CTX Savage Pet Supply in Killeen, Texas is a veteran-run pet store that has carved out a reputation as the go-to destination for reptile enthusiasts in the Central Texas area. While the store carries premium dog and cat foods — including brands like First Mate that aren't commonly found at chain retailers — it's the reptile side of the business that truly sets this shop apart.
The store maintains an impressive collection of ball pythons, bearded dragons, boas, and other reptiles, many with names that regulars know well. Waffles the bearded dragon and Tutie Fruity are fan favorites, and the staff readily invites visitors to handle the animals, turning a shopping trip into an interactive experience. Each animal is housed in proper setups, and reviewers consistently note the excellent health and temperament of the reptiles they've purchased here.
Feeders are a major draw. CTX Savage stocks live feeder rats and mice in various sizes, along with Dubia roaches and superworms, at prices that undercut the big chain stores. Longtime customers report never encountering mite issues or quality problems with their feeders — a detail that matters enormously in reptile care. The store also carries supplies for bearded dragons, tegus, and other exotic pets.
The staff's knowledge runs deep. They'll walk first-time snake owners through husbandry basics, help experienced keepers track down specific morphs, and offer genuine care advice rather than a sales pitch. One Christmas Eve, the owner personally delivered Dubia roaches to a family in Belton after they called minutes before closing — the kind of above-and-beyond gesture that turns first-time callers into lifelong customers.
Beyond reptiles, CTX Savage offers reproductive services for dogs, prenatal vitamins, raw and kibble food options, and general pet supplies. The store is clean, well-organized, and radiates the kind of passion that only comes from owners who genuinely love animals. For anyone in the Killeen-Belton corridor keeping reptiles, this shop is well worth the drive.
Tucked away on Spencer Highway in Pasadena, Texas, Infinite Aquatics is a freshwater-focused shop that has quickly earned a devoted following across the greater Houston area. The store may look modest from the outside, but step through the door and you'll find a surprisingly expansive space filled with immaculate tanks, lush aquatic plants, and a rotating cast of healthy, often hard-to-find freshwater species.
Planted tank enthusiasts will feel right at home here. The plant selection is extensive, with mix-and-match bundle deals that make stocking a scape genuinely affordable. Display tanks throughout the store showcase what's possible, and the staff — led by owner Mike and longtime team member Nicole — are ready to walk customers through species compatibility, ecosystem building, and plant care with real depth. Multiple reviewers note that Nicole has a particular gift for working with newcomers, patiently guiding first-time fishkeepers (and their kids) through the fundamentals of setting up a healthy aquarium.
The livestock consistently impresses. Reviewers rave about finding honey gouramis here after searching the entire Houston metro, and the shop stocks everything from bristlenose pleco varieties and guppies to shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates. An updated stocking list on their website means you can check availability before making the drive. One customer even found pond plants here for a backyard setup, and the staff honestly referred them elsewhere for a species they didn't carry — a level of integrity that keeps people coming back.
The shop's return policy also stands out: one reviewer brought back an overly aggressive fish and received store credit without hassle. Another recounted how the team sold them a personal display tank after-hours when their own tank sprang a leak, saving their livestock from disaster.
Infinite Aquatics thrives on genuine relationships. Hobbyists who've been keeping fish since 2007 rank it among the best in Houston, and first-timers leave excited to build their first community tank. That combination of expertise, care, and a clean, well-organized environment is what makes this shop worth seeking out.
FreshwaterPondLive PlantsPlanted TanksShrimpConsultationOnline Store
Reklaw Reef has built the kind of reputation that pulls hobbyists from across Texas — and that's not hyperbole. Multiple reviewers mention driving an hour or more just to browse, and the shop operates on an appointment-based model that ensures owner James gives every customer undivided attention. Located about 30–35 minutes outside San Antonio, this saltwater-focused shop has become a destination for reefkeepers and marine aquarium enthusiasts throughout the region.
The coral selection is a major draw. Customers consistently describe the variety as impressive and the specimens as healthy and vibrant. Fish arrive in excellent condition — one recent visitor picked up a Tailspot Blenny along with cleanup crew snails and noted everything was eating and stress-free. James clearly takes quarantine and livestock health seriously, with one reviewer recounting how he stayed late to help troubleshoot a quarantine situation.
But what truly sets Reklaw Reef apart is the service side of the operation. James and his team handle full aquarium relocations — including breaking down, transporting, and reassembling tanks up to 240 gallons across significant distances. One customer had a saltwater setup moved between second-floor apartments, and praised the thoroughness of the teardown and rebuild. Another had two separate tank relocations handled seamlessly. These aren't just delivery jobs; they're full-service moves with hookup and walkthroughs included.
The shop also carries freshwater fish, food, chemicals, and supplies, though the heart of the business is clearly marine. James is the kind of owner who'll spend an hour with a newcomer to reefkeeping, walking through the basics with genuine enthusiasm. He's equally patient with kids tagging along and seasoned hobbyists debating coral placement. Pricing comes up repeatedly in reviews as notably fair, which — combined with the quality of livestock and the depth of expertise — explains why people keep making the drive. For San Antonio's saltwater community, Reklaw Reef is the local fish store they wish was closer to home.
In Austin, Texas, Fish Whisper is essentially one man's two-decade love affair with aquariums turned into a thriving service business. That man is Mason, the owner-operator who has built a fiercely loyal clientele—some going back 17 or 18 years—through hands-on expertise and genuine devotion to aquatic life.
Fish Whisper's bread and butter is saltwater reef tank design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Mason has built a reputation for tackling complex custom setups, like fitting the right sump and protein skimmer combination into an antique furniture base for a 90-gallon reef tank, or orchestrating the installation of a high-end Red Sea MAX S700 G2 system from scratch. He handles everything from coral placement and lighting configuration to dialing in precise saltwater chemistry and dosing levels. Clients consistently report vibrant coral growth, crystal-clear water, and fish that thrive for years under his care.
But Mason's expertise isn't limited to saltwater. He set up an axolotl tank for one family, walking them through the meticulous care requirements that kept their pet healthy. He's also maintained freshwater setups in offices for over a decade. His service visits cover the full spectrum—topping off auto top-off systems, cleaning protein skimmers, frozen food feedings, minor dosing adjustments, and thorough glass cleaning.
What comes through most clearly in nearly every review is the relationship. Mason treats each client's tank as if it were his own. When the devastating 2021 Texas freeze wiped out one longtime customer's entire stock, Mason was there to help them start over. He makes house calls promptly, communicates proactively about maintenance schedules, and responds quickly to emergencies.
Fish Whisper operates more as a premium aquarium service provider than a traditional retail shop. If you're in Austin and want a saltwater reef centerpiece or need someone reliable to keep any tank running at its best, Mason's decades of hands-on experience and personal investment in every tank he touches make Fish Whisper a standout.
Tucked away in Garland, Texas, Beantown Aquatics has built a reputation that extends far beyond the DFW metroplex — all the way to New York, in fact, where satisfied customers rave about receiving beautifully packed African cichlids shipped by owner Andre. This is a specialist operation, laser-focused on what it does best: sourcing, maintaining, and selling some of the most vibrant, healthy African cichlids you'll find anywhere in the country.
The facility operates by appointment, giving Andre the chance to offer each visitor his full attention and deep expertise. Reviewers with 20-plus years in the hobby call his selection the best they've ever encountered, and the sourcing backs that up — Beantown stocks fish from respected breeders like Uncle Woody and Aquahaus-Gaus. The tanks are immaculately maintained, and every fish on display shows the kind of robust coloration and health that only comes from meticulous husbandry.
What makes Beantown stand out beyond the livestock is the pricing. Customers note that specific, hand-selected cichlids here run around $55, compared to $75 for assorted fish at competing shops. For the size and quality of the specimens, repeat buyers say the value is unmatched. Andre's willingness to share his knowledge — discussing species, compatibility, and care — turns a purchase into an education.
The space itself is clean and well-organized, though first-time visitors should note it can be a little tricky to locate. Once inside, the sheer variety of colors, types, and sizes is what keeps people coming back, sometimes for years. Several customers describe Beantown as their number one fish store, period.
For cichlid enthusiasts in the DFW area or anywhere Andre ships, this is the kind of focused, passion-driven operation that makes the hobby better. The fish speak for themselves — vibrant, healthy, and clearly raised by someone who genuinely cares about every specimen that leaves his facility.
Nemo & Friends Aquariums is a family-owned Houston fish store that has built a fiercely loyal following, earning a 4.9 rating across more than 400 reviews. Owners Gee and Yadi run the operation with genuine passion — Gee manages an impressive saltwater section with eye-catching reef displays and coral frags, while the team stocks a rotating freshwater inventory that includes standouts like White Diamond Discus and puffer fish. New shipments arrive every Wednesday or Thursday, so regulars know to time their visits.
The store serves as a true one-stop shop for both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists. Planted tank enthusiasts will find substrates and live plants alongside knowledgeable staff who can field questions about soil types and aquascaping. On the saltwater side, Nemo & Friends carries reef-ready equipment from brands like Red Sea — one customer documented a full S1000 reef tank purchase, delivery, and professional in-home setup complete with meticulous wire management. That kind of hands-on, end-to-end service sets the store apart from big-box competitors.
What customers mention most consistently is the staff's honesty. Multiple reviewers note that Yadi and Gee will talk you out of a purchase if a fish isn't suited for your tank, prioritizing animal welfare over a quick sale. For first-time saltwater aquarium owners, they walk through setup step by step. They also offer water refills, making ongoing tank maintenance more accessible for Houston hobbyists.
The store's bilingual staff serves the city's diverse community warmly, and the atmosphere feels welcoming enough that families bring their kids just to admire the saltwater displays. The coral selection draws particular praise, with hobbyists crediting the team's advice for helping them succeed with their reef tanks. Prices are frequently cited as competitive for the Houston market, especially on livestock.
Nemo & Friends has carved out a reputation as a store where the people behind the counter care as much about your fish as you do.
Yellow City Pet Supply in Amarillo, Texas is not a fish store — it's a beloved, family-owned pet supply shop with a devoted following built almost entirely around dogs. Owner Jason and his wife Abby have created something special on the Amarillo retail landscape: a carefully curated selection of premium dog food, treats, supplements, and accessories paired with private self-service dog wash stations that customers rave about.
The wash stations are the store's signature draw. Each is a private, enclosed room with professional-grade water pressure, all supplies included, and a booking system that makes the process seamless. Customers with dogs ranging from 80-pound sheepadoodles to 110-pound giants praise the convenience of not hauling wet towels and dog hair through their homes afterward. Jason personally greets visitors, walks them through the setup, and even hands out duck heart treats to freshly bathed pups.
On the retail side, Jason is particular about what he stocks — he and Abby only carry products they'd give their own dogs. That philosophy resonates with customers navigating allergies, picky eaters, and senior dog nutrition. The store carries Steve's frozen raw food (one of the few local sources), along with high-quality kibble, mix-ins, supplements, toys, collars, and leashes. A loyalty program rewards regulars with a free bag of dog food after every twelfth purchase, and first responders receive a discount.
What truly sets Yellow City apart is the personal touch. Jason remembers customers by name. Staff carry heavy food bags to the car. The store is immaculately clean and well-organized. Travelers passing through Amarillo have stumbled in and left wishing they lived closer.
With a 4.9-star rating across 274 reviews, Yellow City Pet Supply has earned a fiercely loyal customer base in Amarillo — the kind of local business where people say "I will never go anywhere else" and genuinely mean it. It's a dog-focused operation through and through, and it excels at exactly what it does.
Walk into AJ Aquatics in Amarillo, Texas, and you're immediately greeted by a pond of colorful fish near the entrance, followed by saltwater tanks brimming with crustaceans and corals, then rows of freshwater livestock, live plants, snails, and a surprisingly robust reptile section in the back. This family-run shop has become a destination store — one reviewer drives 70 miles each way, and another couple made a day trip from Lubbock specifically to visit.
The freshwater selection runs deep, from dwarf ottos and neon tetras to arowanas and angelfish. Their shrimp offerings stand out — cherry shrimp and blue dream shrimp get specific praise for arriving healthy and thriving after purchase. Axolotl enthusiasts will find a dedicated selection, and puffer fish are stocked as well. On the saltwater side, the coral and fish inventory draws consistent compliments, with tanks kept impressively clean and clear.
Beyond retail, AJ Aquatics runs a hands-on tank maintenance service that earns glowing reviews. Ryan, one of the team members, gets called out by name for his meticulous cleaning of home saltwater tanks — showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and refusing to leave until the job meets his standards. Another team member, Braxton, handles regular tank cleaning clients with the same punctuality and professionalism. Staff member Ryan also helps customers troubleshoot pH issues and plant care in-store.
The staff knowledge here isn't surface-level. Alex and Jason field tank questions with genuine care, and even newer employees demonstrate solid understanding of the animals. The store also carries feeder supplies like worms and crickets, rocks, driftwood, food, and accessories at prices reviewers consistently call fair — often beating big-box competitors on hardscape materials.
The reptile section adds another dimension entirely, with crested geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons, and snakes available alongside proper enclosures and substrates. AJ Aquatics has built something Amarillo clearly needed: a shop where livestock health, staff expertise, and genuine enthusiasm intersect.
Tucked into El Paso's sprawling desert landscape, Planet Reef has built a devoted following among saltwater hobbyists who appreciate its curated coral selection, healthy livestock, and genuinely personal service. Owner Julio runs this family-owned shop with unmistakable passion — multiple reviewers describe him opening the store on his day off or before regular hours to accommodate customers, including one visitor from out of state.
The coral inventory is the star attraction here. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and cleanliness of the frags, with one experienced reefer noting that after dipping their purchases, they found next to no pests — a telling endorsement. The selection spans common varieties to rare and unusual pieces, and if something specific isn't in stock, Julio will work to source it. Beyond corals, the shop carries saltwater fish including clownfish (with rare variants spotted by visitors), hippo tangs, and massive display anemones that customers say are worth seeing even if you're not buying.
Clean-up crew packages of snails and crabs are available at competitive prices, and the store stocks essential dry goods — filtration, lighting, frozen fish food, and other reef-keeping supplies. Several reviewers mention that Julio previously maintained a 900-gallon aquarium in nearby Socorro, and that professional maintenance background shows in the pristine condition of the shop's display tanks.
Pricing comes up in nearly every positive review. Customers describe Planet Reef as having the best saltwater prices in El Paso, and Julio is known for working within stated budgets and offering deals. For newcomers to the hobby, he takes time to educate — one first-time saltwater keeper described leaving with a complete tank setup after an impromptu lesson in reef basics.
The shop also carries reptiles, adding another dimension to an already compelling visit. Planet Reef may look compact from the outside, but the depth of its saltwater inventory and Julio's hands-on expertise make it a destination worth the drive across El Paso.
Tucked behind a house in Houston's Heights neighborhood, Seaworthy Aquatics operates out of a converted garage — and it's one of the best saltwater shops in the city. Owner Perry, a marine biologist with over 20 years of experience in saltwater aquariums, runs a tight operation where coral health isn't negotiable. Walk in and the difference is immediately apparent: acropora colonies show vibrant coloration with excellent polyp extension, euphyllia display healthy flesh bands, and the entire space is remarkably clean and well-maintained.
The coral selection is the main draw. Perry stocks a wide range including acros, torches (Indo gold torches, hellfire torches), and nexus anemones, with many pieces aquacultured. One visiting reefer from Oregon toured multiple Houston stores and found Seaworthy's coral health far surpassed every other shop — no bleaching, no brown hair algae, no missing heads. That kind of quality comes from Perry's rigorous quarantine regime, which multiple customers specifically praise as a differentiator.
Beyond corals, Seaworthy carries healthy saltwater fish — clownfish are popular picks — along with invertebrates like cleanup crew snails (sometimes just 50 cents each), plus both live and dry rock. There's also a small but curated selection of tanks and equipment. Perry offers tank installation, maintenance services, and is clearly willing to spend time with customers at every experience level. Multiple reviewers mention his patience with newcomers, answering extensive questions without rushing anyone.
The shop is small, and the residential location can throw off GPS apps, but signs out front point the way. Don't let the modest exterior fool you — the inventory is well-stocked for the space, and Perry can source what he doesn't have on hand at competitive prices. Parking can be tight on the street, though spots open up directly in front during slower periods.
For Houston's reef community, Seaworthy Aquatics has earned a loyal following by prioritizing livestock health above all else. When you buy coral from Perry, you're buying something that's been properly cared for — and that confidence is worth every penny.
