Tucked into the Warwood neighborhood of Wheeling, West Virginia, Mom & Dad's is the kind of family-run shop that feels like it's been part of the community forever — because it has. Split into two halves, one side houses a charming gift shop stocked with candles, plush toys, and decorations, while the other is a compact but well-curated pet store with a focus on tropical fish. It's a combination you don't see often, and it gives the place a character all its own.
The fish selection spans both freshwater and saltwater species, with reviewers consistently praising the health and quality of the stock. Small tropical fish are a strong suit, and longtime customers report buying fish here for over a year without a single loss — a testament to how well the animals are cared for before they leave the store. Linda and the rest of the staff are frequently singled out by name for their knowledge and willingness to help customers make the right choices for their tanks.
Beyond fish, Mom & Dad's carries birds, feeder insects like crickets and worms for reptile owners, aquarium supplies including air stones, and food for a range of pets. It's become a go-to alternative for locals who don't want to drive to the mall for basic pet supplies. The store will also special-order items they don't have in stock, which speaks to the level of personal service you get at a place like this.
The space is admittedly snug — customers note it's packed wall to wall with merchandise — but that's part of the charm. Prices are generally described as fair, and several reviewers emphasize the importance of supporting this small business over big-box alternatives. For Wheeling residents looking for healthy tropical fish, reliable pet supplies, and genuinely warm customer service, Mom & Dad's delivers on all counts.
Tucked away in Princeton, West Virginia, Personal Touch The Fish Superstore is far more expansive than its exterior suggests. Multiple reviewers note that the parking lot view is deceptive — step inside and you'll discover five separate rooms packed with freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, reptile enclosures, bird cages, and small mammals ranging from hedgehogs to chinchillas and sugar gliders. It's a sprawling operation that functions as one of the largest independent pet stores in the southern West Virginia region.
The aquarium section is the main draw. Customers report a large selection of freshwater community fish, cichlids, bettas, and pond fish, along with aquatic plants for both planted tanks and outdoor ponds. Saltwater enthusiasts will find stock as well, and the store carries a solid inventory of aquarium equipment and supplies — including used equipment at reasonable prices, a practical touch for hobbyists building setups on a budget. If they don't have something in stock, staff will order it for you.
The store has a loyal following, with some customers driving two hours to shop here. Many reviews praise the staff for being friendly, patient, and genuinely knowledgeable about animal care — particularly helpful when guiding customers on bearded dragon husbandry or fish compatibility. Kids are welcomed warmly, and the atmosphere tends to feel more like visiting a local institution than a retail transaction.
That said, Personal Touch has its critics. Some visitors have noted inconsistencies in cleanliness and stock levels, and the store's policy of not giving prices over the phone has frustrated a number of callers. A few reviews mention concerns about animal enclosure conditions, particularly for reptiles and birds. The experience can vary depending on staffing and timing.
At its best, Personal Touch delivers exactly what its name promises — a personal, community-rooted shopping experience with a genuinely impressive variety of animals and supplies for a town this size. For aquarium hobbyists in the Mercer County area, it remains the primary destination for livestock and gear.
Tucked into the quiet hills of Bluefield, West Virginia, The Aquarium is a locally owned pet shop run by owner Robbie (Robert), whose passion for animals and deep knowledge of fishkeeping have earned him a devoted following — some customers driving nearly two hours just to shop here. The store carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with reptiles like bearded dragons and ball pythons, small animals like guinea pigs, and feeder insects including mealworms.
The freshwater selection is the main draw. Reviewers have walked out with Mustard Gas bettas, albino cory cats, plecos, goldfish, and angelfish, and Robbie is known for taking time to explain which species can coexist in a community tank setup. One customer praised his guidance on stocking a 75-gallon tank with angels. Saltwater options are available too, though reviews focus more heavily on the freshwater side. The store also stocks dry goods, equipment, and supplies to get tanks up and running.
What sets The Aquarium apart from big-box competitors is the personal touch. Robbie greets customers warmly, fields phone calls about tank problems, and will special-order items he doesn't have in stock. Multiple reviewers describe him not just as a shopkeeper but as a friend — someone who genuinely cares about animals finding good homes. His willingness to discount animals that need a little extra love, like a bearded dragon missing half its tail, speaks to that ethos.
The shop is small and no-frills. A few reviewers have noted that some tanks could use better upkeep, and it's worth knowing the store is cash only. But for a rural area with limited options, the variety is impressive, with new inventory arriving almost weekly. The fish are generally reported as healthy and quick to adapt to home tanks. For aquarium hobbyists in southern West Virginia, The Aquarium is a genuinely useful resource backed by an owner who takes the time to do things right.
B V Southside Aquarium in Parkersburg, West Virginia is a full-service pet store that lives up to the 'aquarium' in its name while casting a much wider net. The shop stocks a broad selection of freshwater fish — gouramis, mystery snails, and more — alongside clean, well-maintained tanks that reviewers consistently praise. But fish are just the beginning: birds (lovebirds, conures), reptiles, puppies, bunnies, and ball pythons all share floor space, making this a genuine one-stop destination for animal lovers in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
The aquarium side of the business is where the store's roots show. Staff regularly help customers set up new tanks, recommend substrates and cycling products, and walk through care requirements for various freshwater species. The supply selection runs deep enough that longtime hobbyists note finding items here that the big-box chains simply don't carry, often at better prices. Feeders, crickets, and specialty foods round out the inventory for reptile and amphibian keepers.
Nail trims for dogs are another draw, bringing in a steady stream of repeat visitors who appreciate the convenience and friendly handling. Multiple reviewers highlight the store's cleanliness — always a telling sign in a shop housing this many species under one roof — and the staff's willingness to field questions on everything from python feeding schedules to bird behavior.
The experience isn't flawless. A few customers have reported frustrations with the store's 24-hour livestock guarantee and occasional communication lapses, particularly around sick animals. These complaints are worth noting, though they're outnumbered by positive accounts of helpful, patient interactions.
What keeps Parkersburg locals coming back is the combination of variety, fair pricing, and a staff that genuinely engages with customers' questions. It's a community pet shop in the truest sense — the kind of place where you walk in for crickets and leave with a lovebird that, as one buyer put it, makes you wonder how you ever got through life without it.
Exotic Jungle Pet Supply has been a Morgantown institution for roughly 40 years, operating as the kind of sprawling, eclectic pet store that big-box chains simply can't replicate. Walk through the door and you'll find yourself in a space that feels more like a menagerie than a retail shop — tortoises roaming the floor, birds perched in the open, cats lounging between aisles, and room after room of animals and supplies stretching deeper than you'd expect.
The fish department draws hobbyists from across the region, with some customers driving nearly an hour for species they can't find elsewhere. Freshwater enthusiasts will find a solid cichlid selection — including decent-sized specimens — along with bettas, albino plecos, and electric blue rams. One reviewer specifically praised their feeder fish as the best around at fair prices. The store positions itself as the place to go for "fancier fish the big box stores don't have," and the breadth of their livestock generally backs that up.
Staff interactions skew positive — multiple reviewers describe being greeted immediately, having questions answered patiently, and receiving genuine guidance on animal care and supplies. The turtle adoption story stands out: one family called ten different stores and found Exotic Jungle to be the only one that took time to ensure they had the right setup before sending an animal home. The owner has a loyal following and is frequently mentioned as approachable and passionate.
Transparency demands noting that a significant minority of reviews raise serious concerns about animal health and tank cleanliness. Some customers have reported sick fish, dirty enclosures, and declining conditions in the reptile and resident animal areas. These criticisms are worth weighing against the store's long history and large base of satisfied regulars.
For Morgantown-area fishkeepers, Exotic Jungle remains the primary local alternative to chain stores, offering harder-to-find freshwater species, competitive pricing on feeders and insects, and the kind of personal service that comes from a family-run operation with deep roots in the community.
Inland Reef Pet Store in Cross Lanes, West Virginia is a family-owned shop that draws customers from surprisingly far away — some driving nearly two hours to stock their aquariums. The store carries a broad selection of freshwater fish alongside live plants like Java Fern, and supplements its aquatic offerings with an extensive range of exotic pets including reptiles, parakeets, sulcata tortoises, and small mammals.
The fish and aquarium section is the store's anchor. Reviewers consistently praise the variety of fish and aquarium supplies available, noting that the store is clean and well-organized with a floor plan that lets you browse comfortably. Staff members are regularly singled out for their willingness to spend time answering questions, offering setup recommendations, and making sure customers leave with everything they need for a healthy tank. For a region of West Virginia not exactly overflowing with independent fish stores, Inland Reef fills a real gap.
Beyond aquatics, the exotic animal selection is a genuine draw. Visitors describe being amazed by the variety — lizards, snakes, tortoises, and birds are all on display. The staff's knowledge extends across these categories, and reviewers appreciate that the store stocks fewer products known to be harmful to animals compared to big-box chains. Pricing is described as better than fair on most items, with deals that keep loyal customers coming back regularly.
There are caveats worth noting. A few reviewers have reported health concerns with small mammals, particularly guinea pigs, and one buyer received a diseased Java Fern, suggesting the plant stock may warrant a closer inspection before purchase. These issues stand out precisely because much of the store's experience is otherwise positive.
For aquarium hobbyists in the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas, Inland Reef offers a combination of decent freshwater fish selection, knowledgeable staff, and competitive pricing that keeps its loyal customer base loyal — even when the drive is long.
Pet Works in Morgantown, West Virginia is primarily a pet supply store focused on dogs and cats rather than an aquarium or fish shop. Based on extensive customer reviews, the store specializes in natural and premium-brand pet food, treats, toys, and grooming services — particularly their popular self-wash dog bathing stations. While the store maintains a clean, well-organized appearance and carries items like deer antlers, salmon skin treats, harnesses, and ID tags, there is no meaningful mention of fish, aquariums, aquatic livestock, or related equipment in any customer feedback. The store also partners with Homeward Bound, a volunteer rescue organization, to display adoptable cats. Pet Works operates multiple locations including their Suncrest store in Morgantown and a Cheat Lake location with grooming facilities, plus a Fairmont branch. Because this store does not appear to sell fish, aquatic plants, corals, or aquarium supplies, it falls outside the scope of a fish store directory.
