About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Five separate rooms of fish tanks with one of the largest aquarium selections in southern West Virginia
- Stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish plus pond fish and aquatic plants
- Sells used aquarium equipment at reasonable prices
- Wide variety of animals beyond fish including reptiles, birds, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and small mammals
- Long-standing local business with loyal customers who drive hours to visit
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Some of nicest people extremely informative and great with kids. They all make you feel at home. Enjoy every moment we go there. Told us a lot about our bearded dragon. Fair priced extremely organized, clean and helpful. Beautiful fish, snakes,lizards and anything else you need for your pet. Always open and ready to work hard to provide top notch care for our pets. I have to say from my experience most of the 1 star reviews have to be from Karen or opponent reviews. I have not seen any of the complaints to be true. I rebuild motorcycle carbs and tune them so I know great customer service when I see it.”
— Jason Kissee5.0a week ago“Very Friendly service 😀 clean and organized we had a great time looking around! 😊”
— Nicky Kidd5.0a month ago“They have everything you need and all kinds of things you want”
— arthur justus5.03 months ago“Absolutely went down hill and extremely rude this time around their birds r all shoved in small cages covered in feces their snakes have no humidity to actually be able to breathe hints r they r sick,all have horrible sheds they r unhealthy u can tell no hides nothing, all dirty, not to mention owner is just smoking constantly around these reptiles (and me when I was there and obviously pregnant too) which is extremely toxic they need to be be rescued not BOUGHT they probably wont last long at all in this health conditions, all very sad environment for a ton of their animals animal control needs to come do a review Worst pest store around Mercer and near just go to Snook’s or ur local breeders”
— CyberWolfDragon1.03 months ago“As always very friendly and helpful”
— John Browder4.04 months ago“Love this place! They always have a killer selection, and the friendliest people. Thank you!”
— Devin Hamden5.07 months ago“A great place for all your pet needs”
— Destiny Feathers5.07 months ago“This was my first time visiting this place and I absolutely loved it!! I went for pond fish and pond plants and left with so much more lol the people was very knowledgeable and helpful, I would recommend this place to anyone because they had a lil bit of everything!”
— Nicole Dotson5.08 months ago“I used to really like this store and supported it regularly. I own four different reptiles and have spent thousands of dollars here over time, always coming in for food and supplies. But after my recent experience, I won’t be shopping here again. I called to check the price of super worms — not even for myself, but for a friend, because I couldn’t remember it off the top of my head — and was simply told, “We don’t do that here.” I’ve seen the owner explain that they don’t give prices over the phone because it’s a hassle for a small store, and I respected that — until I realized the staff member I spoke to clearly knew the price, but still refused to share it. If you already know the answer, why not just say it? That kind of customer service, especially toward someone who’s been so loyal, is frustrating and disappointing. I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.”
— Crayton Bailey1.09 months ago“Don’t buy pets near cause they will never let you hold any pets and there’s a mean lady does not like to not like to pick up hamsters”
— Hunter Cooper1.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (304) 487-0742 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Personal Touch The Fish Superstore.