About
Animal Ark is a sprawling independent pet store in Orem, UT, and tucked behind the reptiles, birds, arachnids, and small mammals sits a freshwater fish section that keeps Utah County hobbyists driving past closer shops to get here. " Walk the aisles and you'll find tanks of tropical freshwater fish, each clearly labeled with species and price, alongside aquarium snails and a rare live-plant collection that genuine plant collectors rave about. Axolotls and pea puffers are part of what makes this fish store a destination; if you've always wanted pea puffers for sale in Orem, UT, regulars say the shop keeps healthy ones in stock.
They also carry live black worms, measured out by the tablespoon by hand from a refrigerated pan, so you can see exactly what you're feeding before you take it home. The staff are the heart of the place. Manager Emily earns repeated praise for deep animal knowledge and patience with questions, and newer reviewers single out Cassie, who recommended a snail one shopper says left their aquarium noticeably cleaner, along with the timeless advice that "a hungry fish is a happy fish" and to never overfeed.
First-time aquarium owners describe leaving with the confidence to cycle and stock their tank properly, and an employee named Sammy is known for custom vivarium builds that go well beyond off-the-shelf setups. Be ready for premium pricing: plenty of reviewers note this shop runs more expensive than big-box stores and other local options, and you're largely paying for selection and species you won't find elsewhere nearby. In return, the fish are consistently described as healthy and the tanks well kept.
For anyone hunting freshwater fish, rare plants, or axolotls near me in Utah County, Animal Ark Orem remains one of the most diverse walk-in options around. Go in with your list and your prices compared, and lean on a team that clearly loves the hobby.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Animal Ark Orem in Orem, UT
Animal Ark Orem stocks axolotls, rare and hard-to-find species, pufferfish, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Orem, UT. As a fish store serving Orem, UT, it also carries fish food and offers custom tank builds and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Healthy freshwater tropical fish, axolotls, and pea puffers, each tank clearly labeled with species and price
- Rare live-plant collection that draws dedicated plant collectors from across Utah County
- Live black worms and feeders sold in-store, measured by hand so you can inspect before buying
- Knowledgeable staff — manager Emily and Cassie praised by name for hands-on aquarium advice
- Custom vivarium builds available from staff like Sammy
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Forget the other stores. Our experience was awesome. The snail Cassie recommended is so busy and happy! The aquarium stays cleaner, and it's also in part to their advice: "A hungry fish is a happy fish. Don't overfeed." Highly recommend.”
— Hallie Gentz5.0a week ago“Amazing so many interesting pets and it's around the Utah lake area if wanting a reptile get it from animal ark”
— Melissa B.5.02 weeks ago“Double the price of anywhere else but youre paying for options. They have more choices and the manager is very friendly and clearly loves the fish and reptile hobby. My fish from here have always been healthy and its all well marked on the tanks all that is in there and how much each is.”
— Olivia Berry4.02 weeks ago“Went in prepared to adopt a parakeet and I was interacting with some of them and had not noticed the sign that says not to touch them. It was lower than my eye level and blended in with the pricing. A short haired female employee came up to me and let me know not to touch them, but she grabbed the sign and rolled her eyes and was very obviously irritated and annoyed with me and I mentioned the attitude was not necessary at all and it was an accident and she stormed off. I immediately left as I’m not looking to deal with that type of negative energy when adopting a pet.”
— Christopher Nielsen1.03 weeks ago“A step up from Petsmart to be sure, but probably one of the worst places to go in Utah county for aquarium fish. They are certainly the most expensive, but the quality does not match up. They don't quarantine their fish, and it's not uncommon to see diseased fish, or new fish dying of shock from the change in water quality. The employees simply don't get paid enough to care. I would recommend the Waterfront, well worth the drive.”
— Joshua Meibos3.0Edited 3 weeks ago“I've always wanted Pea Puffers and they always have healthy ones in stock. They also carry healthy, live black worms, which are appreciated, so I don't have to order them online and wait for the mail... without being able to see firsthand what I'm buying. The black worms are sold by the tablespoon, which are always lifted out of the refrigerated pan and measured by hand, instead of scooped. They have great store hours and friendly staff. No matter how busy the store seems, I haven't had to wait for than a minute to check out.”
— JustPassing Through5.04 weeks ago“Animal Ark! This is easily one of the best local pet shops around. Every time I visit, the staff is incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about animals. They take the time to answer all my questions and help me find exactly what I need for my pets. The store itself is clean, well-organized, and always fully stocked with high-quality supplies, food, and unique toys that you can't always find at the big-box chains. It's clear that they truly care about the well-being of the animals in their care and the community they serve. Highly recommend supporting this awesome local business!"”
— Sonny Wilson5.04 weeks ago“I feel 2 stars is reasonable I got what I needed to get but the lady with the cute colorful hair seems very non interested in helping I felt like she was interrupting her activities seemed very unprofessional I am happy with the selection not happy with their service. I felt like she was a.man hater. To each their own but be kind and professional.”
— Shawn Loura2.0a month ago“Cute little store”
— Royalty Tracks4.0a month ago“The fish are really healthy and they take good care of all there tanks every thing looks really healthy”
— Tami Brooks5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (801) 226-2162 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Animal Ark Orem.