--- type: store name: "Exotic Tropicals" city: "Cookeville" state: "TN" rating: 4.7 reviews: 519 url: https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/cookeville/exotic-tropicals --- # Exotic Tropicals Fish store in Cookeville, Tennessee - **Address**: 45 N Walnut Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501, Cookeville, TN, 38501 - **Phone**: (931) 528-1080 - **Rating**: 4.7/5 (519 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Thursday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Friday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Saturday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Sunday | 1:00 – 6:00 PM | ## About Exotic Tropicals in Cookeville, Tennessee has earned a loyal following as the go-to local fish store and exotic pet shop in the Upper Cumberland region. With 519 reviews and a 4.7 rating, this independently owned store has built its reputation on clean tanks, healthy livestock, and a staff that genuinely cares about the animals they sell and the customers they serve. The freshwater fish selection is a major draw. Customers have picked up cichlids, bristlenose plecos, and ghost knife fish here, and multiple reviewers note that their fish have lived long, healthy lives after purchase — a testament to the store's husbandry. Aquatic plants, shrimp, snails, and moss are also available for planted tank enthusiasts looking to build out their setups. One customer came in with a green water problem, described their situation to the staff, and walked out with a solution that worked — no tank inspection needed, just deep product knowledge. But Exotic Tropicals isn't just a fish store. It's a full-spectrum exotic pet destination. Reptile keepers drive here for ball pythons, bearded dragons, chameleons, geckos, and the live feeders to sustain them — crickets, pinkies, and rats are stocked regularly, and several reviewers call it the best feeder source in the area. The staff identified a customer's gecko morph on sight and even spotted that it was gravid. That kind of hands-on expertise sets the store apart from chain alternatives. Owner involvement is a recurring theme. Multiple reviews mention being greeted and helped by the owner personally, walking through detailed care instructions for new pets. Staff members like Zoey, Autumn, and Greg are called out by name for their patience and warmth — one reviewer shared how an employee regularly takes time to engage with their autistic daughter, talking to her about the animals. The store also carries dog treats, local pet-oriented goods, and a growing selection of pet food. Tanks and supplies are available for setups of all sizes — one customer documented building out a 75-gallon freshwater system with weekly fish additions sourced entirely from Exotic Tropicals. If you're in Cookeville and keeping fish or reptiles, this is the local shop that earns your repeat visits. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater - **Livestock & Products**: Cichlids, Live Plants, Shrimp, Invertebrates, Plecos, Planted Tanks - **Services**: Consultation, Water Testing - **Known For**: Reptiles & Amphibians, Premium Equipment, Knowledgeable Staff ## Highlights - Owner-operated with hands-on customer service and detailed care instructions - Strong freshwater selection including cichlids, plecos, shrimp, snails, and aquatic plants - Top local source for live feeders — crickets, pinkies, and feeder rats - Extensive reptile inventory including ball pythons, geckos, and bearded dragons - Consistently clean, well-maintained tanks noted across hundreds of reviews ## Customer Reviews **"Levi Holloway"** - 5/5 - 4 weeks ago > Great service and advice **"Trevor Arias"** - 5/5 - 4 weeks ago > Very clean. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. **"Sarah Maslen"** - 5/5 - a month ago > Always pleasant and friendly and very helpful **"Jacqueline Glaser"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > Wonderful little place, staff is knowledgeable and kind. I called about springtails and pillbugs and they had what I needed. When I asked questions about my geckos cage they were able to tell what I needed and had almost everything I would need. Recommend coming here for all your pets need. **"Chris Wilson"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > The young lady that helped my daughter and I was wonderful. She knew exactly what she was doing and got us what we needed. **"Clint Cook"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > Only place I go for reptile feed **"Leah Armfield"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > I was assisted as soon as I walked in the door by the owner himself from start to finish and left with everything I needed as well as very informative care instructions for my new pet, can’t recommend them enough! **"Angalo Seeton"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > They always on it there absolutely the perfect place and the the crew that is there is always friendly and helpful. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 **"david wilder"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Great place to find the fish you are looking for. **"Isaac Branch"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Most knowledge, natural, and clean pet store in town. Very friendly staff. I go here for all my needs. Support local business! ## Nearby Stores - [Tri-Star Koi (By Appointment)](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/cookeville/tri-star-koi-by-appointment) - Cookeville, TN - 5.0/5 - [Age of Aquariums](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/cookeville/age-of-aquariums) - Cookeville, TN - 4.1/5 - [Aquaholics Tropical Fish Store](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/winchester/aquaholics-tropical-fish-store) - Winchester, TN - 5.0/5 - [FINS Freshwater Aquariums](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/bartlett/fins-freshwater-aquariums) - Bartlett, TN - 5.0/5 - [Fresh Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/seymour/fresh-aquatics) - Seymour, TN - 5.0/5 - [Music City Aquatics LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/old-hickory/music-city-aquatics-llc) - Old Hickory, TN - 5.0/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/tennessee/cookeville/exotic-tropicals)* *Last updated: February 7, 2026*