Belpre Aquarium & Pet Shop

Tucked along the Ohio River in Belpre, Ohio, Belpre Aquarium & Pet Shop is the kind of family-owned store that inspires people to drive nearly two hours past multiple chain pet stores just to walk through the door. Owner Brian has built a loyal following over the years with a hands-on approach to fishkeeping—helping customers set up saltwater tanks from scratch, advising on species compatibility, and even testing customers' water when fish don't acclimate well. It's that level of personal investment that sets this shop apart.

The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish in impressive variety for its compact footprint. Saltwater hobbyists rave about the coral selection and competitive pricing, with some customers crediting the shop as the sole source for building entire reef setups. On the freshwater side, you'll find live plants, Blue Velvet Shrimp, guppies, N-class Black Bar Endlers, and what regulars describe as hard-to-find species that don't show up at big-box retailers.

The tanks are kept immaculately clean, and the livestock consistently gets high marks for health. Beyond fish, Belpre Aquarium doubles as a small animal destination—reptiles, birds, frogs, tarantulas, and terrariums line the shelves alongside aquarium supplies. One customer who couldn't get terrariums ordered through their local Athens pet store had them secured here with a single phone call.

Staff members like Ken are known for sharing their enthusiasm, particularly when it comes to planted tanks, walking newcomers through equipment and plant recommendations with genuine excitement. The shop also works directly with local breeders, purchasing fish and maintaining relationships that keep their inventory fresh and varied. Prices are consistently described as fair and reasonable, and the supply section is stocked well enough that most hobbyists can find what they need without ordering online.

For aquarists across the mid-Ohio Valley, this is the store that earns repeat visits through trust, clean tanks, and staff who remember your setup.