About
Tucked near University Mall on Anchorage's south side, AquAlaska Aquariums has quickly become a destination for freshwater fishkeepers across the state. Owner Chris and his team have built something remarkable — a shop where the livestock is impeccably healthy, the plant selection rivals anything you'd find in the lower 48, and the personal attention borders on extraordinary. One customer recounts walking in with a sick fish and leaving with a custom-mixed medication Chris made from scratch, free of charge.
That kind of care defines the AquAlaska experience. The freshwater selection is strikingly diverse for an Alaska shop. Reviewers rave about cichlids, hybrid cichlids, community oddball fish, and rare species they've never encountered at any other store.
The plant inventory reads like a planted-tank enthusiast's wish list — Crypt Spiralis, Red Tiger Lotus, Madagascar Lace, Hydrocotyle Japan, Jungle Vallisneria, and Cardinal Plant have all been spotted on the shelves. Shrimp keepers will find Amano shrimp and Blue Diamond Neocaridina, and the store also stocks snails alongside their fish. What sets AquAlaska apart is its willingness to source specific animals.
Chris ordered particular fancy goldfish varieties for one customer, quarantining them until they were confirmed healthy before pickup. He's also shipped fish via cargo plane from Anchorage to Fairbanks, complete with thorough communication throughout the process — a lifeline for Alaska hobbyists far from the road system. The store atmosphere feels less like retail and more like visiting a fellow hobbyist's fish room.
Chris walks customers through every tank, shares his plans, and genuinely listens to what people want so he can build inventory around community demand. For freshwater enthusiasts anywhere in Alaska — from the Kenai Peninsula to Fairbanks — AquAlaska delivers the selection, the expertise, and the heart that the hobby deserves.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Live PlantsRare SpeciesCichlidsShrimpPlanted TanksGoldfishInvertebratesLivebearersMedications
- Services
- Ships FishConsultationCustom TanksDelivery
- Specializes in
- Freshwater
Highlights
What makes them special
- Ships fish statewide via cargo plane, including Anchorage to Fairbanks
- Extensive rare freshwater species selection unusual for Alaska
- Diverse live plant inventory including Madagascar Lace, Red Tiger Lotus, and Crypt Spiralis
- Owner creates custom fish medications and offers free advice
- Will source and quarantine specific fish varieties on request
From keepers
Customer reviews
“What a gem! Their personal attention and informative service are outstanding. The Aqualaska team patiently educates in all things aquarium. They are wonderful local business!”
— McMahon Clan5.06 days ago“Great experience! Always has what I need and knowledgeable of his fish. I securely Recommend and highly suggest.”
— Aurora Amorette Bailey5.02 weeks ago“The guy running the shop is super cool and very knowledgeable about the hobby. I stopped in just to poke around but man was I impressed. I'll definitely be back again, but next time im leaving with fish lol”
— Joseph Biondich5.03 weeks ago“I went there looking for fancy goldfish and the owner helped me get everything i needed for them, ordered the specific kind I wanted and made sure they were healthy before having me take them home. He’s very kind and he gives good service.”
— Leah Nichols5.03 weeks ago“Most recommended place to get your aquarium fish and accessories. Very polite and accommodating staff. I surely buy from them again😊”
— Lee Ann Tadeo5.04 weeks ago“I can’t say enough good things about this company!! In store they have a great selection of rare fish but also affordable common fish. Their fish are very healthy and the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about fish keeping. To top it off, they went above and beyond to ship me fish from Anchorage to Fairbanks via cargo plane with amazing communication. We will definitely be back!”
— Sonja Kuhta5.04 weeks ago“Very experienced and some really cool fish”
— Reece Burnett5.04 weeks ago“Owner has very non-beginner friendly niche experience in the hobby. He offers subpar plants he doesn't know how to properly grow claiming to be "a high tech plant hobbiest" while failing to get the full colour out of low tech plants. Selling fish that should be at a 1M 3F ratio as pairs for 200 (platinum lyretaile platies for 400 for proper ratio at his price) meanwhile standard market for those is 20 to 25 anywhere else. Not to mention bragging about inbreeding flowerhorns and viejas because he gets more money for deforming them to a "dwarf" size. If you are getting into the hobby, don't come here, if you're rich and don't have morals, come right in.”
— Shae Satterfield1.0a month ago“I came into the store in hopes of helping a sick fish in my home tank. The owner quickly stepped up to help immediately after I walked through the door. After explaining the health issues of the fish he proceeded to create a targeted medicine from scratch to attempt to alleviate the issue (It worked). After he completed creating the medicine I asked how much I owed him and he gave me the medicine free of charge. The owner truly cares about the fish in his care and helping his customers.”
— Kyle Stultz5.0a month ago“Very knowledgeable and helpful”
— Alec W.5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (907) 406-5115 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting AquAlaska Aquariums.