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Pet World & Aqua Shoppe

Pet store · Rochester, NY · reviewed since 2009

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%50+31.8Reliability 28%50+14.1Replies to reviews 8%63+5.2Momentum penalty72−2.8Experts Score= 48Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.48SCORE
CGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#26 of 29 aquarium setup servicesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 11%
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,023 Google reviews · 24 photos
73%five-star reviews
4.39★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
9.4%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
56%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review

Pet World & Aqua Shoppe at a glance

Reviewers highlight the store's extensive inventory of fish, plants, and exotic animals, noting that staff are generally knowledgeable and helpful with customer education. Positive feedback frequently mentions reasonable pricing for aquatic items and long-standing customer loyalty. However, critical reviews cite inconsistent service, including instances of staff inattentiveness, and describe concerns regarding animal welfare, such as dead livestock in tanks, improper reptile housing, and poor in-store cleanliness.

  • Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 1,023 reviews (73% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 1,022 Google reviews (618 with written comments, 35 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 56% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 1, 2026.
  • Service: Aquarium Setup Service serving Rochester, New York.

Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.

Score profile vs other aquarium setup services

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction50Reliability50Craft & service–Value–Momentum72Replies to reviews63Satisfaction: 50 (median 81)Reliability: 50 (median 74)Momentum: 72 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 63 (median 38)
Pet World & Aqua ShoppeAquarium Setup Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Pet World & Aqua Shoppe: 50/100 on this factor. Category median: 81.C
50
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Pet World & Aqua Shoppe: 50/100 on this factor. Category median: 74.C
50
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 62.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Pet World & Aqua Shoppe: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
72
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Pet World & Aqua Shoppe: 63/100 on this factor. Category median: 38.B
63

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

1,022 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars74973%
  • 4 stars17417%
  • 3 stars444%
  • 2 stars162%
  • 1 star394%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 618 written reviews

  • Praise42892%
  • Complaints358%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude30265%
  • Price & value7316%
  • Quality & results337%
  • Would recommend235%
  • Speed & response123%
  • Communication102%
  • Honesty & trust102%

What customers talk about

We read 618 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Always kind and knowledgeable staff and the best aquarium prices I have found.”
    “The Manager "Cory" was extremely arrogant and condescending, with his "all knowing" attitude.”
  • “Friendly, knowledgeable and affordable are a few things that come to mind when I go.”
    “Way over priced.”
  • “Another gentleman, who's name I didn't get, tested my water sample and answered all my questions thoroughly, too.”
    “The Greece location is awful.”
  • “They can also order in if you're looking for something special highly recommend if you're into fish”
    “Definitely would not recommend this aquarium store as they are confused about aquatic life.”
  • “The next day I had to go back with more questions, and he helped me find the right solution again.”
    “Algae on tanks does not immediately scream bad fish store to me, but it does make me question what other corners are being cut, and frankly ensures I…”
  • “He let my daughter/family hold the ferrets and answered all our questions.”
  • “Honestly, I left the store very impressed and going back again as my primary store for anything to do with my aquarium”
    “Its an incredibly shady and irresponsible business practice.”

People customers mention

  • Greece 6 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

BrittLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 days ago★

Poor Customer service the young lady at the counter say there on her phone as I waited at the counter for several minutes.

Craig5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

Have been going here for many years. Always kind and knowledgeable staff and the best aquarium prices I have found.

JessicaLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Just visited here to see their ferrets. My daughter is saving for one and wanted to see what she needs. The staff named Cory was so nice and very helpful. He let my daughter/family hold the ferrets and answered all our questions. He was nice. We are looking forward to getting one when the time is right and will be purchasing from here.

AdeLocal Guide · 27 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Wonderful, knowledgeable staff. I am a fish keeper and they always prioritize their livestock and educate customers on the specific needs of each type of fish. Great place to shop!

JordynnLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Oh. My. Gosh!!!! Best fish place in our region (we drove over an hour to get here)!!!! So worth it!!!! Corey and Cory were phenomenal!!! So helpful and knowledgeable. I left feeling so confident over my tank thanks to their knowledge and help!!!! If you have any size aquarium this is the place to go. Tanks were…

MaryellenLocal Guide · 62 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★

Better for fish and fish needs than dogs and cats. But friendly staff and helpful. Prices are reasonable.

Photos

Customer reviews

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,023 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Britt BenjaminLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Britt has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Poor Customer service the young lady at the counter say there on her phone as I waited at the counter for several minutes.

Response from the owner · 2 days ago

We're so sorry. We'll certainly be having a conversation about your review. Jim

Gordon5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gordon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Grate customer service

Response from the owner · 5 days ago

Thanks so much for taking the time to give our staff a great review!

Natalie Cihan3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Natalie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Good selection of fish and puppy treats!

Response from the owner · a week ago

Thanks so much for taking the time to give us a great review!

Craig Hauschild5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Craig has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Have been going here for many years. Always kind and knowledgeable staff and the best aquarium prices I have found.

Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thanks so much for your kind comments!

Brian BussomLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Brian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Friendly and helpful staff.

Jessica DmcLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jessica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Just visited here to see their ferrets. My daughter is saving for one and wanted to see what she needs. The staff named Cory was so nice and very helpful. He let my daughter/family hold the ferrets and answered all our questions. He was nice. We are looking forward to getting one when the time is right and will be purchasing from here.

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thanks for the good comments. We'll be here to help when the time is right!

AdeLocal Guide · 27 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ade has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Wonderful, knowledgeable staff. I am a fish keeper and they always prioritize their livestock and educate customers on the specific needs of each type of fish. Great place to shop!

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thanks so much for your kind words!

Jordynn UtterLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jordynn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Oh. My. Gosh!!!! Best fish place in our region (we drove over an hour to get here)!!!! So worth it!!!! Corey and Cory were phenomenal!!! So helpful and knowledgeable. I left feeling so confident over my tank thanks to their knowledge and help!!!! If you have any size aquarium this is the place to go. Tanks were clean and fish/plants so healthy!!! Thanks again guys and we look forward to returning and growing our aquariums with you (them, the store)!

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thanks so much for the very kind comments! 54 years and counting here as a local fish store.

Maryellen CramerLocal Guide · 62 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Maryellen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Better for fish and fish needs than dogs and cats. But friendly staff and helpful. Prices are reasonable.

Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thanks for the review! And yes, you're right, we're heavy fish people :)

Lori M. LameyLocal Guide · 259 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lori has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

These people care... It's just that simple.

Response from the owner · 5 years ago

Thank you for your review! We appreciate your kind words!

Pet World & Aqua Shoppe on Google Maps →

Business details