About
Tucked into Chicago's urban landscape, Golden Aquarium packs a remarkable amount of aquatic life into a modest footprint. The store stocks an unusually deep selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with coral frags, aquatic plants, and invertebrates that go well beyond what you'd find at the big box chains. Reviewers consistently highlight the goldfish selection — including A-grade show-quality ranchu and other varieties — calling it one of the best in northern Illinois.
The cichlid collection draws hobbyists from nearly two hours away, with staff who take time to discuss compatibility before bagging fish. Donny and Eric are the names that come up most often in reviews, and their hands-on approach defines the Golden Aquarium experience. Whether helping a customer manage an overpopulation issue humanely or walking a couple through building their first community tank, the staff demonstrates genuine engagement with the hobby.
One reviewer noted their accurate goldfish care advice — recommending goldfish-only tanks — as a sign of a store that prioritizes long-term fish health over a quick sale. The live plant selection is a real draw. Multiple reviewers describe a large variety of aquatic plants and attractive display tanks that serve as inspiration for planted setups at home.
You'll also find red claw crabs, shrimp, bumblebee gobies, and other invertebrates that add personality to nano and community tanks alike. On the saltwater side, the store carries coral frags and a solid selection of marine fish for reef hobbyists. The store isn't without rough edges — a few reviewers report fish arriving in poor condition, and the phone apparently goes unanswered with some regularity.
But the overwhelming majority of the nearly 300 reviews praise both selection and service. For Chicago-area aquarists looking for uncommon species, quality goldfish, healthy plants, or knowledgeable conversation about their tanks, Golden Aquarium delivers a specialty fish store experience that justifies the trip across town.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- One of the best goldfish selections in northern Illinois, including A-grade show-quality ranchu
- Large variety of live aquatic plants with attractive display tanks
- Deep cichlid selection that draws hobbyists from hours away
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish plus coral frags
- Knowledgeable staff including Donny and Eric who provide detailed compatibility advice
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great store to buy fish for beginner or more advanced fish keepers. The two gentlemen are always helping me and healthy fish!”
— Oscar Mandujano5.02 weeks ago“A great shop with a large selection. Great fresh water fish, plants, invertebrates and a large selection of coral and salt water fish too. I have a ton of schooling/community fish from them and love the verity you can find here.”
— Jeremy5.0a month ago“Nice people high quality fish”
— Greg5.03 months ago“The store may be small, but they certainly offer an impressive selection of fish, and not just the ordinary kind! The staff members were very helpful in answering our questions and ensuring the cichlids we selected would be compatible with our existing ones. Despite the nearly two-hour drive, they carefully packed our fish for the journey. Upon unpacking, the fish were in excellent condition and appeared to have handled the trip without any problems. We are definitely looking forward to returning for more of their unique varieties.”
— Diane5.05 months ago“I love this place. The staff is nice, knowledgeable and the place has a great selection. Makes me want to start another fresh water tank. I went to Golden Aquarium to pick up some saltwater fish, and they had a great selection. I bought a nice little coral frag too. What a wonderful shop.”
— Wally HottSauce5.07 months ago“Great fish store! Very informative and provided needed information.”
— David Mendoza5.09 months ago“The best fish shop beautiful verity of fish friendly customer service and very helpful loved this place coming for more fish soon I got two adorable red claw crabs they so adorable to watch”
— Arce Dijamila Ramirez5.09 months ago“Loved this store. Staff was super friendly and very helpful. Great selection of fish and accessories for serious aquarists”
— Emma Nemm5.010 months ago“Fantastic selection, knowledgeable staff, and great quality fish and decor. Highly recommend this store and they've helped us so much with our tanks!”
— Dylan Sutton5.011 months ago“They never answer they're phone. Never.”
— Catherine R1.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (773) 376-8355 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Golden Aquarium.