About
The Nautilus Tropical Fish is an old-school, locally owned aquarium store in Springfield, Oregon, run by Aaron — a longtime aquarist whose hands-on knowledge is the reason regulars keep coming back. This is a shop built around livestock and conversation rather than showroom polish: the lighting is dim (likely to hold down algae across dozens of tanks), the shelves are well-worn, and the focus stays squarely on the fish. " For saltwater keepers, the coral frag selection genuinely surprises people — including mushrooms well beyond the usual greens and browns, plus LPS corals, tangs, a diamond goby, sea urchins, and anemones available in Springfield, OR.
Aaron's live rock pricing is among the most competitive in the Eugene-Springfield area, making this a practical first stop for anyone starting a reef tank. On the freshwater side you'll find cichlids, bettas, neon tetras, feeder and cleaner fish, shrimp for planted eco tanks, and healthy live plants for sale — the kind of less-common stock that's hard to track down at the big-box chains. What sets the store apart is Aaron himself.
Customers consistently describe him as genuinely knowledgeable rather than rehearsed, and note that he never pushes unnecessary purchases — he'll talk through what you actually need, and has even answered messages about a sick fish outside store hours. That reputation pulls in loyal hobbyists from across the region, including one who drives in from Sweet Home just to shop here. A couple of practical notes for first-timers: this is a small, single-operator shop, so tank presentation can vary from visit to visit, and the posted Google hours aren't always current — it's worth calling ahead before you make the trip.
For Springfield-area aquarists who value real expertise, fair pricing, and uncommon freshwater and saltwater species over modern gloss, The Nautilus remains a fish store worth seeking out.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Nautilus Tropical Fish in Springfield, OR
The Nautilus Tropical Fish stocks corals, reef fish, cichlids, betta fish, shrimp, invertebrates, anemones, live rock, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Springfield, OR. As an aquarium store serving Springfield, OR, it also offers aquarium consultations and pond services.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Aaron offers deep, honest aquarium guidance without sales pressure
- Surprising coral frag selection, including mushrooms beyond the usual greens and browns
- Among the most competitive live rock pricing in the Eugene-Springfield area
- Strong freshwater stock: cichlids, bettas, neon tetras, shrimp, and live plants
- Long-running, locally owned shop drawing aquarists from across the area
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great selection of fish and supplies. As we walked in they asked us if we needed help.”
— Alysha Green5.03 weeks ago“Wonderfully stocked fish and loved the selection. Will totally come back when its time to restock my 20 gallon tank too!”
— Katherine Mady5.0a month ago“I do not like fish”
— Andy X1.02 months ago“Very knowledgeable”
— Ethan Edler4.02 months ago“I can see why it is a low rated fish store. I was calling looking for a certain fish. He laughed and said "let me check" he then says "no we only have *some other type of fish* and proceeds to tell me "Plus they are illegal in Oregon to use on the feet and Illegal to use in nail salons" and then hangs up on me. I'm just thinking like wth 🤦♀️ that is not what I was calling for. They are great algea eaters so they are a great addition to have in tanks. SMH. I would not reccomend this place.”
— McKenzie Cadena1.04 months ago“Got some amazing Tangs LPS, sea urchin, diamond back Goby, all at a reasonable price”
— Tyfanie W5.05 days ago“I went in there a couple days ago. I was impressed how nice and clean the tanks were. The guy was extremely knowledgeable and didn't hesitate to answer my questions. I will definitely be going back”
— Tamara Gribling5.04 weeks ago“Best fish store in Springfield! Support your local shops 🤘🏽”
— John Peck5.0a month ago“_____ classic shop ✨️🐠✨️🐟”
— Joe5.02 months ago“Not much variety for saltwater. Also did not have any equipment even though there were posters for brands like ecotech. Tanks were also dirty”
— Andrew Truong3.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (541) 344-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Nautilus Tropical Fish.