Asia Gift & Aquarium

Tucked into Tacoma's Lincoln District, Asia Gift & Aquarium is a decades-old mom-and-pop shop that has quietly become one of the city's most beloved spots for freshwater fish. The husband-and-wife owners have been running this place for roughly 40 years, and that deep experience shows in every interaction. The owner is known for personally culling tanks to hand-select the healthiest, most beautiful fish for each customer — a level of care you simply won't find at a chain pet store.

The shop's standout offering is its fancy and exotic goldfish, widely considered the best selection in the Tacoma area. The owner has connections for importing quality fish, and regulars praise his ability to source species you won't see at the typical big-box retailer. The koi pond inside the store is a highlight — visitors describe the fish as so friendly they come right up to greet you.

Beyond goldfish and koi, the inventory includes cherry shrimp, crystal red and black shrimp, rasboras, kuhli loaches, arowanas, platys, and a rotating cast of uncommon freshwater species. Live aquatic plants, fish food (including breed-specific options like flowerhorn food), filters, heaters, filter media, and other dry goods line the shelves. The gift shop side stocks Asian statues, bonsai miniatures, and an eclectic assortment of household items that give the space its distinctive, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Prices are generally reasonable, and the owner is sometimes willing to negotiate. More importantly, he's a patient and generous teacher — multiple customers credit him with helping them learn the fundamentals of fishkeeping, from water temperature and feeding to tank maintenance. He'll answer every question without rushing you.

The store is small and unpretentious. The tanks show their age, but experienced hobbyists note the water quality is solid and the fish are healthy. This is a place built on genuine passion, not polished aesthetics.

Just double-check the hours before you visit, as the posted schedule isn't always reliable.