About
Pet World in East Rochester, New York occupies a distinctive spot in the local aquarium scene — a sprawling pet store with a dedicated fish department that draws hobbyists from across the Rochester area. The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish alongside aquatic plants, and their koi selection has earned particular praise from pond keepers. Staff members like Adam (self-described 'fish guy'), Brian, and Fiona are frequently name-checked in reviews for their willingness to walk customers through tank setup, fish compatibility, and species-specific care.
The aquarium section carries a solid range of tanks, accessories, and dry goods alongside the livestock. Customers starting their first 10-gallon setup have noted that staff helped them pick out essentials without overselling, while more experienced hobbyists appreciate the breadth of freshwater and saltwater breeds available. The live plant selection rounds out the offerings for planted tank enthusiasts looking to source locally rather than ordering online.
That said, Pet World is a store that generates strong opinions. Several reviewers have flagged concerns about the cycling advice given to newcomers — one customer was told to wait only 48 hours before adding fish, bypassing the nitrogen cycle entirely. The reptile section has drawn sharper criticism for sparse enclosures.
And the store's puppy sales remain deeply controversial, with multiple reviews raising serious concerns about breeder sourcing. On the aquarium side, though, the consensus tilts positive. The fish department staff genuinely engage with customers' questions, from helping a first-time koi buyer choose pond-appropriate fish to guiding families through their first community tank build.
Prices run slightly above online retailers, which is typical for brick-and-mortar stores that offer hands-on guidance. For Rochester-area fishkeepers who want to see livestock in person, talk through stocking plans, and walk out with plants and supplies the same day, Pet World's fish department delivers a serviceable experience — just come prepared with your own research on cycling and water chemistry.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish with a dedicated aquarium department
- Koi available for pond keepers with knowledgeable staff like Adam to guide selection
- Live aquatic plant selection for planted tank setups
- Named staff members (Adam, Brian, Fiona) praised for hands-on customer guidance
- Full range of aquarium accessories and dry goods available in-store
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Just stating my tank up and Fiona went above and beyond to make sure I had everything to be successful.”
— Erin Payne-Place5.021 minutes ago“Awesome store! Very knowledgable and helpful staff! Their fish selection is great! Lots of different fish and aquarium stuff and the staff will help you pick out the right fish for your tank, explain how to take care of them, etc.”
— Danielle Ritchie5.0Edited a month ago“We are new to the aquarium world and our previous resource closed. We were looking for a new shop for supplies and advice. The man in the aquarium section was very rude, judgmental and ultimately didn't help me with what I came for. I was shocked and will not be back.”
— melissa cole1.04 months ago“Overall the people there were lovely, walking around the place at first it looked okay. But going deeper into my personal knowledge and any knowledge of those who own reptiles. They aren’t very well taken care of, they all have one hide and paper towels. It makes me sick going and seeing them like that because that isn’t how those reptiles are supposed to be cared for. They need more in there environment and enrichment not just one place to sit. For example there’s multiple snakes that are a borrowing species who only have a rock to hide in. No actual substrate or anything, they just want to sell the reptiles not actually give them happiness. The fish are sort of well maintained but there are multiple tanks that are just uncleanly, there’s a whole aisle of like decaying tanks and it’s honestly such a horrible thing to have in your pet store. I decided to not even buy anything or give them money because i wasn’t promote animal neglect. It’s entirely sad. Please either go buy the reptiles and save them and give them a proper home and proper care or stop buying from them entirely. If i’m in the area again i will go in simply to take photos of the poor upkeep, i left before i had the idea to take photos.”
— AJ Clark1.05 months ago“Wonderful place! Always helpful! So happy that I’m 5 minutes away! 😊”
— Louis Brugnoni5.05 months ago“I went to buy koi. The fish guy (his words), Adam was extremely helpful and knew his stuff. He taught me about which fish would be best for us. The next day when I called because one of the fish was no where to be found, the clerk spoke to me and asked me some questions and gave me some advice. He was right! She was hiding and she came out and the entire neighborhood was happy. Thanks again guys! Sadly one of my koi was found this morning and I have to call pet world when they open.”
— K C5.0Edited 5 months ago“Second time I've gone to the fish dept. And been ignored after informing them. I needed one. I tell cashier as I cash out my other items and he was nice enough to say he'd get the fish. But its not his job. Ill stick to the greece location from now on.”
— Aaron Huck1.06 months ago“Will gladly take your money, but don't want your business.”
— Will Scherberger1.0Edited 8 months ago“I purchased a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Pet World in Rochester, NY, in December 2022. Sadly, the experience has been heartbreaking and financially devastating. The puppy, Lucy, was advertised as healthy—but within months of bringing her home, she began limping. Despite several vet visits and medications, her condition worsened. We were eventually referred to Cornell’s Companion Animal Hospital, where a neurologist diagnosed her with syringomyelia—a serious, lifelong neurological disorder directly linked to IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDING PRACTICES! The financial burden has already exceeded $10,000, with no end in sight. Lucy will require lifelong pain management and physical therapy. I attempted mediation through the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and "Jim" the owner of Pet World was completely unresponsive. According to the AG's office, the business even hung up the phone on them when they tried to assist. This level of disregard for consumer complaints and animal welfare is unacceptable. What’s worse is the lack of accountability. In response to a prior one-star review from Kathryn Drennan three years ago—where she rightfully raised concerns about puppy mill dogs—Jim from Pet World replied that the puppies come from Midwestern breeders with "superb USDA inspection reports". My puppy was bred by Tabetha Cannon (USDA License #43-A-4566), and yet my vet directly linked Lucy’s devastating diagnosis to poor breeding practices. If these breeders have such "superb" inspection reports, how do they explain the pain and suffering Lucy endures every day? Buyer beware: do your homework and think twice before supporting a business that fails to ensure the health of the animals it profits from—and refuses to take responsibility when things go wrong.”
— C. D.1.0Edited 8 months ago“Staff is super nice and I got everything i could have wanted there. Their fish section is very nice and staff seem to be super knowledgeable about the animals they have for sale”
— Madison *5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (585) 381-3870 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pet World.