About
Tucked inside a storage unit facility in an industrial park in Davenport, Iowa, West Lake Aquatics is the kind of place you'd never stumble upon by accident — but once you spot the fish windsock and park in the gravel lot, you're in for something special. Owner Alex has built what many consider the best freshwater fish store in the Quad Cities, stocking an impressive diversity of species that ranges from healthy Hillstream Loaches and a wide variety of plecos to genuine rarities like Anableps (four-eyed fish) that you simply won't find at big-box pet stores. The cichlid selection draws serious hobbyists from hours away, and Alex supplements his inventory with fish he breeds on-site, including locally raised fry.
Community fish, rasboras, Amano shrimp, ramshorn snails, crabs — the variety is broad and the livestock consistently looks healthy and active. Alex also makes his own homemade fish food, which customers report their fish love. What truly sets West Lake Aquatics apart is Alex's hands-on approach to fishkeeping support.
He's been known to give away dirty sponge filter water to help customers cycle new tanks, troubleshoot pH issues, and identify broken equipment — often without charging a dime. He's the kind of owner who'd rather send you home informed than sell you something you don't need. Multiple reviewers note his generosity with extras: ask for two Amano shrimp and you might walk out with four.
The dry goods selection is surprisingly robust for a warehouse operation, with driftwood, filters, tanks, and supplies that cover most aquarium needs at prices that consistently undercut the competition. The store also hosts periodic fish swaps that have developed a loyal following in the region. The warehouse setting is clean and well-organized, with well-maintained tanks throughout.
People drive from Burlington, from two hours out, and keep coming back. If you're a freshwater fishkeeper anywhere near the Quad Cities, West Lake Aquatics is worth every mile of the trip.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Rare and unusual species including Anableps (four-eyed fish) and Hillstream Loaches
- Wide variety of cichlids and plecos at competitive prices
- Owner Alex breeds fish on-site and makes homemade fish food
- Generous extras — free shrimp, snails, and bonus fish with purchases
- Periodic fish swaps that draw hobbyists from across the region
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Awesome store, I have bought fish and other aquatic items there several times. I buy all my fish food there and I live 2 hours away! Very knowledgeable!!! Don't worry about the somewhat unique location and make sure you park over in the gravel lot, not on the concrete.”
— Sean Woitynek5.0a week ago“No handicap parking”
— Jake Koning1.02 weeks ago“Always good to look through your stuff for our needs! Thanks”
— Sypher X5.02 weeks ago“Great fish store! Owner is helpful and polite.”
— ziper 2405.0a month ago“Great prices and very knowledgeable about their fish.will definitely buy from again”
— Barbara Bohm-osborn5.04 months ago“Go just to see the 4 eyed fish! Out of the way, unassuming building and make sure you park in the gravel lot! Owner appears to breed his own fry, and is exceedingly knowledgable. He has a nice selection of fish and aquarium supplies.”
— Candace Scott5.07 months ago“Fantastic selection! Lots of unusual fish! Great prices! Friendly knowledgeable people!”
— Lisa Stoikovic5.09 months ago“nice local petshop”
— Tim KsteGar4.010 months ago“Great selection. Many unique fish there. Lots of cichlids and lots of unique non-cichlids. Great dry goods selection. Good prices on healthy looking Hillstream Loaches. And some fish that I had never seen before (Anableps).”
— Eric Ruttum5.011 months ago“Great store, will visit again. Storage facility was clean, tanks looked great and fish were active and healthy. I think this is a great store!!”
— Potosi Missouri5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (563) 209-0519 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting West Lake Aquatics.