About
The Local Fish Store (TLFS) in Morton Grove, IL has become a genuine destination for Chicago-area aquarists — the kind of independent aquarium store people happily drive an hour, or even six, to reach. Its real strength is breadth: a deep freshwater section sits alongside one of the largest saltwater selections in the region, and reef hobbyists single out the 10-plus coral tanks and a wall of acropora where most frags are cut to order. If you're hunting saltwater fish, corals, or live invertebrates for sale in Morton Grove, IL, this is the shop reviewers keep naming first.
On the freshwater side, regulars come in for bettas, ember tetras, comet goldfish, neocaridina shrimp, floating water lettuce, and a wide variety of aquatic plants. One freshwater keeper setting up her seventh tank praised the plant selection, noting everything has thrived since. Saltwater customers search for tangs, reef fish, and corals near me, and several credit a staffer named Scott with pulling them out of more than one tank emergency.
What sets the place apart is the time the team — Ty, Scott, Michael, and Jana among them — spends with people. The owner is described as spending literal hours walking buyers through acclimation and livestock care, and the store backs its fish with a guarantee printed at the bottom of the receipt. A beginner setting up a first nano reef gets the same patience as a veteran chasing one specific tang.
There's also an in-home aquarium maintenance service; longtime customers rave about tech Matt keeping their displays looking their best. The atmosphere is part of the draw, too — a friendly shop dog named Wilfred is famous for dropping a ball at your feet for a round of fetch. Between the healthy livestock, fair prices, and the genuine expertise on hand, TLFS remains one of the most loved fish stores in Chicagoland and an easy recommendation for anyone in the Morton Grove area.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Local Fish Store in Morton Grove, IL
The Local Fish Store stocks corals, reef fish, betta fish, shrimp, invertebrates, goldfish, tetras, tangs, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Morton Grove, IL. As an aquarium store serving Morton Grove, IL, it also offers aquarium setup, aquarium consultations and tank maintenance.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- One of the largest saltwater selections in the area, with 10+ coral tanks and acropora frags cut to order
- Owner spends literal hours coaching customers through acclimation and livestock care
- Purchases backed by a fish guarantee printed at the bottom of the receipt
- In-home aquarium maintenance service (tech Matt) praised by longtime customers
- Resident shop dog Wilfred greets visitors with a game of fetch
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly staff is always happy to answer questions. They’ve been a great resource to me as a newbie that wants to get a tank of my own Update: I went in again in 2023 with the intention of just viewing stuff, but they engaged me in conversation immediately and gave me tons of info to help me make decisions. Outstanding Good selection of saltwater fish, freshwater fish, and corals Their staff is experienced in both reef and freshwater tanks too”
— Peter5.0Edited a week ago“It’s a very nice place the people are nice and they answer any questions you have it’s a good fish store recommend it”
— Matt P5.02 weeks ago“Great experience”
— Tony Minh le5.03 weeks ago“I sent my husband to this store a month ago to shop for me. The staff was incredibly helpful in answering all my questions through him. Last week, I finally visited the store myself. As a freshwater enthusiast, I was setting up my seventh tank and needed plants. They had a wide selection of plants, which have all thrived in my new tank thus far. While the saltwater fish, corals, and other marine life looked stunning, I don’t have the expertise to comment further beyond saying that they were visually appealing. I definitely recommend this store for your aquatic needs if you’re in the area, or even if you’re not. I drove from an hour away.”
— Sara Stephenson5.0a month ago“I go here for every saltwater tank need I have. Scott is super knowledgable and has helped me out of more pinches than I care to admit. If you are looking for high quality, fair priced fish/coral, highly recommend spending time there”
— Brett Horowitz5.0Edited a month ago“I left a review on Facebook and the owner blocked me after leaving a rude response with incorrect information. That says a lot about the type of business they are. Came here to see that others have reported what I saw- dirty over packed tanks with dead fish floating in them. Here is what I wrote... "Please be sure to thoroughly disinfect any freshwater plants purchased from this location. I unfortunately did not, and the consequences were significant. While the staff was friendly, the store itself appeared somewhat unclean, and during my visit I noticed several lethargic goldfish as well as deceased fish in many of the freshwater tanks. Although I initially went in to purchase fish, I decided against it and instead brought home some water lettuce. Within three days, my own fish became severely ill, and despite our efforts to save them, two did not survive. It appeared to be an E. coli outbreak. In hindsight, I should have sterilized the plants before introducing them to my aquarium, even though this is not something I have typically done in the past. I hope this helps others avoid a similar experience, and perhaps the marine and coral sections are maintained to a higher standard." Before blocking me so no one could see my review, the owner went on to say that plants can't harm fish or carry bacteria or pathogens. And that they were experts. They could have tried an apology or some guest recovery mode, but I'll make sure to NEVER return here and let everyone I know who keeps aquariums, to stay away. This type of response screams guilty consciousness. See photos. *The owner felt the need to address my post because this one he cannot dirty delete, I'll add that these plants i purchased were not in a tank with discus fish. Please visit the store for yourselves and see if what myself and others have posted in our reviews are a true reflection on this business. *Seriously? My parents??? I'm 52, my mom died in 2001 and my dad passed away in 2009. My 100 gallon tank is 6 years old. You never tested my water. Ever. Post lies because you can't delete this review. 🤣”
— Maria Sanchez Gomez1.0Edited a month ago“I wish this place was closer to my house! Every time I've made the journey I've been pleased. They always have tons of stock and not just the same old thing you see at PetSmart (but they have that too). The dog is a nice touch although he got a little fresh with my wife :-) For the people saying the store/tanks are dirty. First, I've never found it truly dirty and second, this isn't supposed to be a gallery where you go to view fish in their native habitats. Healthy water is what's most important and that doesn't always mean a spotless show-grade tank. I'd probably visit every day if I lived nearby and annoy the workers to death traying to talk about aquariums. WELL DONE.”
— Michael Scala5.0a month ago“So happy to have run across these guys! Super friendly, amazing selection, and always willing to help. They worked with me on my unique reefing situation and I can’t wait to go back again to add more goodies to my tank 🪸”
— Lyla5.02 months ago“Don't let weird negative reviews sway you, check them out!!!”
— Joann Hosman5.03 months ago“I recently went to visit The local fish store and I was amazed at the selection of corals, inverts, saltwater fish aswell as freshwater. The owner is extremely knowledgeable about the health of his livestock- he takes his time and spends hours(literally) making sure I know what procedures to use to acclimate and keep the livestock healthy. It’s been over a decade since we’ve had anything remotely close to this quality and selection within a 50 mile radius. I highly recommend you come and visit and support this place. It’s one of the good ones!”
— Gus Vega5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (224) 247-2200 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Local Fish Store.