About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Best selection of fancy and exotic goldfish in the Tacoma area
- Owner hand-selects the healthiest fish from the tank for each customer
- Beautiful indoor koi pond with friendly fish
- Carries shrimp varieties including cherry, crystal red, and crystal black
- Longtime mom-and-pop shop operating for approximately 40 years
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly service”
— ]Jason Stotler5.02 weeks ago“So so. The health of the fish was questionable.”
— Kyra Cammarata3.0a month ago“This is a very small place not a whole lot to choose from but prices are very reasonable and the owner is a very nice elderly man”
— Michael Winter5.02 months ago“Something has happened and the fish are no longer being taken care of...the tanks are murky and low on water, conditions are awful and they look sick. I left immediately because it was so hard to see. I didnt get pictures but its bad. Someone needs to go and rescue them because they obviously are done taking care of them”
— Susan Andrews1.02 months ago“I love this place it's great the owner is super nice and helpful they have a good selection of fish they were all healthy the prices are a little high but Ive gotten 3 fish from here and all were in good shape and it's just a lovely place I would recommend”
— Rylyn Saterdal4.0Edited 5 months ago“PLEASE UPDATE YOUR HOURS. I have come on 2 separate occasions, different days and you are not open the days/times that you have posted.”
— Nicola Marie1.0Edited 5 months ago“Dirty tanks not much selection overall disappointing”
— Silverdawn 272.05 months ago“Great selection of goldfish. Friendly owners. Parking in the back. Highly recommend.”
— Keng Moua5.06 months ago“By far my favorite place to buy fish in Tacoma. The owners are soo nice!!!”
— Abbie Gipson5.06 months ago“The owner is very respectful and helpful.”
— Leticia Torres5.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (253) 473-5842 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Asia Gift & Aquarium.