About
Tucked into Bozeman, MT, The Viv Bioactive began with a strong reptile and bioactive-terrarium identity, but its freshwater fish and planted aquarium section has grown into a genuine draw for the local aquatics community. Walk in and you'll find a clean, thoughtfully arranged shop where the animals look healthy and the tanks are kept at proper sizes — something longtime customers contrast directly with their experiences at big-box stores. Several fishkeepers say they haven't had an unhealthy animal since they switched to The Viv.
The freshwater selection leans toward what hobbyists in southwest Montana actually want: corydoras catfish, freshwater shrimp, axolotls, goldfish, and a standout wall of live aquatic plants. If you're after freshwater shrimp for sale in Bozeman, MT, this is a reliable source — one regular who'd always struggled with shrimp surviving the trip home reports the ones from The Viv are thriving. The team also sources locally when they can, going as far as Helena, and will happily special-order hard-to-find species for you to pick up in store.
What sets this fish store apart is its build work. Staff construct custom aquariums and bioactive enclosures, sending photo updates throughout — one customer had a custom tank built for a fish named Onyx and called it made with love. Newcomers get the same patience: a beginner recently walked out with a full fish-tank kit and a plan, and the crew has helped customers set up 55-gallon planted aquariums from scratch, covering lighting, equipment, and plant choices.
Staff like Nora are regularly singled out for being knowledgeable and never pushy, favoring education over a hard sell. Founded by Lauren, whose ethical-care legacy still defines the place, The Viv stays active in the community with reptile-handling birthday parties and hands-on events, and even offers boarding for traveling pet owners. For Bozeman residents building a planted tank or sourcing healthy freshwater fish available in Bozeman, MT, it's the local shop that backs up its advice with results.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Viv Bioactive in Bozeman, MT
The Viv Bioactive stocks axolotls, shrimp, catfish, goldfish, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Bozeman, MT. As a fish store serving Bozeman, MT, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers custom tank builds, aquascaping, aquarium consultations, fish boarding, fish breeding and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Healthy freshwater fish, corydoras catfish, shrimp, axolotls, goldfish, and live aquatic plants, praised by former big-box customers
- Custom aquarium and bioactive enclosure builds with photo updates throughout construction
- Beginner-friendly tank setup, from full fish-tank kit guidance to 55-gallon planted builds
- Local sourcing as far as Helena, plus special orders for hard-to-find species
- Reptile-handling birthday parties and pet boarding for traveling owners
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love taking my future entomologist here. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. And lets you hold any animals. Great spot w a good selection. Love that they do birthday parties.”
— Christina Pfau5.05 days ago“Always friendly and helpful. Very knowledable.”
— Lincoln Erickson5.0a week ago“Some of the coolest reptile pets I had no idea were available in Bozeman until I stopped here.”
— Chad K5.02 weeks ago“My son recently held a birthday party for my Granddaughter at this wonderful place! It was one of the best birthday parties we have experienced! It was educational, and cozy. I wish I knew the instructors name, (name tag)! She did a amazing job of explaining the reptiles, each child held them gently with great instructions. She was gentle, and gave us the best birthday party! I would recommend this place for Birthday celebrations! Amazing experience for everyone involved! Thank you!”
— Raven Kargel5.02 weeks ago“Wonderful store very helpful staff!”
— Samuel Egeland5.0a month ago“Excellent service! They were special, they told me that I should do as a beginner from the fish tank kit to fish! I recommend them 100%, do not hesitate to go to them. My son is happy with his fish!”
— Merly Zamora5.0Edited 2 months ago“They are always so kind and informative. Great communication and transparency. They always have a great selection and stay active in the community! They try to source locally when possible even as far as Helena! I usually have really bad luck with shrimp surviving transport, but the ones I've bought from them are doing awesome! Even if you're not looking to buying anything, go check them out!”
— Morgan Barnett5.02 months ago“Love, love, love this place!! Everyone is so friendly and helpful everytime you go in. We got a custom tank built by them for my Oynx who I named after the pokemon. They made my dreams come true with this tank and his as well! He’s been extremely happy so far and the tank is extremely well made, with love honestly. They provided picture updates and were extremely communicative and committed! Can’t thank them enough and I highly highly recommend this place for all pet needs!”
— Erin McLaughlin5.02 hours ago“very friendly, knowledgeable staff. they put care and time into what they do. beautiful and mindfully arranged very put together. will be recommending to all my other animal lover friends. Nora was awesome!”
— kalo koroiyale5.03 weeks ago“Any time I've stopped in I've gotten stellar advice on my lizards. The recommendations have always been helpful and effective. When my gecko was being a picky eater with big box store bugs & worms, she has always eaten The Viv's feeder bugs with ease. I highly recommend for advice and products!”
— Katie Kroeger5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (406) 580-9681 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Viv Bioactive.