About
Bubble Aquatics & Exotics fills a niche in Danville, Virginia as the area's independently owned alternative to the big-box pet chains. While the store's name highlights aquatics, this is truly a multi-species shop — reptiles, birds, tarantulas, small mammals, and insects share space alongside freshwater and saltwater fish tanks. For aquarium hobbyists, the fish selection is modest but curated, with both freshwater and saltwater species available.
Reviewers have called out beautiful bettas kept in good condition and hard-to-find live plants like red root floaters, suggesting the store caters to planted tank enthusiasts who know what they're looking for. The store's strongest asset is its staff, particularly owner Ashlyn, who multiple customers describe as genuinely passionate and deeply informed about animal care. She's the kind of shop owner who will walk you through the specifics of what you're buying — whether it's a fish, a ferret, or a quaker parrot — and follow up with practical husbandry advice.
The store also offers a layaway program, allowing customers to put deposits on animals and supplies and pay over 30 to 60 days, which is an unusual and appreciated touch for a small pet shop. That said, the store draws mixed reactions. Several reviewers praise the cleanliness and organization, while a handful describe murky aquariums and a strong smell, suggesting the experience may vary depending on when you visit and how recently maintenance was done.
Pricing runs higher than some customers expect, particularly on feeder animals and reptiles, though the store stocks rare morphs and species that command premium prices by nature. Snails, feeder rats, and frozen feeders are also available, rounding out the live food options for reptile and fish keepers. Pet grooming services are offered on-site as well.
For Danville residents tired of driving long distances for specialty livestock and personalized advice, Bubble Aquatics provides a local option with real expertise behind the counter.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Hard-to-find live aquarium plants like red root floaters
- Beautiful bettas kept in well-maintained conditions
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish available
- Layaway program for animals and supplies (30-60 day payment plans)
- Passionate, knowledgeable owner Ashlyn provides detailed care guidance
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Ashlyn and Angela are the best!! They really show that they actually care about their animals. Me and my boyfriend recently purchased a bunny from them and Ashlyn gave us so much more information then we could have possibly thought about asking. I highly recommend this business :)”
— Mallory5.0a week ago“Im sorry, but I was disappointed in not a good verify of fish,and it was dirty when I walked in. All the tanks were dirty. I was scared to buy any fish here. I drove a distance to go,I was excited to go til I walked in. I had to go to my normal fish store. I was very disappointed.”
— June B2.02 weeks ago“I believe that a fair score of this pet store would be 2 stars. When you walk through the door you're welcomed by the pungent aroma of what I can only describe as hot piss bottles that have been sitting in the sun on a hot summer's day from someone who doesn't drink nearly enough water to have properly functioning kidneys. There's a crowded entrance and aisles with one employee working at a time in the maze of stacked high supplies and closely bundled bodies viewing the terrariums you squeeze past. High prices for sickly animals with mites in the rodent section and Metabolic Bone Disease in the reptile section unable to lift their heads. Where do I begin with this pet shop? Sick animals, murky aquariums, potent urine smell, high prices, crowded, understaffed, financially hurting. I'm very fair in my rating of 2 stars. EDIT: THIS WAS NOT MY FIRST TIME IN THIS PET SHOP AS I GAVE THEM A CHANCE AT A FIRST IMPRESSION AND A SECOND CHANCE TO CONFIRM OR DENY IMPRESSIONS. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS TO THE OWNER BOTH TIMES TO WHICH THEY WERE DISMISSED. EVERYTHING THAT I'VE STATED WAS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE AND COULD ONLY FOOL THE UNTRAINED EYE OF SOMEONE UNFAMILIAR.”
— Austin Androgynous2.0a month ago“I got a kitten from here a few months ago, and he is the sweetest cat I’ve ever had!! The workers answered all my questions and were very nice. The only thing I didn’t like was that the kitten smelt horrible when i got him, but they were rescues so it might’ve not had anything to do with the store. Either way, definitely better than PetSmart because the employees actually know about the animals they’re selling to people.”
— Maddy V5.0a month ago“good store”
— Bentley32325.0a month ago“Amazing selection the owner was extremely helpful very clean shop”
— Dave Randall4.02 months ago“The best pet store ever. Their prices are a little high but they work with you to get what you need. I was able to put a deposit on my baby and got my ferret fast and the albino male I wanted. I then needed a cage so they didn’t have what I needed so they figured out how to get me a cage and I will bring home a gently used ferret nation huge cage Wednesday. They are very kind people and will do anything they can to help you. Thank you for everything”
— Carol Hogan5.02 months ago“I adore this store and all of the animals. The staff is terrific and helpful. Also, shout out to my girl, Michaela Seepe, for being the best groomer there is!”
— Christina Jackson5.02 months ago“Young lady there seems to be pretty knowledgeable about the pets they have . She has helped me alot recently when we got our fish there.”
— debra parker5.0Edited 3 months ago“Ashlyn is the single most knowledgable individual on pet and pet care I have ever met. She has a true passion and love for animals and you can tell that her idea of fun is reading about the weird obscure facts on all the creatures that she has and hopes to have in her store one day. Her advice is invaluable and always accurate and well thought out, if you ever have a problem that needs solving there is an answer she can provide or sell you. If you care about you pets (and lets be honest we all do) you are in good hands when working with Bubbles. If they do not have something in stock they can order it for you with expertise that can only be had from years of passion and care for the store and those who come through its doors”
— Philip Chrzanowski5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (434) 857-5382 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Bubble Aquatics & Exotics.