops in Fargo, ND — a small, owner-run store that regulars happily say tops every chain in the area. The freshwater side is genuinely strong: shoppers report healthy bettas, black moors and other goldfish, platys, loaches, plecos, snails and shrimp, with several customers noting that every fish they have brought home has gone on to live a long, healthy life. If you are hunting for bettas or platys for sale in Fargo, ND, this is a reliable stop, and the owner will gladly special-order specific livestock when it is not already in stock, as he did for one customer chasing particular platys.
Live plants are a quiet highlight. New aquarists setting up a first nano tank get walked through the basics with real patience, and staff have been known to send people home with a handful of starter plants to get a tank cycling — one reviewer raved about how well their plants grew out. For anyone searching aquarium plants near me, the planted selection punches well above the shop's modest footprint.
True to the "Exotics" in its name, Red River also houses reptiles, tarantulas, millipedes, frogs and other amphibians, snakes, crested geckos and feeders, plus free-roaming mascots Skittles the cockatiel and Spot the tegu, both named again and again in reviews. Families love it here: the owner draws kids into the animals, recently spending time teaching children about red-footed tortoises and crested geckos, and one parent specifically praised his patience and warmth with a child with special needs. Prices are consistently described as affordable, the animals are clearly well cared for, and the atmosphere is welcoming and clean.
Regulars note the shop keeps growing and expanding its selection. For Fargo residents who want a knowledgeable, personality-filled local fish store instead of a big-box aisle, Red River offers an experience the chains simply cannot match.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Red River Exotics and Aquatics in Fargo, ND
Red River Exotics and Aquatics stocks betta fish, axolotls, goldfish, livebearers, invertebrates, plecos, shrimp, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Fargo, ND. As a fish store serving Fargo, ND, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Healthy freshwater fish for sale: bettas, black moors, platys, loaches, plecos, snails and shrimp
- Owner special-orders specific livestock like platys when not in stock
- Live plants with free starter plants for new nano-tank hobbyists
- Free-roaming mascots Skittles the cockatiel and Spot the tegu add real shop character
- Exotics too — reptiles, tarantulas, frogs, snakes and crested geckos — in a very kid-friendly setting
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Such an awesome selection and the owner was super informative. Highly recommend!!!”
— Abby Kajtezovic5.0a day ago“love love this pet store! it's definitely our absolute favorite in the area. it tops all others. we've been there 3 times and he's always incredibly patient with all the questions my kids have and shows joy in their interests. I had a child with special needs along yesterday and he was incredibly patient and helpful and wasn't bothered by him. his knowledge on all things was wonderful, he recommend a great encyclopedia for my fish lover boy that we picked up right away! all the fish we've bought or been given have lived long healthy lives! 10/10 experience everytime we go!”
— Taylor Enzminger5.04 days ago“You can tell they really care about their animals, who they are going to, and the well-being of the animals after they’ve found homes. I got my first amphibian from here, and also added to my arachnid family as well. The owner was detailed with care and maintenance and overall was a very welcoming, clean atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you!”
— Camille Taggart5.03 weeks ago“I’ve never been here but the fact the owners call bad customers makes me want to only shop here. I’ll be there soon!”
— Linda Hildreth5.0a month ago“Always a 5 🌟 rating when I come here, you can message their page and they reply fairly quickly. Usually and typically always have everything I am searching for plus seeing skittles and spot can always make my day better! ❤️ Tarantulas, Millipedes, Jumpers, Frogs, Snakes & feeder mice/rats/roaches + AQUARIUM stuff & Critters ! This place is GREAT & kid friendly!!!”
— Faith Nieken5.0Edited a month ago“These fellows have it dialed in, shop continues to expand. Always an enjoyable and professional interaction.”
— J M5.0a month ago“I visited the shop with my two girls to explore and learn about red footed tortoises. This was the animal my little one desired most after learning she was deathly allergic to any animal with dander. They didn't have any in that day, but they still took the time to talk with my girls about them and all the other animals! They let the girls touch and even hold some of the critters and made it so much fun for them! We left that day with the youngest being obsessed with the crested geckos. Told her she had to learn a lot more about them and get everything set up before we would buy one. So we visited the store a few more time, each time being taught more and more! They just genuinely cared about making this a great experience for my kids and sending their animals off with people they knew were going to care! It's been about a month now, and AbracaDaniel is doing great!! We continue to visit the shop and learn more and explore new things. These wonderful folks really take pride in their work and we couldn't be happier to spend time there! Can't wait for our next little family member to come home!!”
— Jenny McQuiston5.02 months ago“10/10 friendly educational and wide variety. Everything weve got here has been beautiful and healthy.”
— Israel Ruiz5.02 months ago“Nice service and very knowledgeable”
— Adam Mott5.02 months ago“Find that you’ll enjoy visiting this place. You’ll see tarantulas, snakes, lizards, and Spot!”
— Steffan Kytonen5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (701) 353-9522 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Red River Exotics and Aquatics.