Golden Fish Aquariums

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.