








Midway Tropical Fish & Pets in Kent, Washington is the kind of family-run shop that feels like stepping into a mini exotic zoo — cats roaming free, birds chattering overhead, and aisle after aisle of tanks packed with freshwater fish, reptiles, and small animals. With over 1,000 reviews and a loyal local following, this place has been a neighborhood fixture for years, drawing in hobbyists and families alike. The freshwater fish selection is genuinely impressive for a store this size.
Reviewers consistently call out the large cichlid inventory, a solid range of goldfish, and tropical species like gouramis. There's even a pond section outside for those maintaining outdoor water gardens. The store once carried saltwater fish but has since shifted its focus entirely to freshwater, doubling down on what they do well.
Live plants are available at prices customers describe as notably fair compared to competitors, and bettas are stocked regularly. What really sets Midway apart is the sense of discovery. Multiple visitors mention encountering exotic and unusual species — dragon fish, arapaima, and creatures you wouldn't expect to find at a local pet shop.
It's the kind of place where you walk in for fish food and walk out having learned something new. The staff, while experiences vary, are frequently praised for patience and willingness to share fish-keeping knowledge. Used tanks and accessories are another draw.
The store stocks secondhand equipment at prices that make the hobby more accessible, which is a genuine rarity in the aquarium retail world. For someone setting up a new tank on a budget, this alone is worth the trip. The store is admittedly compact and old-school — this is not a sleek, modern retail space.
It's a cramped, character-filled mom-and-pop operation where you might have to squeeze past a cat tower to reach the snail tank. Some reviewers have raised legitimate concerns about animal husbandry, and the store appears to have made improvements in response. If you're in the Kent area and want an authentic local fish shop experience with fair prices and genuine variety, Midway delivers.
Bernie Gutierrez
47 reviews
The only store I know that has feeder rats. Prices are fair, staff is friendly.
Darin McGuire
190 reviews
Its been a few years since I've visited Midway but I have to say that my family and I had a great time. It seemed like there were neq people running the place but I could be wrong, anyhow the employees were great, super friendly and helpful and made our experience a great one. Definitely go visit if youre in the area.
Danielle Skeeters-Lindsey
16 reviews
Great selection, helpful staff.
]Jason Stotler
5 reviews
The best inventory or fish and supplies around. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful
Rylie Colvin
20 reviews
I rescued a betta a few weeks ago. He was thriving. Bought some plants from midway and he immediately declined and got severe fin rot. I think he’s going to die
Steven Neeb
3 reviews
I simply came for the full exsperiance after franticly buying a feeder rat for my boa because my normal pet store was out. Anyway im not a normal window shopper but they do have quite a selection of fun and unique kritters and much of the gear to go with them. I greatfully enjoyed seeing the variety of other pets that peaked my interest like the Previously unknown dragon fish or giant arapima. I was incredibly surprised to see not one but both of the exotic and unique Goliath Bird eating tarantulas for sale. Not typically easy to find offline. One professional suggestion would be, well to me size does matter and instead of an endless supply of Vietnamese forest scorpions small and kinda lame to me, id rather see Giant Asian forest or super perfect and huge dictator scorpions! Wow I love me big kritters. Overall the people were all friendly and helpful and the environment really stood out as a small ma and pops store with cats and birds roaming free and the small but kool selection of otherwise rare kritters. I enjoyed my fun experience and have better understanding of different kritters and found some additional gear for my current kritters of course when they get to my fan favorite super size. Parents take your kids there for a fun walk threw a mini exotic zoo and kritter keepers they do have good gear to help the kritters we love so much. So to Midway I lift my cap to yous and here's a big friendly got your back air fist bump from me to yous. Have fun, keep the faith, grow in goodness and explore all that life has to offer. Yours truely Steven
walter antiporda
14 reviews
My to go place for my fishes needs. Awesome staff.
Larry Smith
2 reviews
they are a good plase to go to get fish and plans and all the people are nice to me
Andie Pack
Please give that parrot a better life. Keeping him caged up in a back room amongst a million chirping little birds in cages is just straight inhumane. I’m so upset that I have witnessed this. What is wrong with you guys?!!!!
Breanna Herriges
34 reviews
I have never done a one start review but this is absolutely warranted. I work in the Vet field, specifically exotics. I have worked in the dog and cat field too, but exotics is where my heart strings are. My husband and I stopped by this store to get something for our Golden, but I soon as I stepped in my jaw about dropped to the floor. The husbandry of the Birds, the small animals and even fish were absolutely horrendous. The mice were mass breeding and there was two male dumbo ear rats that were in a 10 gallon tank. One of them showed signs of psychosis from being in a small tank. There were guinea pigs that didn’t have hay or barely any food, and look at that…one of them had babies too. The reptiles were in small cages and were also not in proper husbandry. Things like spiders were in small boxes stacked on top of one another. There were large breed birds that were in small cages that showed behavioral/hormonal issues and were plucking out its feathers. There was mass amounts of fish with Ick, fungal or PH issues in the water that caused fish to swim upside down or to be at the bottom of the tanks. There was a huge cat tower that two cats were in, but someone was cleaning the litter boxes so they were walking/running around. One of these cats either had fleas or anxiety because its hair was sparse around its back end and back legs. For a pet store, your JOB is to advocate for animals like I am. Teach the proper care protocols for future pet owners. Also advocate for yourselves and the store. BE proud of the work you do. Everything that I saw today was nothing more than abuse, and someone that just calls themselves a “pet store” without any respect for animals behind the name. This was appalling, and I have called animal control. I really hope that the store owner thinks long and hard what it means to be a pet store, and what that means. Please do better. These animals are innocent and deserve kindness and proper care. There are exotic vets around to help guide you and help if there are sick animals.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (206) 824-2616 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Midway Tropical Fish & Pets.
Phone
(206) 824-2616Address
24101 Pacific Hwy S, Kent, WA 98032
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24101 Pacific Hwy S, Kent, WA 98032
February 7, 2026
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