About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned store drawing customers from nearly 2 hours away for freshwater fish
- Wide selection of exotic animals including reptiles, tortoises, and birds
- Knowledgeable staff who take time to answer questions and offer recommendations
- Competitive pricing on pets and supplies
- Clean, well-organized store with an easy-to-navigate layout
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I’ve been in a few times the state of the animals is kind of sad most of their mammals like guinea pigs and mice have mites and when the weather got bad and I asked if they could take two Guinea pigs they rudely refused and claimed they did not take in animals when in the past they did on top of that most other animal care facilities pointed us into their direction. quite a shame this is how animals are handled, and these other people handling them”
— William Wilkinson1.0a week ago“They guinea pigs have mites on them and when I called them about it, they told me that I can bring it back and if it survives, I can have it back”
— Caliyah Adams1.0a week ago“The staff here are amazing and friendly. As for the animal care in the store, the conditions that some of their animals live in is unhealthy and cruel. I was inspired to write this review after purchasing a Java Fern from their store and it came with (Microsorum pteropus) galls/disease. From my research, it would mean that every java fern they sell also has this disease. So if you are going to buy a plant, I wouldn't do it from here.”
— Kingle051.0a month ago“Favorite pet store we have been to, we drive almost 2 hours to buy fish, staff is so sweet and helpful our fish are always healthy 😊”
— Jess Simons5.0a month ago“The staff was so knowledgeable”
— Kim Nibert5.02 months ago“Good selection, few products bad for animals (which is great considering that most chain pet stores are mostly stuff bad for animals) only complaint is that they clip their parakeets wings. Yes it is temporary but it's still pretty sad. The staff are knowledgeable about their animals, and they also have a bug selection of reptiles to choose from. Prices are better than fair on most items. Liked the baby sulcata tortoises (but do not get one unless you know what you're doing they're tiny now but will be a hundred times larger in 10 years)”
— Madeline P4.02 months ago“I went inside with my friends, and I was amazed at the variety of exotic animals...fun to look at but I need to gather my wits about me to hold a lizard. Never say never...I'm working on this. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and very professional. The floor plan allows one to walk freely.”
— Teresa Milano5.02 months ago“The staff were incredibly friendly and genuinely helpful—they took the time to answer all my questions, offer recommendations, and make sure I had everything I needed for my aquarium. You can tell they really care about both the customers and the animals. The store was clean, well-stocked, and had a great selection of fish and supplies. Highly recommend!”
— Chris Cook5.02 months ago“Fast, friendly service.”
— Kenny Groves5.03 months ago“Low prices for the pets”
— Larry Bostic5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (304) 204-6000 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Inland Reef Pet Store.