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
Livestock, services, water
- 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
“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“It was nice and we got our fish but they had this weird sign that said "unattended children will be towed away for owner expense" (I know not really, it's just kind of funny).”
— Leland4.010 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.