








Tropical Paradise Pet Center in Minerva, Ohio, is one of those independent pet shops that has outlasted the big-box era through sheer dedication and community trust. With roughly 50 years of business under its belt, it's become a multigenerational destination — reviewers mention grandmothers, mothers, and now grandchildren all making the trip to see Sherry and her sister Debbie behind the counter. The store focuses on freshwater tropical fish, and while the space is compact, the selection punches above its weight.
One reviewer specifically praised the availability of plecos and puffers — species that rarely turn up at chain stores. The fish are generally reported to be healthy, and the staff won't sell you something they think will cause problems. If a fish doesn't work out in your tank, they'll take it back and swap it for something that fits better — a policy that builds the kind of loyalty you can't buy with advertising.
Beyond fish, the store carries a notable variety of birds, along with small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs. Bird owners especially appreciate Sherry's willingness to hand-mix custom seed blends, adding or removing ingredients based on what your bird actually likes. The shop also offers nail trims for birds, and several reviewers who recently moved to the area found it a welcome alternative to impersonal chain stores.
Prices are consistently described as fair, and the consultation you get is genuinely personal. Staff have helped customers diagnose fish health issues, set up 55-gallon aquariums, and source feeder crickets for reptile owners. The atmosphere is old-school — cluttered in a lived-in way, with a shop dog named Ziggy greeting visitors.
Tropical Paradise is the kind of place where you walk in for crickets and walk out an hour later after a conversation about water chemistry. It's sustained by relationships, not marketing, and for freshwater hobbyists in Stark and Carroll counties, it remains the go-to local shop.
Amy Tucker
10 reviews
Love love going here. The girls that run it are amazing helpful and knowledgeable and always willing to help highly recommend
Douglas Cain
184 reviews
50 years of business. That should say everything you need to know. Love this place very helpful.
Barb Devitt
76 reviews
Nicest folks take great care
Tracy Todd
45 reviews
Down home business. Personal attention by owner .
Kim May
10 reviews
Great small business to buy fish.
tim dimario
2 reviews
very caring people.
Nathan Smith
39 reviews
Very good store with friendly helpful honest staff, good atmosphere
Joanne Brady
71 reviews
They are family fun. They are very helpful. They have a large selection of birds and fish. Plus, cages and aquariums.
Mike Mills
Absolutely a great experience dealing with Sherry and Debbie Very. Very knowledgeable. Great experience !!
Anita Kastor
8 reviews
Sherri has THE best healthiest fish ,and animals like birds.store workers are very helpfull
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (330) 868-6265 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tropical Paradise Pet Center.
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202 S West St, Minerva, OH 44657
February 7, 2026
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