About
Tucked away in Kalispell, Montana, The Aquarium Shop is the kind of locally owned store that earns its loyal following one fish at a time. 7 rating across hundreds of reviews, this small but well-stocked shop has been a fixture in the Flathead Valley for years — some customers recall visiting as kids and still coming back as adults. The store carries a large selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, and while they may not always have a specific species on the floor, they're happy to special order what you need.
One of the standout practices here is their quarantine protocol: new arrivals are held in quarantine before being made available for sale, giving buyers confidence that their fish are healthy and acclimated. That kind of care-first approach sets The Aquarium Shop apart from big-box alternatives. Beyond livestock, the store sells tanks, colored gravel, and other dry goods to outfit your aquarium.
Staff members are consistently praised for their deep knowledge and willingness to answer questions — even from complete beginners — without a hint of judgment. Whether you're troubleshooting a stubborn water chemistry issue or picking out your first setup, the team provides genuinely useful advice and care tips that customers rave about. The shop also doubles as a bit of a local attraction.
Several reviewers mention bringing kids just to see the impressive display of large fish, making it a fun stop even if you're not buying. A cheeky sign about unattended children being "towed away at owner's expense" adds to the lighthearted atmosphere. And it's not just fish — the store also caters to owners of four-legged pets, broadening its appeal as a neighborhood go-to for animal lovers across Kalispell.
Pricing runs a bit higher than online or chain stores, but the trade-off is expert guidance, healthy stock, and the satisfaction of supporting a genuinely community-minded local business.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Aquarium Shop in Kalispell, MT
The Aquarium Shop stocks freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Kalispell, MT. As an aquarium store serving Kalispell, MT, it also carries dry goods and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and fish quarantine.
- Livestock & products
- Dry GoodsAquarium Equipment
- Services
- ConsultationQuarantine
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- All new fish are quarantined before sale to ensure health
- Large selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish
- Staff offers judgment-free expert advice and care tips
- Impressive large fish displays that families and kids love
- Long-standing Kalispell local business with multi-generational customers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing shop i come here for all.my fishy needs the people are fantastic and great as well”
— kord collier5.0a month ago“This is a great place to buy your medicine they ship it it only took 3 days to get it this is my second order I have bought from them great prices the lady that works there is very nice you can trust them I'll buy my medicine from them to doctor my puppies I have a large kennel I use the same medicine that other people use for fish please please order from them their pills half as much as everybody else”
— Dan Vickers5.02 months ago“Nice”
— colin barnier3.03 months ago“Love this shop. Animals are healthy and well cared for, tanks are always clean and service is top notch. Employee has always been friendly and helpful and answers all my questions. I look forward to purchasing from here again.”
— kyla elverud5.04 months ago“The owner and staff are extremely knowledgeable, and very helpful. There are lots if cool fish to see in the store. Everything is put in quarantine initially, so you can be assured your nee fish are healthy.”
— Megan Burns5.0a month ago“It was expensive .”
— Irene Maciulis4.03 months ago“Ive been going here since i was a kid. They are always very helpful!”
— Kerri Harvey5.0Edited 5 months ago“They may not always have what you want but they can get it for you. They give great advice and care tips. Always a pleasure to visit 😊 and they're a local business!”
— Porsche Beranek5.05 months ago“Fish experts who answered all of our questions with no judgement. They have many big fish for people to see, even if you are not planning on purchasing anything. Kids love it! I bought color gravel. It looks very cool!”
— Derin Dorsett5.08 months ago“This is such a great local shop. Super friendly, super knowledgeable and genuinely care about the community and their customers. First choice for any pet needs. I don't have any fish - but, I go here for my 4 legged creatures.”
— Molly McCabe5.09 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (406) 755-6000 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Aquarium Shop.