--- type: store name: "The Evolved Fish" city: "Fairview" state: "NC" rating: 4.7 reviews: 143 url: https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/fairview/the-evolved-fish --- # The Evolved Fish Fish store in Fairview, North Carolina - **Address**: 1334 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730, Fairview, NC, 28730 - **Phone**: (828) 782-4254 - **Website**: [www.theevolvedfish.com/](http://www.theevolvedfish.com/) - **Rating**: 4.7/5 (143 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | Closed | | Tuesday | 12:00 – 4:00 PM | | Wednesday | 12:00 – 5:00 PM | | Thursday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Friday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Saturday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Sunday | Closed | ## About Tucked into the small town of Fairview, North Carolina, The Evolved Fish has built a devoted following among aquarists across the region. Owner Lee runs a shop that punches well above what you might expect from a storefront in a quiet mountain community — the cichlid selection alone draws people from surrounding counties, and the saltwater and freshwater livestock consistently earns praise for being healthy, active, and well-maintained. What stands out most in customer accounts is the quality of care behind the glass. Reviewers describe fish that are interactive and thriving, a sign of proper husbandry and attention to water conditions. The live aquatic plants are another draw — customers report excellent prices and plants that not only survive the transition home but genuinely flourish in their tanks. One reviewer proudly showed off a stunning sword plant picked up at the store. Lee's expertise is a recurring theme. Customers describe him as deeply educated on all things aquatic, the kind of owner who can talk species compatibility, tank parameters, and sourcing with equal confidence. The staff follows suit, giving shoppers room to browse before stepping in with informed guidance. Multiple reviewers note finding species and stock here that simply aren't available elsewhere in the area — a testament to Lee's willingness to seek out unusual and hard-to-find specimens alongside more common freshwater and saltwater offerings. The shop also carries invertebrates, rounding out a selection that covers a broad range of aquatic life. Prices are consistently described as reasonable, which makes repeat visits easy to justify. The store sits near the Fairview Library, and regulars suggest parking there when the lot fills up — a sign of just how busy this little shop can get. For aquarists in western North Carolina looking for healthy livestock, well-priced plants, and genuinely knowledgeable guidance, The Evolved Fish delivers a focused, passion-driven experience that keeps people coming back. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater - **Livestock & Products**: Cichlids, Live Plants, Invertebrates - **Known For**: Premium Equipment, Knowledgeable Staff, Great Selection, Healthy Fish ## Highlights - Owner Lee is deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of fishkeeping - Cichlid specialist with both saltwater and freshwater livestock - Well-priced live aquatic plants that thrive after purchase - Healthy, interactive fish indicating excellent store husbandry - Hard-to-find species not available elsewhere in the region ## Customer Reviews **"Michael Peters"** - 2/5 - 2 weeks ago > Ben there on a few years go. Loved it when I went there. Now trying to go can never seem to get there when there supposed to be open. Even during the hours advertised. Try. All phone goes straight to voicemail. Are they even still open. How do you even see the store anymore. Won’t reply back to any messages ether. If you have hours posted be open during them or post why your now on social media. This is just bad customer service. **"Ainsley Hassell"** - 5/5 - a month ago > I had such a great experience here! His fish are very interactive and healthy. Very knowledgeable staff. The staff gave us time to look at the fish and then helped us get a LOT of fish. I highly recommend recommend checking this store out. **"Chris Mcabee"** - 5/5 - a month ago > Love coming here! Lee (the owner) is super educated on anything and everything fish. You’ll find stuff here you won’t find anywhere else as well! **"bitey"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago > The best fish store in the area! Happy, healthy stock, super kind and informative owner & staff, great variety of aquatic plants and creatures. If the parking lot is full, you can park at the Fairview Library and pop across the parking lots. Support your local library and your local fish store. Also, look how pretty my sword is! **"Sonia Cano Lopez"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Great experience and great plant prices, all plants survived and are thriving in my tank **"Miller's Gameing"** - 4/5 - 4 months ago > It's great to have a local fish store. They have a good variety of healthy fish **"Shawn Odette"** - 5/5 - 4 months ago > Great selection from a place that cares about their animals. Friendly, knowledgeable owners. **"Shane M"** - 5/5 - Edited 4 months ago > These guys are amazing! Time and time again! ## Nearby Stores - [Angelo's Tropical Fish World](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/durham/angelos-tropical-fish-world) - Durham, NC - 4.9/5 - [Aquatica](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/mooresville/aquatica) - Mooresville, NC - 4.9/5 - [Queen City Corals](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/mint-hill/queen-city-corals) - Mint Hill, NC - 4.9/5 - [Star Ridge Aquatics LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/carthage/star-ridge-aquatics-llc) - Carthage, NC - 4.9/5 - [Nemo's Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/indian-trail/nemos-reef) - Indian Trail, NC - 4.8/5 - [Skip’s Reef Supply](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/hendersonville/skips-reef-supply) - Hendersonville, NC - 4.8/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/north-carolina/fairview/the-evolved-fish)* *Last updated: February 7, 2026*