The Aquarium Shop

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.