Animal Ark

Animal Ark in American Fork has earned its reputation as a Utah County staple by doing the basics extraordinarily well: clean tanks, healthy animals, and staff who genuinely care. While primarily known as a full-spectrum pet store — reptiles, birds, spiders, small mammals — their freshwater fish section deserves attention from aquarium hobbyists in the area. Reviewers consistently praise the health and vibrancy of their fish, and the store stocks cichlids, community fish, bettas, and live plants alongside frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.

One customer's only complaint was wanting more dwarf cichlids and a bigger frozen food selection — the kind of critique that says more about how good the store already is. The fish department benefits from the same meticulous tank maintenance visible throughout the entire store. Multiple reviewers mention walking in and immediately noticing how clean every enclosure is — no unpleasant smells, clearly labeled tanks, and animals that look genuinely healthy.

The store also occasionally takes in mature fish for adoption and resale, a practice that endears them to the local fishkeeping community. Staff members like Ryan, Tracen, and Jessica come up repeatedly by name in reviews, praised for their patience and depth of knowledge. One customer recounted getting thorough guidance on setting up a betta tank before even purchasing the fish — the kind of consultative approach that prevents impulse-buy disasters.

Another noted that staff helped them completely overhaul a frog enclosure purchased elsewhere. Pricing is a genuine draw, particularly for feeder insects, where Animal Ark significantly undercuts big-box competitors. The supply selection extends to bioactive vivarium components, isopod colonies, and aquarium equipment, though specialty filter parts may require a trip elsewhere.

6 stars, that charisma seems to be contagious across the entire American Fork location.