About
Up a memorable flight of stairs in an Elkhart neighborhood, Northside Aquatics LLC is a small, owner-run fish store that has earned its loyal following one conversation at a time. Owner Larry and staff including Randy keep the focus on deep fishkeeping knowledge, healthy livestock, and genuine care for the animals — the kind of personal attention regulars say they simply can't find at a chain pet store. Freshwater is the heart of the shop.
Visitors come for plecos that range from common algae eaters to higher-end specimens, axolotls (including Golden GFP morphs), bettas, and rope fish for sale in Elkhart, IN, all kept in clean, well-maintained tanks. If they don't have the species you're after, the team will order it in for you — a custom sourcing service that keeps customers coming back for fish they can't track down anywhere else nearby. The bettas deserve a special mention.
Rather than stacking them in cups, the owner keeps each one in its own tank and brings in just a fish or two at a time. It's a slower approach that reflects a real commitment to animal welfare, and it resonates with hobbyists who care where their fish come from. Consultation may be Northside's strongest suit.
First-time keepers describe patient, detailed guidance on cycling, filtration, and stocking choices — one beginner even left with a used filter seeded with beneficial bacteria to jumpstart their tank. Staff have helped neighbors get started with outdoor ponds, and the shop will take in surrendered fish, giving local hobbyists a responsible rehoming option. Prices draw mixed opinions: some find them very reasonable, while specialty plecos can run from the mid-$20s up toward $99.
The trade-off is healthy stock from people who clearly love the hobby. Be aware that the second-floor location involves a serious staircase and limited accessibility. For freshwater fishkeepers around Elkhart, IN, Northside Aquatics is a personal, passionate, and deeply local pick.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Northside Aquatics LLC in Elkhart, IN
Northside Aquatics LLC stocks betta fish, plecos, axolotls, rare and hard-to-find species and freshwater & pond fish for sale in Elkhart, IN. As a fish store serving Elkhart, IN, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations, aquarium setup, fish boarding and pond services.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Bettas kept in individual tanks rather than cups, brought in one or two at a time for ethical care
- Custom fish-ordering service to source species not currently in stock
- Patient beginner consultation on cycling, filtration, and stocking — including a used, bacteria-seeded filter to jumpstart a first tank
- Accepts surrendered fish and helps neighbors set up outdoor ponds
- Healthy plecos, axolotls (including Golden GFP morphs), bettas, and rope fish in clean, well-kept tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“After climbing 2 flights of stairs we were told they don't have any fish for sale and they're going out of business. Don't bother trying to buy any of their used equipment...they want top dollar!”
— Cheryl Warner1.04 months ago“This guy is a joke!! He said they are in the process of shutting down. Da!! I’m glad for him. His parking suck. His disposition is shitty!!!”
— Vicky Showalter1.04 months ago“They have zero supplies or fish for salt water and they are not handicap accessible i only recommend for fresh water only”
— Ryan Gregory1.0a month ago“I've only had the opportunity to interact over call but the attention to detail and help in properly setting up a tank to see the utmost success has pushed me fully to only using Northside. Having someone who not only is knowledgeable but passionate about the hobby/lifestyle of keeping fish is a huge step above what I have typically ran into. They've made a customer for life.”
— Nathan Hechtl5.02 months ago“Great place super friendly, and you can order fish that you would like for your tank!😀”
— Michael Cork4.02 months ago“Have been trying to start my first tank and have been struggling. Visited the store and the owner was wonderful in taking the time to share expertise on steps to take including providing me a used filter for bacteria development. Look forward to returning soon for fish!”
— Daniel Flowers5.04 months ago“Impeccable customer service. I brought in some fish and didn't know much what I was talking about, but he explained everything and took care of my fish. Choose this guy over Petco any day of the week!!!”
— Jeremiah5.05 months ago“Those stairs are no joke when moving a large tank”
— jaybird18684.05 months ago“Very helpful and knowledgeable Helped me to get started on my little outdoor pond.”
— DANIELA RODRIGUEZ5.06 months ago“This shop is legend”
— Michael Spears5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (574) 612-4416 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Northside Aquatics LLC.