About
Tucked into Greenwood, South Carolina, Ethan's Exotic Pets & Aquatics (formerly Aquatic Planet) has evolved into the kind of family-run shop that people happily drive an hour to reach. Under newer ownership, the store has undergone a visible transformation — reviewers consistently note how clean the tanks are and how well-cared-for the animals look, a stark contrast to what you'd find at big-box competitors. The freshwater selection is the main draw and it runs deep.
Alongside staples like guppies, goldfish, and bettas (each kept in individual tanks), you'll find harder-to-source species like rope fish and blue crayfish — the kind of stock that makes hobbyists do a double-take. Healthy shrimp, snails, and a solid variety of aquatic plants round out the aquatic inventory. While saltwater fish and corals are no longer kept on the floor, the store will order them on request.
What truly sets this shop apart is the owner's hands-on approach to customer education. Multiple reviewers describe long, patient conversations about tank setup — which fish coexist peacefully, the right filters, proper care routines. One couple credits the shop with helping them build a thriving 25-fish community tank and says they keep adding aquariums because the hobby became so enjoyable.
Another customer drove 40 minutes past closer alternatives because nowhere else matched the quality of advice and livestock. Beyond fish, Ethan's lives up to its exotic pets billing. The shop carries lizards, snakes, tortoises (including sulcata hatchlings), skinks, birds, prairie dogs, mini pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and feeder mice — the closest source within an hour's drive, according to one reviewer.
A resident water monitor named Vader greets shoppers and adds character to an already welcoming atmosphere. Prices are consistently praised as fair, the store is spotless, and the staff genuinely cares about matching animals to the right homes. For freshwater enthusiasts in the Upstate region, this is the real deal.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Hard-to-find freshwater species like rope fish and blue crayfish
- Extensive exotic pet selection including mini pigs, sulcata tortoises, and skinks
- Owner provides in-depth, patient consultations on tank setup and fish compatibility
- Cleanest fish tanks in Greenwood with notably healthy livestock
- Customers regularly drive 35-60 minutes to shop here over closer alternatives
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Knowledgeable helpful staff, true animal lovers. Personal anecdote, our corn snake seems highly partial to the pinkies they keep in stock (over the big box store we got them from before). Support small local businesses!”
— Nick H5.03 weeks ago“Etan and his family are amazing”
— Pattie Lewis5.02 months ago“The guy working here was super nice and took a lot of time with my kids answering their many questions and even let them hold a bunny. They have so very many different animals and different species. Examples: fish(saltwater and freshwater), lizards, turtles, birds, snakes, prairie dogs, pigs, spiders, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and everything in between. Also if your interested in something other than what they have they can definitely get it for you even possums and raccoons. He was so very knowledgeable. Great experience”
— Marie Gibson5.02 months ago“Love this pet store! they take very good care of their animals and have all the information you need to care well for your own fish! over the past few months i’ve purchased a mini pig, hatchling sulcata tortoise, and a blue crayfish, as well as few cool other fish. they have made great additions to our family, and they have all stayed healthy and thrived in our home. I believe the success is because the animals were all started off great and cared for well by Ethan’s.”
— Holly Hendrix5.0Edited 3 months ago“Great selection to choose from with a wide variety! Staff is very friendly and helpful!”
— Blake Dixon5.04 months ago“Very nice. Helped with all my needs”
— Cindy R5.04 months ago“Very friendly and informative! Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly!”
— Tracy Powell5.05 months ago“Wonderful local business to buy supplies for your exotic pets or to find your next one! Ethan is knowledgeable, helpful, and cares for the exotics. Shop is clean, organized, and welcoming! He carries a wide variety of fish, rabbits, birds, turtles, reptiles, feeders, etc..! Be sure to say Hi to VADER his amazing Water Monitor while you shop!”
— monique bagwell5.06 months ago“Amazing place! I just bought skink from them, amazing service, lots of selection, and I would definitely recommend to help support them as a local business instead of pet stores!”
— Cr0wbar_Cobra5.06 months ago“The new owner is amazing. I love my new fish! He is very knowledgeable!”
— Marie Ellis5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (864) 332-9030 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Ethan's Exotic Pets & Aquatics (formerly Aquatic Planet).