About
In a light-industrial corner of Aloha, OR, The Purple Tang is the kind of aquarium store that turns a quick errand into a long, happy detour. It is unpretentious by design — more workshop than showroom — and regulars say that no-frills layout is exactly why the pricing runs so fair. One visitor joked he "almost felt guilty for what I ended up paying," and "best prices in the area" is a refrain that comes up again and again.
The heart of the shop is freshwater and planted tanks. Nearly every display is a fully scaped aquarium — dragon stone, elephant skin stone, and driftwood arranged with real care — and an entire aisle is given over to hardscape in sizes from four-inch accent pieces to slabs several feet long. The plant selection draws the most praise, including species you don't usually find locally, and shoppers come in for Neocaridina shrimp, bettas, community fish, and the occasional rare find.
If you're hunting for aquatic plants for sale in Aloha, OR, this is the spot locals point to first. It's an aquarium store in the full sense, too: the team has helped customers choose and install complete saltwater systems, including a 60-gallon build handled by their own in-house crew. Co-owner Kevin is described as "an encyclopedia of knowledge" on anything that lives in water, and staff like Hannah and Adam get singled out for walking newcomers through their first tanks without a hint of pressure.
Stock turns over weekly, so there's almost always something new swimming in. Recent visitors note the shop has moved into a much larger space over the past year — a sign of how quickly it has grown. Say hello to Kiwi, the resident bird with a sassy streak, and the shop turtles while you browse.
For healthy fish, plants, and shrimp available in Aloha, OR, The Purple Tang has become a go-to for aquarists across the Portland metro.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Purple Tang in Aloha, OR
The Purple Tang stocks shrimp, betta fish, rare and hard-to-find species, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Aloha, OR. As an aquarium store serving Aloha, OR, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium setup, aquascaping and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Nearly every tank is a fully planted aquascape with dragon stone, elephant skin stone, and driftwood
- Standout aquatic plant selection, including species hard to find locally
- Neocaridina shrimp, bettas, and rare community fish, with new stock arriving weekly
- Recently moved to a much larger location; unpretentious, no-frills layout keeps prices among the lowest around
- Knowledgeable owners and staff (Kevin, Hannah, Adam), plus resident mascot Kiwi the bird and shop turtles
From keepers
Customer reviews
“If you're interested in planting your aquarium i will recommend”
— ogden alea5.0a month ago“Stopped by this fish store recently as someone pretty new to the hobby, and overall I had a really solid experience. The tanks were clean, fish looked healthy, and the selection was actually great for beginners without being overwhelming. I didn’t feel rushed or judged asking basic questions, which I appreciated. I was helped by a guy I’m pretty sure was named Kevan — he had a ponytail/man bun?? When I first walked up, he was on his phone and just slowly looked up at me and stared for a second before answering. Not rude, just… a very long pause like he was buffering. When I asked about beginner fish, he gave good advice, but kind of in a quiet, slightly mumbled way, like he was half explaining it to me and half narrating his own thoughts. Mid conversation, he got a phone call from (what sounded like) a pretty upset girl. He listened for a second, sighed, said something like “I can’t do this right now,” and then just walked away while I was standing there holding a bag of fish food. No explanation, just gone. To be fair, everything he told me before that was actually helpful, and I ended up getting what I needed and feel more confident starting out. So no complaints about the store itself, it’s genuinely a great place. Just be prepared for a slightly unpredictable but oddly knowledgeable customer service experience.”
— lazy susan4.02 months ago“I’m new to fish. I went in here and this was the third fish shop we found. Went in and was immediately greeted and asked if I had any questions. This man walked with me through the entire shop. Damn near answered a question about each tank. Was so respectful. Helped teach me so much as a new guy. And he helped me find what I needed. Probably one of the most funny and awesome guys I’ve ever met walking into a business before. I would for sure have a beer with this man any day of the week. They could double the prices in their shop and I would still choose to shop here before any other fish place. Just because of the customer service. I believe his name was Adam? Little Mexican kid. Super super awesome guy. Owner didn’t say much to me at all but he was on the phone so I understand. But this shop was more welcoming to me than any place and I was aware I annoyed him with so many questions. But he answered them all. I will be back for all fish needs!!!”
— Travis May5.02 months ago“Great little fish and live plant store. The staff are super chill fish people that know what they are talking about. That bleak light industrial layout means bargain basement pricing, I almost felt guilty for what I ended up paying.”
— N Croston5.02 months ago“This place is less a showroom and more barebones. The critters are interesting and colorful and it feels more of a place for hobbiests than tourists. Saw some very unique creatures and the staff were friendly and seemed open to chatting but didnt pressure me. I was just dropping by to check it out, but might come back just to see new stock and looks. It did seem a bit dirty, but as a hobbiest I understand that keeping things showroom level is difficult! My college self would have been all over this place to stock my tanks.”
— A'ledyn Skywalker4.02 months ago“Absolutely a gem of a store, the owner was so helpful, knowledgeable and kind. They will definitely be getting all of business from now on.”
— Janel Fitzpatrick5.02 months ago“I loveee kiwi and good prices on plants”
— Reilly Proehl5.02 months ago“This place has the best prices and does good deals. Also has the best aquarium plants in this area”
— keith mayhem5.02 months ago“Highly recommend the Purple Tang for all your aquatic needs! Knowledgeable and friendly staff are available every time I walk in. There's always a new variety of fish since I've been told they stock up weekly which make each trip something to look forward to. The new location is way bigger than the last which is exciting to see how much they've grown within the last year. 10/10 the best store I've been to for the fish. Come see for yourself”
— Marcus Diaz-Escobar5.03 months ago“This is easily the best fish store around. Alin runs the shop with great care, and the fish are healthy, well kept, and the prices are very fair compared to other stores. If you’re into aquariums, this is the place to go because Alin always gives honest advice and takes care of his customers.”
— Shengkai Jin5.03 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.