A Fish Store — Local services in Pensacola

I love this shop, they helped me get into aquascaping, and have continued to earn my business. I could do a review like so many other positive ones here, but instead I'd like to address the very few negative reviews I have seen.

This is a specialty fish shop. They cater to aquascaping and higher end freshwater setups. That being said, I went in there completely ignorant of the hobby. My first visit was to buy a filter for my wife, but now have several planted tanks of my own. (The wife still only does plastic "plants")

The owner Dale is very knowledgeable but not a salesman. He will answer any of your questions, but is not much for small talk, nor is he the type to try to talk you into a purchase. If you're needing someone who is more socially outgoing, then wait for a day Alyssa is working.

There are a few very well scaped tanks in the shop, which is what sparked my interest in aquascaping. The rest are setup to hold the fish just long enough for a customer to come in, select them, and take them home. Which is exactly what happens, leading to the next point.

Stock variety and quantity can vary at times because their regular customers know they have high quality fish and shrimp. The owners appear to order just enough fish based on this. They get new stock in regularly. If you want to know what they'll have in before you go, sign up for their emailed newsletter and you'll get a list of what new fish have arrived each week, then give them a call before going to confirm they still have what you want on hand.

I've had very mixed results from bigger pet shops, but all the fish and plants I have purchased from Dale or Alyssa have been very healthy. Prices reflect this. Maybe the big box stores will refund for sick/dead fish, but to me the difference in cost is not worth the risk of bringing an unhealthy fish into a...

After the fish store by the airport closed its doors, Pensacola was lacking in an independently owned, good, fish store. I'm sad I didn't know until this year that A Fish Store opened. First thing that hit me when I walked in - look how clean and clear the stock tanks are. Nothing dead - healthy fish. Just so clean. Fish and plants - I've only been in a few times, but I've never seen anything sickly or "sad". If they get a shipment of fish where a group just hasn't bounced back from shipping, they have no qualms about holding them from sale until they are the normal healthy fish you see in their store. Need help figuring out what plants might work in your setup - just ask and you will leave knowing tons more. They are happy to answer questions online or in person to help with tank issues. They carry quality products for tanks (UNS) and supplies. Like anywhere, sometimes the bins for hard scape are scarce, but the weekly newsletter or facebook updates let you know when they get new things in. Their planted tanks - can we say tank envy! I seriously want to just empty out my tank, bring it over and sit it on the counter and have them help me set it up. They know their stuff. They sell quality equipment. They have a different variety of healthy fish. Prices may be a bit higher (not crazy), but I expect that in an independent store and honestly, I'd rather pay a little more for my fish to get healthy ones and not have to return dead ones. I wish I'd known they were around before I set up my last tank as I'm sure I'd have had better luck with their advice...

My first time in A fish store very clean and helpful! Purchased 12 community tropical fish to be placed in same 50 gallon tank which has been up and running for over 8 months and already has 6 fish in it and doing well. Also purchased a live plant for the tank. Total was well over 100.oo out of the 12 fish purchased 2 of the exact same fish had died immediately that night. Took a water sample in but completely my fault did not bring enough in to test for all that could have caused this issue. After this the owner informed me they do not reimburse over 14.oo and some odd cents which was the cost of each of the 2 fish that died. I guess they only cover the cheaper fish ?The other owner was also there and he was the gentleman that helped me purchase the fish just the day before. I understand the water sample I do but to purchase 12 r fish. How easy would it be to find fault in any water sample I brought in? All other fish I bought are doing well ..but at the cost I paid and you could not ask to even substitute another fish etc. Bad business I won't...