About
Tucked into a modest storefront in Maplewood, Minnesota, Imported Fish punches well above its weight. Owner Sou has built a reputation as one of the best sources for fancy goldfish in the Twin Cities — particularly Thai Orandas and Ranchus imported directly from Thailand, a niche virtually no other local shop fills. Customers leave with $20 baby Orandas and come back for more, praising the vivid coloring and robust health of fish that clearly weren't sitting in a wholesaler's warehouse.
The discus selection draws hobbyists from as far as Wisconsin. Reviewers consistently note the quality stands apart from big-box competitors, with healthy, vibrant specimens that thrive long after purchase. Beyond the store's headline species, the tanks hold bristlenose plecos, neocaridina shrimp, nerite snails, clown loaches, rainbow fish, guppies, corydoras, and a rotating cast of freshwater species that reflects Sou's importing connections.
Bettas get notably better treatment here — housed in individual filtered tanks rather than the dreaded tiny cups. The shop also stocks live plants and enough dry goods to get a new setup running, though this is fundamentally a fish-first operation. Sou is generous with his time: multiple first-time fishkeepers describe walking in with zero experience and leaving with a solid understanding of water quality, tank planning, and compatible species.
He's helped customers troubleshoot existing setups, advised on fish tank relocation, and even donated fish for a classroom aquarium. Inventory can fluctuate — quality imports move fast, and Sou quarantines and medicates new arrivals before selling, which means some tanks may sit empty between shipments. It's worth noting that axolotl care has drawn pointed criticism from a handful of reviewers concerned about overcrowding and injuries.
The shop is still relatively young and growing, but for freshwater enthusiasts in Minnesota seeking imported discus, fancy goldfish, or well-cared-for bettas, it's already become a destination worth the drive.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Thai Oranda and Ranchu goldfish imported directly from Thailand — rare in the Twin Cities market
- Outstanding discus selection praised as among the best in Minnesota
- Bettas kept in individual filtered tanks instead of cups
- Owner Sou quarantines and medicates fish before sale
- Neocaridina shrimp culls available at fair prices
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Awesome fish store, reasonable prices.”
— Joe A5.06 days ago“This review is the truth - TOP 5 best fish store in MN!!! Probably the best goldfish and Discus selections in MN too! Fish quality is different (better) than majority of other stores easily. Owner is cool and friendly and tanks are clean. Don't listen to the haters and some fake reviews below...go check it out yourself! He does a lot of giveaway and quarantine/medicate his fish (hence why some fishes may still look rough). Ofc sometimes inventory gets low because things may get sold quick...so be patient for restock and lock in you Boomers, Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha. Otherwise, great store, great variety of freshwater selections from nano, betta, neocaridina shrimps, corys, nerite snails, loaches, plecos, goldfish, discus, cichlids, etc. - and they're fairly new and still growing. 10/10 -IGN.”
— John N.5.02 months ago“Very nice assortment of fish. Owner is very helpful and passionate about the hobby. Tanks are healthy and clean”
— Kevin Zhang5.03 months ago“It's a shame the axolotls are kept in abysmal condition. MOST of them were missing MULTIPLE limbs, 2 were on a brink of death. I wish there was a pet store in the twin cities who didn't abuse this poor species. One per tank. They are almost blind and will injure eachother otherwise. The fact that you are selling half dead pets for profit is gross, do better or I will contact aspca.”
— kenni R1.03 months ago“Their axolotls are missing limbs and are abused. Please DO NOT GO HERE.”
— Leyla Tice1.03 months ago“20$ for baby oranda goldfish”
— Samuel Schoolman5.03 months ago“Great quality fish and a very good owner.”
— Steve Gomez5.03 months ago“Nice they kinda and helpful”
— ShadowX Xiong4.03 months ago“Shop owner was the nicest fish store owner I've met. Fish were super healthy and he donated some fish for my class tank! Support your local businesses.”
— Nate Knapp5.04 months ago“I was excited to check out Imported Fish. But when I arrived I was a bit disappointed at the few selection of fish. During my visit there was only one betta and quite a few empty tanks. Maybe it was bad timing for me. I'll visit again and if things change so will my review. **UPDATE** Although my first visit and review of this place wasn't the greatest I have to say that my opinion of Imported Fish has changed. I have bought several fish from here and all of them are thriving. The owner is very welcoming and always willing to share his knowledge. Come check out Imported Fish for all your aquatic needs!”
— Hmoob Yaj5.0Edited 5 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (651) 444-9471 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Imported Fish.