About
Alaska Coral & Fish stands as Anchorage's go-to tropical fish shop, carrying an impressive range of both freshwater and saltwater livestock that's remarkable for a store this far north. The selection runs deep — from chili rasboras and Bolivian rams to glass catfish, Congo tetras, and axolotls on the freshwater side, while the saltwater section features lionfish, urchins, anemones, and a rotating coral inventory. Guppy and shrimp enthusiasts will find particularly strong selections, and the aquatic plant offerings draw repeat customers who build planted tanks.
What sets this store apart is its willingness to go the extra mile — literally. Staff have been known to deliver fish to the airport for traveling customers, and they ship livestock via Alaska Airlines to remote communities like Bethel, making them a lifeline for hobbyists across a state where most fish stores simply don't exist. Their packaging for long-distance transport is meticulous: individually bagged corals, thermal wrapping, insulated boxes, and cushioning that ensures urchin spines don't puncture bags.
One Fairbanks customer reported a lionfish and multiple invertebrates arriving thriving after the long drive home. The store doubles as a full aquarium supply shop with equipment, accessories, and a gently used equipment section that regulars appreciate. Staff members like Jayden and Cody are frequently praised by name, and the owner is a visible, hands-on presence.
Multiple reviewers note that employees are clearly hobbyists themselves, offering practical setup advice for first-time tank owners. The store operates on a limited schedule — closed Monday through Wednesday — so plan accordingly. While a few reviewers have noted inconsistencies in the saltwater section's inventory and occasional service hiccups, the overwhelming consensus across nearly 400 reviews is that this is the best fish store in Alaska.
For Anchorage aquarists and anyone passing through the state, it's a destination worth building a trip around.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- CoralsLive PlantsInvertebratesShrimpAnemonesBettasAxolotlsRare Species
- Services
- DeliveryShips FishConsultation
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterSaltwater
Highlights
What makes them special
- Ships live fish via Alaska Airlines to remote Alaskan communities
- Strong freshwater and saltwater selection including lionfish, axolotls, glass catfish, and shrimp
- Meticulous livestock packaging for long-distance transport with thermal insulation
- Gently used equipment section for budget-conscious hobbyists
- Robust coral and anemone inventory with regular new shipments
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing man with stellar customer service goes the extra mile for his customers literally as he dropped fish off at the airport when I got stuck in line. All on his day off. Thank you Tim”
— Cormac Sookram5.0a month ago“Nice staff and lots of different things”
— Ron Lane5.0a month ago“Good prices and very good place to get sea animals. Only bad thing is that they are closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.”
— Maxwell Theulen4.0a month ago“Incredible eligible and friendly”
— Andrew S5.02 months ago“Great place to look and purchase fish or anything you need to add to your fish tank. They’re very welcoming and helpful should u have questions or just looking for additions.”
— Shatay Jasmine Kauhaahaa4.03 months ago“Extremely kind and knowledgeable. One of the best selections of fish I've ever seen. Will be going here regularly from now on.”
— Daniel Schaeffer5.03 months ago“The first words out of my mouth upon leaving this place were “wow, what a great experience!”. The employees and owner were all so personable, kind and knowledgeable, the place was packed but they still made time for us. They had exactly what we were looking for (and more), and they have an awesome gently used equipment section. All the livestock looked healthy and well cared for. Everything was reasonably priced. Will absolutely be coming back, specifically for those otherworldly glass catfish!!! 🐟💕”
— Rebecca Friedman5.03 months ago“An amazing place 2 go and explore and buy fresh water fish as well as salt water fish and every thing u will need 2 start u a tank as well and the staff are amazing people and know what u need 2 start your aquariums”
— Michael Gardner5.0Edited 4 months ago“Super selection of fish both fresh and salt water and if you’re looking for aquatic plants this is your spot! Actually it’s a one stop shop!”
— Tracy Gilland5.04 months ago“Amazing shrimp, plant, fish, and especially guppy selection! Tanks are well taken care of and the people there are fantastic.”
— Silvija Dz5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (907) 929-8335 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Alaska Coral & Fish.