About
Alien Aquatics is a father-and-son aquarium store tucked into Roanoke, VA, where owner Brian Fuller and his dad, Anthony, have built one of the most loved fishkeeping shops in the region. Customers regularly drive 45 minutes — and in one recent case a 100-mile round trip — just to shop here, drawn by immaculate tanks, healthy livestock, and the kind of honest, no-pressure advice that is genuinely hard to find. The store covers both sides of the hobby with real depth.
Reefkeepers find a magnificent saltwater selection — corals, marine fish, snails, shrimp, crabs, and even macroalgae — with plenty of saltwater corals for sale in Roanoke, VA. One longtime marine customer noted that everything he has ever bought there has lived once it went into his tank, which says everything about how the animals are sourced and cared for. On the freshwater side, you will find gold rams, healthy live plants, shrimp and other invertebrates, plus bettas and the crowd-favorite axolotls that keep families coming back.
Brian is the kind of shopkeeper who will talk you out of a bad idea. He tells you straight which fish live together peacefully, walks beginners through cycling a first reef tank, and has even worked out complicated reef-light specs — then stays a phone call away when tank parameters spike. He recently helped one couple get a brand-new reef tank set up in their own home.
His father is equally patient, known for opening up a betta setup and explaining each part to first-timers. Newer visitors describe spending two unhurried hours assembling an entirely new setup without ever feeling rushed or upsold. You will also find a deep medication and fish-husbandry section, live foods like black worms and copepods, and supplies for both reef and freshwater systems; if something is not on the shelf, they will track it down for you.
Prices can run a touch higher than the big-box stores, but the health of the livestock and the caliber of the guidance make the difference obvious. For Roanoke-area aquarists who want clean tanks, straight answers, and fish that thrive at home, Alien Aquatics is the shop worth building a relationship with.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Alien Aquatics in Roanoke, VA
Alien Aquatics stocks corals, reef fish, betta fish, axolotls, invertebrates, shrimp, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Roanoke, VA. As an aquarium store serving Roanoke, VA, it also carries fish medications and fish food and offers aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Father-and-son aquarium store run by owner Brian Fuller and his dad Anthony, with a loyal following that drives 45+ minutes and even 100-mile round trips to shop here
- Immaculate, well-maintained tanks and healthy livestock — one marine customer reports everything he has bought has survived in his tank
- Deep saltwater and reef selection: corals, marine fish, snails, shrimp, crabs, and macroalgae
- Freshwater favorites including gold rams, live plants, bettas, shrimp, and popular axolotls
- Hands-on, no-pressure guidance — from cycling a first reef tank and reef-light specs to in-home setup help and walking betta beginners through every part
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The folks here do a wonderful job. They have clean tanks, well cared for animals and friendly customer service. I'm proud to do business with such a friendly neighbor.”
— Logan Jackson5.0a week ago“Would highly recommend! The vibes were great, and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I spent over two hours there putting together an entirely new setup, and they were patient and helpful throughout the whole process. They never felt pushy or sales-focused, and instead took the time to offer thoughtful recommendations that fit what I was looking for. Great selection, great service, and a genuinely enjoyable experience. I'll definitely be back!”
— Rachel5.02 weeks ago“Dude genuinely cares for his aquatics. He also has a wealth of advice thats not "buy this" or "No cycling needed just plop the fish in". The prices seem on the higher side but its a local small business, thats the nature of the beast.”
— Kieran Garrison5.03 weeks ago“Great business! One of the nicest fish stores I've been in! Very kind staff.”
— Camden Little5.03 weeks ago“These guys are spectacular. The store is immaculate. Their tanks are clean. Everything is beautiful there. Magnificent selection of saltwater corals, fish, snails, shrimp, crabs, etcetera... Extremely reasonable prices. Oh yes, and if they don't have it, they can get it. Including macroalgae!! Friendly personalized service that goes above and beyond that which is called for. If you have an issue, if you need anything, talk to these guys. If they don't know it, they'll figure it out. And there is one major important thing I must add..... Everything I have ever bought from there has lived once I put it in my tank. That is awesome!! Alien aquatics has been one of my top shops since I got into Marine aquariums and it will continue as they are only getting better with time. To the people of alien aquatics, I say thank you.”
— Raymond BUTTERWORTH5.0a month ago“I think Alien Aquatics is my new local fish vendor for supplies, meds, and other products related to fish husbandry! Brian , the owner was very knowledgeable and he was able to order something from his supplier right away. His dad was also very personable and I like supporting local businesses so it’s a win-win. Thanks again Brian for ordering the Fritzyme Turbostart 700 for me and it was great chatting with you about fish!”
— Patricia Atkinson5.0a month ago“One of mine and my son’s favorite places to go! The owner is one of the kindest, most knowledgeable men I have ever met. He takes time to explain things and answer questions. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does and cares. I highly recommend this place to anybody looking for anything aquatic.”
— Sarah Mcmahan5.02 months ago“Small selection a bit pricey.”
— Appalachian adventurer3.02 months ago“Brian is absolutely wonderful and the reason why we drive 100 miles round trip to work with him! He helped us get prepared for our new reef tank and set it up in our home. He is incredibly knowledgeable about saltwater fish and corals and gave us advice about cycling our tank. He told us which animals were best for beginners and which could live together peacefully. He even sent specs to set up our reef lights which were quite complicated. As a beginner panic sets in with elevated tank parameters and he was always just a call away for assistance. I would encourage anyone who wants to start a salt or freshwater tank to go see Brian!”
— D Isom5.02 months ago“Large selection of fresh and salt water. Very helpful and knowledgeable. Worth checking out.”
— Tim Yox5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (540) 566-3475 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Alien Aquatics.