About
Colonial Pet Shoppe has anchored Manitowoc's local pet scene for years, a family-run shop that holds its own against the big-box chains with a personal touch corporate stores can't replicate. For aquarium keepers, the draw is the wall of tanks near the front: a rotating selection of freshwater tropical fish for sale in Manitowoc, WI, alongside some saltwater fish and the occasional specialty order. Goldfish varieties like shubunkins, snails, and other invertebrates round out the community-tank options, and puffer fish turn up often enough that the shop will special-order them for regulars who ask.
What keeps freshwater hobbyists coming back is the staff. One reviewer dropped in a few times to buy freshwater fish and left praising a relaxed, genuinely happy employee — dark lipstick, solid advice — who walked her through everything from stocking a new tank to water chemistry. Maddie earns repeat shout-outs for being "nice and caring" every visit, and recent customers describe the team as knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with questions from first-time keepers and seasoned hobbyists alike.
Fish are only part of the story. Colonial is a proper neighborhood pet store, with birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles, and small mammals filling the cages, plus live feeder mice and crickets that ball-python and bearded-dragon owners say are healthier and better priced than the chains'. On the supply side you'll find premium food like Royal Canin and special ordering when something isn't in stock.
The layout is clean and well-organized, easy to browse, and most visitors admit they can't make it to the register without stopping to say hi to every animal. For Manitowoc aquarium and reptile keepers who want a local alternative with more live variety than the big stores, this fish store offers livestock, feeders, and the kind of in-person advice that makes it a favorite aquarium store for the area's freshwater hobbyists.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Colonial Pet Shoppe in Manitowoc, WI
Colonial Pet Shoppe stocks goldfish, pufferfish, invertebrates and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Manitowoc, WI. As an aquarium store serving Manitowoc, WI, it also carries fish food and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-run Manitowoc pet shop with a long local history and a strong freshwater fish selection
- Rotating freshwater tropicals plus some saltwater fish; shubunkins, snails, and special-order puffers
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff (Maddie among them) who advise on tank stocking and water chemistry
- Best-in-town live feeder mice and crickets for reptile and snake owners
- Premium pet food like Royal Canin with special-order service
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very helpful well informed staff”
— Theresa Prucha5.03 days ago“Healthy animals -- birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish ‐- and helpful staff.”
— Lori Koschnick5.0a month ago“Maddie is alway verry nice and caring everytime we come in for this ive change my review thank you for being so caring”
— Javier Gonzalez (Hard Fighters)5.0Edited a month ago“Very knowledgeable friendly young lady that answered a lot of questions for us.”
— Ashley5.0Edited 2 months ago“Best pet shop in the city. Great customer service”
— Blaze5.02 months ago“I have gone to Colonial Pet Shoppe to buy freshwater fish a few times. I wish I had taken note of the name of the lady who helped me last time - she was informative and relaxed. I got the sense that she genuinely likes her job and was happy to help me. You’ll know her if you ever deal with her, she had dark lipstick and provided some solid advice on everything from stocking your tank to water chemistry. Will be going back again! :)”
— Kate Bassuener5.03 months ago“Colonial Pet Shoppe is a standout local business! From their impressive selection of premium pet supplies like Royal Canin to their well-organized store layout, it's clear they prioritize quality for every pet owner. As a digital marketer, I see immense potential for this brand to grow even further through community engagement. A must-visit for anyone in Manitowoc looking for top-tier products and friendly service!”
— Arafatul Islam Saon5.02 weeks ago“Cute little pet shop, lots of o cute animals and great prices.”
— Cassandra Kunz5.0a month ago“I’m still giving him a five star review, even though I’m really upset because an employee from the store stepped on my toes. There was three puffer fish on hold and the person was supposed to pick them up Saturday. I gave that person the opportunity the full day to pick them up found out Sunday they were closed. I specifically told the people that were working the day that I was there when I saw the three fish on hold and I had the money to buy them right then and there and I was ready to they told me they couldn’t sell them to me because they were on hold they were special ordered I told him can I pay for them and if the person doesn’t pick them up, I’ll come get them right away they said they don’t do that. I said that’s fine. Well, I want you guys to know that I’m coming to grab these as soon as the hold is picked up well one of the employees turned around and stepped on. My toes bought one of the fish that I wanted. I came Monday night to pick them up only to find out that there was only two left. I Which don’t get me wrong I’m grateful for the two that were left, but the employee knew I was coming for them and she still decided to purchase one even though I offered to pay for them in advance so that they wouldn’t get sold on me honestly I retract my five star. I’m going to place a one star review because this is really upsetting. 5 star fish but what that empolyee did to me really up set me”
— Javier Gonzalez (Hard Fighters)1.0a month ago“My local favorite petshoppe 💯👍”
— Gabriel 5555.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (920) 682-0713 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Colonial Pet Shoppe.