Little Amazon Fish & Pet sits on Seattle's Aurora Avenue, a family-run shop that has carved out a polarizing reputation among local fishkeepers and pet owners. The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish, with an emphasis on exotic and unusual species that you won't find at big box retailers. Reviewers have spotted everything from large predatory fish and mandarin dragonettes to koi in an indoor feeding pond, axolotls, apricot crabs, and an unusual remora — the kind of inventory that makes the store feel more like a curiosity cabinet than a conventional pet shop.
The husband-and-wife team running the operation gets genuine praise from loyal customers who describe them as friendly, accommodating, and willing to help with questions. Some visitors report clean tanks, healthy fish, and a well-stocked selection of dry goods including aquariums and older products that are increasingly hard to source elsewhere. Feeders — live pinkies and rats — draw a steady stream of reptile owners, and the cricket supply keeps herp keepers coming back.
However, a significant portion of reviews paint a troubling picture. Multiple customers describe overcrowded tanks, visible parasites on koi, ammonia levels strong enough to sting the eyes, and fish arriving home already compromised with ich. The saltwater section has drawn particular criticism, with at least one reviewer noting mandarin dragonettes kept without copepod supplementation.
Reptile enclosures have been called overstocked, and the store's rodent housing placed near snake tanks has upset visitors. Cleanliness is a recurring concern — some visits reveal dirty tanks and a pervasive smell, while others find everything tidy. The 48-hour guarantee on fish purchases has frustrated buyers whose fish died shortly after.
Little Amazon is the kind of place where your experience may vary dramatically depending on the day you walk in. If you're shopping for unusual species or hard-to-find dry goods in North Seattle, it's worth a look — but inspect any livestock carefully before purchasing and be prepared for a store that runs on its own terms.
Kona Smith
12 reviews
I feel like the owners of this shop Do not know how to care for the majority of the animals in their place. Chameleon looked like it was on its death bed.I wish I lived localy so I could do more about the situation. The place needs to be closed, and these poor animals need to be rescued ASAP
maia jewell
40 reviews
Please do not support this place. Terrible animal husbandry. Bearded dragons stacked on top of eachother- overstocked tanks, a terrible smell.
M. 2000
12 reviews
This place was really depressing to visit. Alot of large exotic fish paired with a betta sorority for some reason. No small fish or shrimp options. The place smells. The prices for the tanks are high. But the most crazy part, there's a freaking 3 ft remora in a small tank in the back! They need to donate that to a zoo or release it back into the wild.
Tyler Thompson
202 reviews
Absolutely awsome fish store. Definitely will be back soon!
Jane Ironmonger
3 reviews
Love this store! They take very good care of their fish and animals, and are very nice!
Chad H
71 reviews
Truly a amazing place. Huge selection!
Safiye Şentürk
11 reviews
This is a truly special local pet store. The store is family-run and they are a friendly, accommodating couple who clearly care about what they do. They have an incredible selection of exotic fish and sea life — it’s amazing to see the variety they’ve built up. Even on this hectic stretch of Aurora where many small businesses have disappeared, they’ve stayed strong through hard work and dedication. A real gem worth supporting!
Vincent
152 reviews
This is the reason that you should always read the Google reviews, folks. I always try to support our local mom and pop businesses. I've been driving by this place for some time now, and decided to give them a try. All of their negative reviews are very much deserved. The place is filthy, smelly, and most of the tanks are dirty and overcrowded. I bought a few tiny fish for my one gallon tank. They all died within twelve hours. When I returned them for a refund, the lady became very upset and rude. Then she grabbed several bottles of chemicals off the shelf and told me that I needed to purchase them for my future fish. When I asked her why she didn't tell me that the first time, she said that I should have asked. I smelled something fishy (pun intended) and walked out. None of the chemicals she recommended were necessary, and were very overpriced. The fish she sold me were already half-dead. I went to a different store, spent a few dollars and no chemicals, and now my new fish is thriving. Do yourself a favor and please, please, please don't shop at store. It needs to be closed down permanently.
Fishy
60 reviews
Pros: Has a nice variety of dry goods for aquariums and reptiles Stocks many aquariums (and a lot of older products that are hard to find now!) Cons: Prices were on the higher end Aquariums were not clean, with some sad looking fish, some dead, some in tanks that are too small (specifically the ramora, poor guy, it was very visibly stressed out and cramped in the tank) Not very clean overall and definitely a bit smelly Overall 2 stars because I would still go here if I needed dry goods in a pinch, but I don't think they're taking good care of the animals overall and the general vibe is old and sad.
Esther (EstarG)
10 reviews
We went to see the reptiles and they didn't let us see them..
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (206) 528-1646 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Little Amazon Fish & Pet.
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
10316 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out