About
Caye's Aquarium has been a Southeast Portland fixture for over 25 years, earning the kind of fierce loyalty that only a family-owned shop can. Walk in and you'll find a bright, compact space packed with tanks spanning a genuinely impressive freshwater selection — cichlids of every stripe, bristlenose plecos, Oranda goldfish, piranhas, Japanese rice fish, and axolotls priced at a remarkably affordable $10. They've expanded into shrimp and snails in recent years, and their live plant selection draws consistent praise from planted tank enthusiasts.
The staff — including Travis and the shop's namesake, Caye — are the heart of this operation. Multiple reviewers describe them going far beyond the expected level of service: advising on compatibility, hand-selecting the brightest colored fish, and in one case, donating personal supplies to help a struggling newcomer salvage a failing tank. That kind of genuine investment in customers is why people drive past big box stores and even past Portland's other well-known fish shops to come here instead.
Pricing is a consistent draw. Reviewers frequently note that Caye's undercuts larger competitors, especially on cichlids and axolotls, without requiring minimum purchase quantities that make building a community tank impractical. They also stock bulk fish food, equipment, and supplies at competitive prices.
The store isn't large — reviewers call it a "cute little store" and "awesome little aquarium shop" — but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in selection density and personal attention. Staff are known for their patience with kids picking out their first fish and with nervous newcomers asking every question they can think of. 8-star average across over 560 reviews, suggesting these experiences are outliers.
For Portland fishkeepers who value fair pricing, healthy livestock, and staff who remember your name, Caye's is the neighborhood shop that's earned its 25-year run.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationWater Testing
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned Southeast Portland shop operating for over 25 years
- Axolotls available at just $10 each
- Wide cichlid selection without minimum pair purchase requirements
- Staff known for exceptional patience and personalized fish-keeping advice
- Growing shrimp, snail, and live plant inventory
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love this place! They are so helpful and patient with first time fish parents?”
— Kathy Liskey5.02 days ago“Cayes is my go-to LFS. Always have what I need, very friendly and great prices on equipment, supplies, plants and fish including snails and shrimp.”
— Mike5.0Edited a week ago“Me and my sister always come here. I first started coming here as a little kid. They are so nice to their fish, especially their bettas. And they have given me really great tips and tricks for keeping my aquarium. They have so many different kinds of fish and shrimp and underwater plants.”
— Alyona5.03 weeks ago“I love this place.”
— Wes Knudsen5.0a month ago“Love this place and the people. Always helpful and kind”
— Andrea kayy5.02 months ago“Very kind people and great prices. I had gone here last week and got some bushy nose plecos and the person who had helped me was amazing and patient. Will definitely come here again when I can👍🏻”
— Meagan5.04 months ago“Obviously a good place to buy fish friendly staff”
— Jack Young5.04 months ago“Very knowledgeable and customer service is hands down. Travis knows his shit when it comes to aquariums and exotic fish.”
— Dave Larkin5.05 months ago“I am brand new into the fish world, i got started at a big box store, and I did everything wrong. all my fish were dying. I was getting really frustrated and was getting ready to give up. I came into Caye's and told her my experience and she went above and beyond to help me and even donated some of her own stuff to get my fish tank in a better spot. I could not be happier with the education. And the help I got, they definitely go above and beyond for their customers. They have got a loyal customer out of me now. I will never go anywhere else.”
— Shawnasie Nieuwenhuis5.05 months ago“Caye was very helpful with my purchase.”
— N.5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (503) 761-8680 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Caye's Aquarium.