About
Tucked into a modest Maplewood storefront, Imported Fish has quietly become one of the Twin Cities' most talked-about freshwater fish stores — and owner Sou is the reason why. His specialty is fancy goldfish imported directly from Thailand, particularly Thai Orandas and Ranchus that few other Minnesota shops can match. Customers have picked up $20 baby Orandas and come back for more; a recent reviewer simply called it the best place for fancy goldfish in the state.
If you're hunting Thai Orandas or Ranchus for sale in Maplewood, MN, this is the rare local source. The discus selection is the other headline, drawing hobbyists from as far as Wisconsin for healthy, vivid fish that thrive long after purchase. Beyond those, the tanks rotate through bristlenose plecos, neocaridina shrimp and shrimp culls, nerite snails, clown loaches, rainbow fish, guppies and corydoras, with recent visitors also finding pencilfish and Galaxy rasboras available in Maplewood, MN.
Bettas get unusually good treatment here, housed in individual filtered tanks rather than cramped cups — one recent shopper still spotted "gorgeous discus, guppies and bettas" on a friendly visit. Sou is famously generous with his time. First-time fishkeepers describe walking in with no experience and leaving understanding water quality, tank planning and compatible species, and he's helped customers troubleshoot setups and plan tank moves.
He keeps live plants and enough dry goods to get a new tank running, plus snails for hobbyists feeding pea puffers at home. Because quality imports move fast and Sou quarantines and medicates new arrivals, some tanks can sit empty between shipments — patience pays off, and the restocks are worth the drive. For Minnesota freshwater keepers after imported discus, fancy goldfish, or well-cared-for bettas, Imported Fish has become a genuine destination.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Imported Fish in Maplewood, MN
Imported Fish stocks discus, goldfish, betta fish, koi, plecos, axolotls, shrimp, cichlids, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Maplewood, MN. As a fish store serving Maplewood, MN, it also offers aquarium consultations, fish quarantine and water testing.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Thai Oranda and Ranchu fancy goldfish imported directly from Thailand — a rare find in the Twin Cities
- Discus selection that draws hobbyists from as far as Wisconsin
- Bettas housed in individual filtered tanks instead of cramped cups
- Owner Sou quarantines and medicates new arrivals and coaches first-time fishkeepers
- Recent stock has included pencilfish, Galaxy rasboras, guppies, and nerite snails
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Good quality fish, pickup all the pencilfish, and Galaxy. Fishes are doing really well.”
— Tony Vang5.04 weeks ago“Staff was friendly, wish there had been more plants but saw some gorgeous discus, guppies and bettas. Seems like a nice store.”
— L D4.04 weeks ago“The owner is very friendly and helpful. The live stock is well cared for and healthy. I have never had an issue with any live stock from this store. We'll worth checking out!”
— Emmet Mross5.0a month ago“I was excited to check out Imported Fish, but when I arrived I was a bit disappointed by the limited selection. During my visit, there was only one betta and quite a few empty tanks. It may have just been bad timing on my part. I plan to visit again, and if things change, I’ll update my review. UPDATE Although my first visit—and initial review—wasn’t the best, my opinion of Imported Fish has definitely changed. I’ve since purchased several fish from here, and all of them are thriving. The owner is very welcoming and always willing to share his knowledge. If you’re looking for fish or aquarium supplies, it’s worth stopping by Imported Fish for your aquatic needs! 🐠”
— Benny Yaj5.0Edited 2 months ago“Great place! The owner welcomed us in and was really helpful with getting some snails to feed our pea puffer fish.”
— Stephen Stark5.02 months ago“This place has the best Fancy Goldfish in Minnesota. I have been looking for Fancy but for some reason this store has the best selection even online I have been looking. Clean place and good owner!”
— Dasha Sasha5.04 months ago“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
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.