Store of the Month – November 2022

Tails and Scales

3466 Dundas St West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S-2S1

416-766-7387

https://tailsandscales.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tailsandscales.toronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailsandscales.ca/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandscalestoronto

We are excited to feature Tails and Scales in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as our November store of the month. What started as a reptile specialty shop in 2009 at its original location has now become a fish and reptile store and destination for live plant enthusiasts of all varieties.

As the store grew, owner Nelson moved to their current location in December 2014.  The store continues to grow and evolve with the reptile and fish hobby and industry.  The newest industry trends are evident in store including Paludariums, and Bioactive and live planted setups (which are always on display and recommended to clients).  Tails and Scales is a destination for hobbyists looking for rare and unusual reptiles, amphibians, live plants (aquatic, terrarium, carnivorous, house), and aquarium fish. Mexican conehead lizards, Zebra skinks, Fiji Iguanas, and Monkey Tail Skinks are some of the neat species you will find in the store.

A huge variety of feeders are available: crickets are always available in multiple sizes, waxworms, mealworms, superworms, silkworms, hornworms, and black soldier fly larvae, frozen and live mice and rats, quail, chicks, and rabbits are sold to fulfill any pet reptile’s dietary requirements. Other unusual feeder items that are sold include Peanut beetles, Confused Flour beetles, and two varieties of fruit flies.  Bioactive insects like 20+ different isopod species and three types of springtails, are always available for purchase as well.

Owner of Tails and Scales, Nelson Cardoso has been keeping and breeding reptiles since he was a kid and has always had a passion and love for all animals.  While a bearded dragon was his first pet reptile, Uromastyx, specifically, Red Banded Uromastyx (Uromastyx disparflavifasciata) are now his favorite species due to their personality and appearance.

Inspiration for opening Tails and Scales started as a reptile breeding business that grew until he decided to open Scales and Tails in his hometown of Toronto. For Nelson, monitor lizards are the best and most difficult to work with due to their size and intelligence. He plans on possibly opening another location in the future while continuing to focus on fish, reptiles, and live plants.  Outside of his work life, Nelson is a family man and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, enjoying quality time and good food.

Another long-term employee on the team is Harold Slater. Harold has lived inToronto for a long time and specializes in Aquatics and Reptiles, including live plants of all varieties.  Harold has worked in the pet industry his entire life and brings his wealth of knowledge and passion to Tails and Scales as they continue to expand their live plant department.  Amphibians are one of his favorites to work with due to the sensitivity and beauty of their environment.  Growing up, Harold owned many pets, including dogs, cats, small animals, birds, and many species of fish that he bred.  His favorite pet growing up was “Magic the Mynah bird,” who had a vocabulary of over 200 words.  Frog-eyed geckos and golden spiny-tailed geckos are some of his favorite reptiles.  Harold also loves cats and works with a local cat rescue.  When he is away from work, Harold is an avid cottager and enjoys all the wonderful sights of Ontario with each season.  He also enjoys photography in his free time.

With their passionate and knowledgeable team, it’s easy to see why Tails and Scales is a Zoo Med Preferred dealer. They carry a huge variety of dry goods products, and when it comes to heat bulbs, UVB bulbs and fixtures, glass terrariums, heat-related items, canned and dried foods, supplements, cage decorations, and substrates, customers can find a large variety of quality Zoo Med products to suit everyone’s needs, from beginners to expert hobbyist alike.  Shipping is available Canada-wide for products, live plants, and animals.  Check out their website for shipping details.

The staff at Tails and Scales are very knowledgeable and passionate hobbyists that keep and breed reptiles, live plants, and fish at home and, therefore, can offer excellent customer service to their loyal clients.  The newest Zoo Med items are always in stock and on display in their display terrariums throughout the store.  From beginners to expert hobbyists, one can find everything they need for their pets.  Tails and Scales uses and recommends Zoo Med products.

Whether you are a Toronto resident or visiting the city, be sure to visit Tails and Scales and check out all of their amazing staff members, products, display terrariums, animals, and plants.  Tails and Scales is truly an amazing destination for anyone that has a love and passion for fish, reptiles, and live plants.