About
Tucked into Aloha, Oregon, The Purple Tang is the kind of aquarium shop that turns a quick errand into a two-hour visit. Co-owner Kevin and his team have built a space where nearly every display tank is a fully planted aquascape — dragon stone, driftwood, and lush greenery arranged with real artistry. It's not just for show; the care translates into fish that are visibly healthy, active, and brilliantly colored.
The freshwater selection is where The Purple Tang truly shines. Reviewers rave about the range of aquatic plants, including species that are hard to find locally, alongside community fish, bettas, and Neocaridina shrimp in multiple varieties. One customer even set up a shrimp bowl after Kevin spent two and a half patient hours walking them through rock choices, shrimp counts, and snail options without a hint of pressure.
That kind of service builds loyalty — and explains why some customers find themselves stopping in every single week. But this isn't strictly a freshwater operation. The Purple Tang also caters to saltwater hobbyists, with one reviewer describing how the owner helped them select and install a complete 60-gallon saltwater setup, including an in-house team that came out for installation.
If they don't have a particular fish in stock, they'll order it — sometimes with a turnaround as quick as a few days. The hardscape selection deserves its own mention: an entire aisle of dragon stone, elephant skin stone, and various wood pieces ranging from several feet long down to small accent pieces. Multiple reviewers call it the best variety they've seen locally.
Add in resident turtles, giant monstera draped throughout the shop, and prices that consistently undercut competitors, and it's clear why The Purple Tang has quickly become a favorite destination for aquarists across the Portland metro area.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Nearly every display tank is a fully planted aquascape
- Exceptional selection of aquatic plants including hard-to-find species
- Dedicated hardscape aisle with dragon stone, elephant skin stone, and driftwood in all sizes
- Neocaridina shrimp, bettas, and rare community fish in stock
- In-house team available for saltwater and freshwater tank setup and installation
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Incredible shop! Every tank is planted and scaped with care and intention. The prices are very fair and better than other shops in the area. Selection is great. The fish are so active and have gorgeous colors. Can’t wait to come back and get some friends when my tank is ready!”
— momo two5.04 days ago“Decided to 'ease' back into Salt Water fish. Stopped by this shop to get my feet wet. Spoke with owner who helped be pick a great set-up. Talked to me about the basics, and gave me a great deal. Coupled with in-house team who came out to install the 60 gallon set-up was beyond exemplary. Cannot wait for tank to cycle a few times and host some fish. Purple Tang will be my go to for all my new endeavor. Highly recommend this store for any of your needs.”
— Brian A5.05 days ago“This is a really cool place I highly recommend, the staff seemed nice. I’ll be back.”
— Logan Miller5.0a week ago“I somehow find myself here every single week. There’s something about the customer service and product selection that keeps me coming back! The people who run this business are very knowledgeable and friendly, and let you negotiate so it’s always a fun time going here:) It’s got to be my favorite store in Oregon!”
— Hannah Tran5.0a month ago“Awesome aquarium shop highly recommend to anyone in the area.”
— Kavika Covington5.0a month ago“Love their small fish and plants here hoping for more options but this is amazing!”
— Thanaphon Singsukhum5.0a month ago“This is an exceptional fish store. These people are working hard to make their first business go and the resulting high quality shines through. The selection of plants and community fish is unusually good and fish are healthier and better cared for than at many fish shops.”
— Keith Messer5.0a month ago“Stopped at The Purple Tang for the first time, what an awesome fish shop for aquarists! I was surprised by how much variety there was for a “small shop”. I loved that pretty much every tank with fish in it had its own decor and plants, and a lot of the tanks were full blown aquascapes. They have plants you don’t normally find locally, and some fish I had never seen in person before. When I asked about a fish that I have been trying to find for over a month, they offered to order some to be here by Tuesday. One of the employees who was very helpful even stepped in and knew where one was hiding in one of the tanks and sure enough, he walked right to the tank and lifted up a sponge filter revealing the fish I wanted (I will still be back on Tuesday for more) They also had an entire aisle dedicated to a really good selection of hardscape; good sized dragon stone, elephant skin stone, and a bunch of other types of stone - and lots of different types of wood ranging from several feet long to 4-6 inch pieces. I think it’s the best hardscape selection I’ve seen as far as variety of size, shape, and different types. The Purple Tang will get a lot of my business moving forward.”
— Sam K5.02 months ago“Lots of variety and clean healthy tanks, and got some really great advice for the health of my tank! Gonna be back for more fish in the future!”
— Savannah Mills5.02 months ago“Love this place, very knowledgeable owners will answer any question you have”
— Ryan Dailey5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (971) 407-7625 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Purple Tang.