About
Fish City Pets in Barberton, Ohio is one of those family-owned pet shops that has earned its loyal following over decades, surviving ownership changes while keeping its neighborhood charm intact. Owner Crystal runs the show with genuine passion, and reviewers consistently single her out for her approachable, knowledgeable style — she's the kind of person who will patiently walk you through your first tank setup or help a group of buddies pick out their fish on a whim. The store specializes in freshwater fish, and that focus shows.
Tanks are clean and well-maintained, and the selection rotates frequently enough that regulars describe popping in weekly just to see what's new. Several reviewers mention locally bred fish, which speaks to the shop's connections with area breeders and its commitment to healthy stock. They also carry a solid inventory of used tanks — a real draw for hobbyists looking to expand setups without breaking the bank.
Prices across the board are described as fair and reasonable, a consistent theme in the reviews. Beyond fish, Fish City Pets stocks a broader range of animals including reptiles, birds, snakes, rats, and bunnies, making it more of a true neighborhood pet shop than a pure aquatics store. They carry feeder fish and frozen/thawed feeder mice, serving the reptile-keeping community as well.
The staff has a reputation for being able to source specialty creatures on request, so if you're looking for something specific, it's worth asking. The shop draws customers from well beyond Barberton — one reviewer drove three hours from Dayton, another traveled an hour for a pet rat — and both left satisfied. That kind of pull from a small mom-and-pop store says something.
Fish City Pets thrives on personal relationships, consistent stock quality, and the kind of hands-on help that chain stores simply can't replicate. If you're in the Akron-Barberton area and keeping freshwater fish, this is a store worth knowing about.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Dry Goods
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Crystal provides personable, knowledgeable customer service
- Specializes in freshwater fish with frequently rotating stock
- Carries used tanks at reasonable prices
- Locally bred fish available
- Broad selection beyond fish including reptiles, birds, and small animals
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Was in town from Dayton Ohio stopped in to check out her fish bought about of supply’s and fish from her took a 3 hr ride back home fish did great and happy as can be I will be back good prices and customer service thank you again”
— Joseph Turner5.02 weeks ago“I have been coming to this store as a kid when it had a different owner and I still go now to see what they have and also to get feeder fish and f/t mice and rats. Good atmosphere, Crystal is always knowledgeable and you can tell she cares about the animals as well. There's always something new there too”
— Christina K5.03 weeks ago“one of the most fun experiences I have ever, Crystal was awesome and helped me and my buddies decide our fish very easily. She’s extremely easing going and approachable. Come give this place a shot! Worth every penny and minute of my time.”
— Amir Alfattah5.0a month ago“10/10 fish store great customer service crystal absolutely killed it amazing selection of fish”
— Gerry5.0a month ago“We drove an hour here so my daughter could get a pet rat. The woman who helped us was kind, patient and knowledgeable. Even though we chose feeder babies, they are so calm and already perfect. Will definitely come here again!”
— Dana Smith5.0a month ago“Great people”
— John Appel5.02 months ago“Your help and you can get the money back from to bank”
— Brittney Jeffery5.02 months ago“Very friendly place, wide variety of pets not just a fish store.”
— jason boggs5.03 months ago“Amazing staff, great collection of fish and reptiles. They sometimes get specialty creatures, they would be able to help search for some if you ask.”
— William S5.04 months ago“Very Helpful... All Fresh Water...”
— Paul Wallbrown4.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (330) 745-3059 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish City Pets.