About
Tucked away in West Fargo, North Dakota, The Tropical Fish Shoppe Inc. has built a loyal following among aquarium hobbyists across the Fargo-Moorhead area. Owner Scott runs a tight, well-curated shop where healthy tropical fish, live plants, shrimp, snails, and axolotls line the walls — and where conversation flows as freely as the tank water.
What sets this freshwater-focused store apart is the personal touch. Scott is the kind of owner who'll spend real time with you, walking through stocking plans, compatible groupings, and plant care without ever rushing you out the door. One customer brought their daughter in and watched Scott patiently field every question she had about fish.
That kind of genuine, unhurried service is exactly why regulars say this is their first stop for anything fish-related — and why they keep coming back instead of heading to big chain pet stores. The selection is impressive for a local independent shop. Expect a solid variety of tropical freshwater fish alongside live aquatic plants, ornamental shrimp, and snails.
The store also stocks the supplies you need to keep your tank thriving, from filtration and substrate to food and water treatments. Prices are consistently praised as fair, which is a refreshing change from the markup you'll sometimes see at specialty shops. The vibe here is down-to-earth and welcoming.
There's no pretense, no pressure — just a shop owner who clearly loves the hobby and wants to help you succeed with yours. Multiple reviewers mention walking in for one thing and walking out with bags full (wallets lighter, spirits higher). It's the kind of place where a quick stop turns into a long, enjoyable conversation about tank setups and fish behavior.
For freshwater enthusiasts in the Fargo area, The Tropical Fish Shoppe delivers quality livestock, honest pricing, and the kind of hands-on expertise that makes the hobby more fun.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Scott provides in-depth, patient consultations on stocking, grouping, and plant care
- Healthy selection of tropical freshwater fish, live plants, shrimp, snails, and axolotls
- Consistently praised for fair pricing on both livestock and supplies
- Go-to local alternative to big chain pet stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area
- Welcoming, unhurried atmosphere that keeps customers coming back
From keepers
Customer reviews
“First stop i go for everything fish related”
— Lestat Beyer5.0a week ago“Great place to get to get fish at knowledgeable and very friendly”
— Matthew Heiden5.0a week ago“Best place to get tropical fish in Fargo. Owner is super cool and is very knowledgeable. Love stopping here every time I come to Fargo”
— Juan Vazquez5.02 weeks ago“a good selection of fish”
— Benjamin Wood5.02 weeks ago“Great customer service and great fish in a lot of tips for tanks at home”
— Cash Jet5.03 weeks ago“I had a great experience at this shop. The gentleman who assisted us is very knowledgeable. He was very kind and patient when answering my daughters many fish related questions. If you're looking for fish/ supplies, check out this place before heading to a big chain store.”
— Doyle Heden5.0a month ago“Very friendly and knowledgeable!”
— Joe Kramer5.02 months ago“Absolutely love this place, my wallet? Not so much... but Scott is super knowledgeable and great at answering every question I have about plants, fish, stocking, grouping, everything. I highly suggest you stop in and say hi and see what he has. Its always quality, a great price and a great time!”
— Rachel Lundy5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (701) 277-8727 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Tropical Fish Shoppe Inc..