About
The Fish Store has been part of Lincoln, Nebraska's aquarium scene for decades — long enough that customers who first wandered in as kids now bring their own tanks back for restocking. One longtime reviewer notes the shop "has been here since I was a child. I'm 45," and that kind of staying power says plenty about this independently run fish store.
What keeps regulars coming back is stock that never sits still. Inventory turns over month to month: one visit might surface miniature puffer fish and cross-eyed goldfish for sale in Lincoln, NE, the next Taiwan reef cichlids, bright red OB cichlids, or beautiful koi in a range of sizes. Freshwater shrimp are a steady draw — one customer running eight aquariums at home buys "a lot of fish and shrimp" here on the regular.
Alongside the livestock you'll find a deep selection of driftwood, aquarium décor, and affordable used tanks that make this an easy first stop for anyone setting up a new system. They also keep specialty chemicals and medications that the big-box chains simply don't carry. The store works both sides of the hobby.
" Pond folks will find koi and pond plants available in Lincoln, NE as well. Staff knowledge is the throughline across nearly every review. " Several customers say the fish here arrive healthier and the selection runs deeper than any chain pet store, which is why some drive a couple of hours just to shop in person.
A note for careful buyers: a handful of shoppers have flagged parasite issues on shrimp and corydoras and mixed results with saltwater livestock, so quarantining new arrivals is wise. For most of Lincoln, though, The Fish Store remains the independent shop where the conversation is as good as the fish.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Fish Store in Lincoln, NE
The Fish Store stocks pufferfish, goldfish, koi, cichlids, shrimp, reef fish and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Lincoln, NE. As an aquarium store serving Lincoln, NE, it also carries fish medications and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations.
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Decades-long Lincoln institution — one reviewer has shopped here since childhood, now age 45
- Ever-rotating freshwater stock: miniature puffers, cross-eyed goldfish, Taiwan reef and OB cichlids, and koi
- Freshwater shrimp and pond plants for stocked hobbyists, with repeat buyers running multiple tanks
- Go-to saltwater/reef destination plus specialty meds and chemicals the chains don't stock
- Knowledgeable, patient staff praised for in-store and phone guidance
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Nice staff.. pond plants didnt look great but they usually have decent fish”
— Beauty 20203.04 weeks ago“Very helpful and friendly staff. Patient in answering all my questions.”
— sarah mcneel5.0a month ago“Our go-to place in Lincoln for our reef tank.”
— Calvin Nielsen5.02 months ago“Every employee is knowledgeable and helpful! Fish are healthy and they take pride in their standards!”
— Shayna Wirges5.02 months ago“My significant other brought me here and I am obsessed. Looking forward to spending more money with this store.”
— Halev Idiomas5.02 months ago“I love the fish store. We have 8 aquariums and buy a lot of fish and shrimp from this store. The staff are very friendly and helpfull. I would highly recommend them.”
— Lady Bird5.02 months ago“Very knowledgeable and helpful.”
— Jan Deaton5.03 months ago“Always love going to this place! Way more options, fish and aquatic species are always in much better condition than any other major chain pet store. Staff are friendly and willing to answer questions and want you to do whats best for your pets. I will ALWAYS choose The Fish Store first!”
— Jessica Rogers5.04 months ago“They have a huge selection!!!! Very friendly and just more personal then the big stores!!!!”
— Samantha Barth5.04 months ago“The animals they have are cool but there are a lot of big fish in medium sized tanks.and the crawfish don’t have anywhere to hide it’s like a zoo”
— Spades Spades3.0a week ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (402) 466-7811 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Store.