About
Tucked into a Lakewood storefront one block east of Wadsworth, Golden Fish Aquariums has been a quiet institution for Denver-area fishkeepers for two decades. Owner Julie runs the shop with a hands-on intensity that has earned fierce loyalty—customers drive from as far as Colorado Springs specifically for her cichlid selection, and longtime patrons who started shopping when the store was on Alameda have followed her to the current location. The freshwater selection is the main draw.
Cichlids are a standout, from African varieties to Cuban cichlids, and Julie's knowledge of their temperaments and compatibility is something reviewers mention again and again. Discus lovers will find specimens here at prices that undercut competitors by half—a significant savings for a fish that routinely commands premium prices. Fancy goldfish, including Orandas, rotate through regularly, and the koi selection draws its own devoted following.
Angelfish setups, Panda Corys, and shrimp round out an inventory that covers serious community tanks and species-specific obsessions alike. What sets Golden Fish apart from chain stores is Julie's consultative approach. She'll walk a first-time cichlid keeper through stocking choices, predict how fish will interact, and send customers home with detailed care instructions—sometimes so much information they have to take notes on their phones.
Multiple reviewers report that fish purchased here outlast anything they've bought from PetSmart or Petco, a testament to the health of her stock and the quality of her advice. The store itself is clean and compact, with well-maintained tanks and new inventory arriving around the first of each month. Hours run noon to five, so plan accordingly.
Some visitors have noted inconsistencies with pricing and occasional friction, but the overwhelming consensus across hundreds of reviews is that Julie's expertise and the health of her fish make the trip worthwhile. For freshwater tropical fish in the greater Denver area, Golden Fish Aquariums is a destination worth the drive.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Discus priced at roughly half of competing stores
- One of the best cichlid selections in the Denver metro area
- Rotating inventory of fancy goldfish including Orandas
- Owner Julie offers detailed, consultative fish care guidance
- Koi available at competitive prices
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I love the selection of fish she has. Very nice lady. Just don't make her mad. Lol”
— mike everett5.06 months ago“7/20/2025 A wonderful shop but unfortunately it appears that they are out of business. Hopefully they are just relocating but there's no information on the door or windows and there's no fish tanks in the store. 😕”
— Dave Berscheid5.06 months ago“This place has a great selection of Koi at really good price like the store very much recommend it highly”
— James Buckley5.07 months ago“Drove down here, open sign on. Door locked no answer on phone....”
— Harley Cross1.08 months ago“The owner is kind and very knowledgeable. She always has answers or recommendations when asked. I started my freshwater aquarium about a year ago and every fish I purchased from her is still alive. I went to PetSmart once for some Panda Corys because they were closer on my errand run but 4 of the 5 died within 2 days. I highly recommend this store!”
— Justin Machain5.08 months ago“Very Nice Place 👌 The service was Great they have different varieties of fish”
— Stanitra Wright5.010 months ago“We love the fish lady!”
— Jessie J5.010 months ago“Very friendly extremely knowledgeable and teaching us how to keep our tanks healthy”
— alisa toland5.010 months ago“An amazing selection of fish. All very well cared for.”
— Kevin Brown5.010 months ago“Great selection. Friendly, helpful owner. Good prices. I found Discus here for half the price I found at another store! Which is a lot if you know how much those are...I will return!”
— Michaela Black5.011 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (303) 936-5966 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Golden Fish Aquariums.