EP Exotics

EP Exotics has been a fixture in El Paso's exotic pet scene for well over 15 years, earning a devoted following that keeps customers driving in from as far as Corpus Christi and Socorro. While the store's heart beats loudest for reptiles — snakes, leopard geckos, tortoises, and more — its freshwater fish section and aquarium supplies have carved out a loyal niche among local fishkeepers. Multiple reviewers note you can find everything needed to get a tank started, from equipment to livestock, and the store stocks supplies for axolotl owners alongside feeders like hopper mice and super worms for turtles and red-eared sliders.

The atmosphere is distinctly mom-and-pop, a welcome contrast to the PetSmarts and PetCos of the world. A large enclosure in the center of the store houses what one reviewer affectionately describes as a "very large and distinguished-looking fellow" who knows the value of a good napping spot. Tarantulas, frogs (including pixie frogs), corn snakes, and birds round out the menagerie, creating the kind of place where kids press their faces against glass and adults lose track of time.

What sets EP Exotics apart from the competition is the staff's genuine passion. The long-haired employee who patiently walks customers through snake species and helps with lizard tanks, Mayra who guided one family through a complete tortoise setup for Héctor and Tuco, Mike who makes sure every question gets answered — these aren't salespeople reading care sheets. They're animal people who happen to work retail.

The store's policy of making sure customers understand what they're buying before they purchase reflects an ethic of responsible pet ownership that runs deep here. Enclosures are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, with healthy, active animals — a stark difference from big-box stores where dead fish float uncollected. Prices are competitive, and the selection of reptile supplies, freshwater fish, amphibians, and feeders continues to expand.

For El Paso's exotic pet community, this is the local shop that earned its reputation one knowledgeable conversation at a time.