About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Dry GoodsAquarium EquipmentFish FoodInvertebrates
- Services
- Tank SetupConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Wide selection of freshwater fish including gouramis and mystery snails in well-maintained tanks
- Full pet store with birds, reptiles, puppies, and small animals beyond just fish
- Staff assists with new aquarium setup and freshwater care advice
- Consistently praised for store cleanliness across animal sections
- Dog nail trimming services available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We have had great experience with BV Southside Aquarium. Everytime I go in there, I buy a dog. I have bought two shitzus, a boston terrior, and a Morky. I love my dogs .”
— Diana Vannoy5.0a week ago“Nice pet store, great and frendly staff, and good selection of pet supplies”
— anthony lewis5.0Edited 3 months ago“Very nice place and the people are helpful too”
— Amanda Mccullough5.04 months ago“Good store for pet needs”
— Gary Estep5.0Edited 4 months ago“Everytime I go there they are always so helpful and nice and the place is always clean”
— Country “wvcountrygirl1981” Gal815.05 months ago“These guys recommended instant cycle bags for my 10 gallon fish tank and told me to put my fish in there after I put the bags of substrate in there and told me i cpuld immediately put my fish in there so I did and guess what? My fish is now deceased, BV aquarium that fish was my friend and meant alot to me and I loved him so much and now I don't have him anymore,I'm so hurt right now words can't even describe how sad I feel about the death of my fish and taking your recommendations and relying on your advice to assure me everything was going to be ok. Thanks for letting my best friend pass away because of your negligent knowledge, youll never have my business again!!!!!”
— Tristan1.09 months ago“Real nice and loving staff”
— Linda Markley5.010 months ago“This place has just about anything and everything you could imagine when it comes to fish and fish supplies with plenty of knowledge as well if needed on any pet or pets you may want or need among other things like crickets for the reptile owners as well so take a look around they can help you with whatever you're looking for or need”
— Timothy Young5.0Edited 11 months ago“Great group of people. Have a huge selection of.. well.. everything.. I highly recommend!”
— W Richards5.0a year ago“Super cute little shop that's got everything you need”
— Brandie Yoder5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (304) 485-1293 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting B V Southside Aquarium.