About
Tucked into a small strip mall on North Avenue, Big Fish Aquarium has quickly become one of Chicago's most talked-about aquarium shops. The space is compact — reviewers consistently note it's on the smaller side — but the density of quality livestock packed into those well-maintained tanks is remarkable. Freshwater and saltwater fish swim in clean, organized displays alongside a solid coral selection and vibrant live plants that customers describe as genuinely healthy.
The staff, particularly employees named Zach and Eddie, earn frequent praise for their patience and willingness to walk customers through everything from tank cycling to species compatibility. One customer recounted purchasing a complete aquarium setup after an extensive conversation with Eddie, and two months later had over 40 fish thriving in the tank — a testament to the quality of guidance offered here. Another shopper highlighted a thriving 12-gallon betta tank built entirely with Big Fish's help.
Beyond retail, Big Fish provides in-home aquarium maintenance services across the Chicago area. A downtown school brought them in to deep-clean a turtle aquarium and praised the flexibility in scheduling and the quality of the work. Multiple customers confirm that their tank cleaning service delivers impressive results, even if the shop is still refining its scheduling and communication processes.
Pricing draws mostly positive remarks. Neocaridina shrimp are competitively priced, and several reviewers mention fair prices on fish across the board, though at least one noted costs run higher than chain pet stores. The shop also offers a membership program that provides additional perks for regular hobbyists.
Big Fish stocks crabs, invertebrates, and hard-to-find species that draw customers from over an hour away. The store's passion is palpable — from the carefully curated livestock to the staff's genuine enthusiasm for helping people succeed in the hobby. For Chicago aquarists looking for a neighborhood shop with real expertise and healthy stock, Big Fish Aquarium delivers.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive selection of healthy freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, and live plants
- In-home tank cleaning and maintenance services across Chicago
- Knowledgeable staff — Zach and Eddie frequently praised for patience and expertise
- Competitively priced neocaridina shrimp and hard-to-find species
- Membership program with perks for regular hobbyists
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Always a great experience. Zach is helpful, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. Excellent selection of healthy fish, plants, and aquatic supplies. Truly a hidden gem in Chicago!”
— Erin Ferguson5.05 days ago“Love this store. Healthy fish and nice people. Would love to see them design and incorporate bioactive enclosures for amphibians and other little creatures”
— john cundari5.0a week ago“A hidden gem, this place is wonderful, clean, healthy fresh and salt water fish. Beautiful plants and anything you need for a beautiful tank.”
— Claudette Evert5.02 weeks ago“Zach was sooo helpful! Super knowledgeable and made our experience totally painless and we are excited to come back!”
— Sarah Ferguson5.02 weeks ago“great service and knowledgeable of products!”
— Paul McCall5.03 weeks ago“The moment I walked into Big Fish Aquarium I was greeted professionally and politely. Within 5 minutes I observed the shop to be clean, stocked, and offered a large variety of aquarium life. In moments I came to the realization that the entire staff were passionate, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, patient, and more than happy to further my education in the hobby. I decided to purchase a complete aquarium setup that evening after an extensive conversation on what aquarium tank systems would work and what progression to gradually at aquarium life to the tank. Special shout out to Eddie. I found the entire staff to be excellent. Thanks to them, I have restarted a most enjoyable hobby that I had left many years ago. I forgot how happy, peaceful, and fulfilling it could be. Hats off to Big Fish Aquarium. Bravo! Addendum: It has now been over two months since I bought this aquarium at Big Fish Aquarium. This tank now has over 40 fish 🐠 happily thriving within. The staff at the store continue to provide me with sound advice and knowledge to enhance my abilities to create as well as maintain my aquariums. Kudos to Eddie and all of the staff. Thank you. Your knowledge is appreciated.”
— Rolfe Sanberg5.0Edited 3 weeks ago“Nice variety of fishes i recommend coming here”
— Wilson Valentin5.03 weeks ago“Great customer service 👏”
— Edward Morales5.04 weeks ago“Small but cozy and Interesting store. Nice discount to start the year, healthy fish and it's worth the one hour drive.”
— isis proenza5.0a month ago“This place is a hidden gem ! They have a great stock of fish and staff is very helpful.”
— Terrence ODonnell5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (773) 295-5175 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Big Fish Aquarium.