Darr's Aquatics

Tucked into Grants Pass, Oregon, Darr's Aquatics has quickly become the freshwater destination for the entire Rogue Valley. Owned and operated by Christian and Brooke, the shop radiates the couple's genuine passion for fishkeeping — something customers pick up on immediately. Tanks are meticulously maintained, the fish are vibrant and healthy, and the live plant selection has converted more than a few skeptics into planted-tank enthusiasts.

Multiple reviewers report updating their home setups with aquatic plants from Darr's months after their first visit, a testament to the quality of the stock. The freshwater variety here punches well above what you'd expect for a smaller shop. In the back, piranhas and oversized catfish draw repeat visitors just to see what's new.

The front tanks rotate through tropicals, bettas, and community fish, while Amano shrimp — notoriously hard to source locally — are available at prices that surprise people. One customer drove from Klamath Falls specifically to check the place out and called it one of the best fish store experiences they'd ever had. What sets Darr's apart is the way Christian and Brooke approach customer education.

They'll walk a first-time fishkeeper through every step of setting up a tank without a hint of condescension, and they'll have an equally detailed conversation with a seasoned aquarist about pea puffer diets or plant compatibility. One father described building a tank project with his eight-year-old son, crediting Christian's no-pressure guidance for making the experience genuinely fun. Another customer admitted they came in for one tank and left with four within six weeks — a pattern that apparently isn't uncommon.

The shop is clean, well-organized, and stocked with supplies and fish food alongside the livestock. Reviewers consistently note that fish purchased here survive and thrive far longer than big-box alternatives. For freshwater fishkeeping anywhere in Southern Oregon, Darr's Aquatics is where the serious hobbyists — and the curious newcomers — end up.