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
Livestock, services, water
- 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
“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“Got a bunny from this place and poor thing passed away less than 24 hours. The guy said it was because of our enclosure but we have the perfect set up. Then said it was because of the temperature which is completely wrong. They sell sick animals the bunny was not active whatsoever. Do not recommend this place.”
— Genavieve Galindo1.03 months ago“Yes so I bought an albino corn snake from this guy about two weeks ago and at first it looked really nice until I tried handling him and he was extremely aggressive. Mind you corn snakes are supposed to be the most friendly snake even for beginners. I figured maybe it was hungry or stressed but the owner said he just ate. So I left him alone for a good 5 days and I tried handling him again and he was even more aggressive than the beginning. I told the owner fino or whatever his name is through text since he gave me his number and he said he would give me a call when a new shipment comes In. Never offered to refund the money or anything. So I called a reptile rescue center here in El Paso and they were more than welcome to accept the snake for me and even trade me for a really sweet leopard gecko. I also heard from various stores that fino is not the place to go. If I had an honest opinion I would say never buy from someone who owns reptiles out their garage.”
— David Rodriguez1.04 months ago“very bad place tbh i dnt recomend it has animals in bad shape also dnt buy animals there he sells them in a high price and they get sick and he wants to give you a very low amount of what you spent”
— Edgar Montoya1.05 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.