Exotic fish and reptiles for sale in downtown Twin Falls

Exotic Guppy is a fantastic mix of fish and reptiles tucked along Main Avenue South in Twin Falls.

Richard Logan and his son, Louie, have been running the shop for decades and are filled to the brim with knowledge about their trade.

The Times-News took a moment and sat down with the shop owners and learned a little bit more about what it takes to run Exotic Guppy.

Editors note: Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Times-News: How did Exotic Guppy get started?

Exotic Guppy: I (Richard Logan) always had freshwater saltwater reptiles and mammals, so in early 1995 when the company I worked for changed hands, I started this. Louis was 5-years-old.

TN: How long have you been downtown?

EG: Twenty-nine years. We opened on St. Pattie’s Day. This St. Patties will start year 30.

TN: What’s the best part of coming to work every day?

EG: Just talking to the customers and showing them what works the best for us as compared to some current fads that may be harder and more expensive for them.

TN: How do you determine what breeds or species to carry?

EG: We mostly choose freshwater saltwater reptiles on ease of care, soft water fish aren’t gonna be compatible to our water sources. Some reptiles only eat snails, frogs, and lizards. We feed them crickets, salads, rodents etc.

TN: What are some things customers should know when adopting a reptile?

EG: We usually walk them through care and equipment with all animals as almost all ours are tropical, meaning they need heat around 80° or above for the desert reptiles.

TN: What should customers expect when purchasing their first fish? What will they need to get going?

EG: There is only about two types of internal filtration (not a starter kit) works best and costs less. The strongest starter fluid (good guy bacteria) at proper temperature. A couple or a few fish can be added from day one, fed sparingly. This will “cycle” the tank rapidly.

TN: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?

EG: Pets make our lives more fun and entertaining to be at home certain techniques, make it less time-consuming, and easier than our four-legged friends.