About
Fino's Rainforest in El Paso, Texas is primarily a reptile and exotic pet operation that also maintains some aquatic tanks. Run by owner Anthony Fino (known as Mike to some customers), the business has shifted locations over the years — some reviews describe it operating out of a garage-like setup, while others reference a more traditional storefront experience. The inventory leans heavily toward reptiles like ball pythons, corn snakes, boa constrictors, bearded dragons, turtles, sulcata tortoises, tegus, geckos, and iguanas, along with mammals like sugar gliders and bunnies.
On the aquatic side, reviews mention freshwater tanks, though specific fish species or aquarium equipment aren't frequently highlighted. At least one reviewer noted aquatic tanks with significant algae buildup, suggesting the fish department plays a secondary role to the reptile offerings. The store also offers reptile shows for events like birthday parties, which multiple reviewers describe as entertaining and educational for families.
Some customers praise the staff's knowledge and willingness to answer questions via text long after a purchase, and the business has provided boarding services for sugar gliders. However, Fino's Rainforest is deeply polarizing. A significant number of reviews describe animals sold in poor health — bunnies dying within 24 hours, turtles sold visibly sick, and snakes showing signs of neurological disease.
Multiple customers report cramped enclosures, unsanitary conditions, and a persistent refusal to offer refunds. A particularly troubling account involves a $5,000+ deposit for turtles that were never delivered, with the owner allegedly ceasing communication. Other reviewers describe overpriced animals and aggressive upselling.
For El Paso residents specifically seeking freshwater fish or aquarium supplies, this is not a dedicated aquarium shop. The fish section appears to be a small component of a broader exotic pet operation. Prospective buyers should exercise caution, do independent research on pricing, and carefully inspect any animal before purchase.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fino's Rainforest in El Paso, TX
Fino's Rainforest stocks freshwater fish for sale in El Paso, TX. As a fish store serving El Paso, TX, it also offers fish boarding and aquarium consultations.
- Services
- Fish BoardingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Primarily a reptile and exotic pet store with some freshwater aquatic tanks
- Offers reptile shows for birthday parties and private events
- Provides boarding services for small exotic pets like sugar gliders
- Highly polarizing reviews — many reports of sick animals and refund issues
From keepers
Customer reviews
“These people scammed me not worth it at all lost out on $700 not a legit exotic store”
— Daniel Dominguez1.04 weeks ago“Dude cussed me out I just wanted a bombabinocrodadino”
— Sorcha Flanagan1.0a month ago“How is this place open?”
— Mindy Bechtell1.04 months ago“I bought a sulcatta turtle for my Daughter about a year ago. It died a couple of days later. It was sold to us sick. It's not hard to tell when a turtle is sick. It's all about money for them not about the animals. God bless”
— Krissy Kc1.02 weeks ago“Great place for exotic pets and supplies. Owner is friendly. Got my albino pied ball python here and return frequently for mice/rats and advice.”
— Chad Mason5.03 weeks ago“You know that feeling where you walk into a place and the energy feels so off that you don't even want to keep going in? That's how it felt coming here. This person had an actual location before, now he just has 100+ animals stuffed into small cages in his GARAGE. All of the animals looked miserable and cramped. He had a full grown bearded dragon in what appeared to be a 25 gallon tank.... None of the animals had any enrichment. The Facebook and Instagram pages also falsely advertised that it was an animal SANCTUARY. Yeah that's a LIE. Which I'm sure someone called him out on and now those photos are gone. If you care about animals you will not buy from this guy. Read all the reviews here and the ones on yelp and you'll understand.”
— Ren1.03 weeks ago“I went there yesterday and it’s just a bunch of animals crammed into someone’s garage. It was nasty. I will never get over the smell that was coming out of this place, it was horrible. I do not recommend going or buying from this place.”
— Chantel Leblanc1.02 months ago“I bought 3 bunnies from this place. They have all passed away. He refuses to acknowledge that he sells sick animals. Mind you, he sells them at $150 each so there’s absolutely no way I neglected them or let their environment be the problem. This place need to be SHUT DOWN!!! The condition that these animals are in is awful. He’s the reason why they die”
— Erika Lopez1.02 months ago“They have everything including bunnies, reptiles, parrots, and more”
— Daniel Alvelais5.02 months ago“The animals we're at a convention and this poor creature was in a large bird cage (which is tiny) kept pacing and wa stressed. I dont know how this place is still in business.”
— L R1.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (915) 297-3894 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fino's Rainforest.