About
Tucked into an unassuming mini plaza in Appleton, WI, Fish Cave LLC is a hobbyist's fish store run by a hobbyist — and the difference shows the moment you walk in. Every tank in the shop runs on its own individual filtration system rather than a shared sump, a labor-intensive setup that keeps disease and parasites from hopping between stock tanks. Experienced fishkeepers notice it right away, and it's a big reason customers describe the livestock here as the healthiest they've seen.
The freshwater selection punches well above the store's compact footprint. Guppies are the headline act — the owner has imported strains that hadn't been available in the US before, and multiple visitors call them the prettiest around. Beyond that, the clean rows of tanks rotate through German Blue Rams, jack dempseys, geophagus eartheaters (one regular took home a stunning Balzani), and bettas with vivid coloring.
If you're hunting rare or exotic freshwater fish for sale in Appleton, WI, this is the shop locals point you toward — folks drive in from Green Bay and beyond just to browse the stock. It's a true family operation. The owner and his son are both regularly behind the counter, patient and genuinely eager to talk fish, whether you're planning a micro tank or chasing something nobody else in town carries.
One recent customer even called about a sick betta and walked away with a clear treatment plan. On the dry-goods side you'll find a solid line of Aquarium Co-Op products, plus dechlorinator, medications, fish food, blackworms, and hardscape stone and driftwood for aquascapers. The space is admittedly snug and the oddly shaped lot can be tricky in winter, but most regulars treat the density of healthy, unusual fish as the whole point.
Fish Cave also supports the Milwaukee Aquarium Society, keeping it rooted in Wisconsin's wider fishkeeping community.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Fish Cave LLC in Appleton, WI
Fish Cave LLC stocks rare and hard-to-find species, betta fish, livebearers, cichlids, shrimp, invertebrates and freshwater fish for sale in Appleton, WI. As a fish store serving Appleton, WI, it also carries dry goods, fish food and fish medications and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Every tank runs its own individual filtration to stop disease spreading between stock
- Imported guppy strains not previously available in the US — called the prettiest around
- Rotating rare and exotic freshwater fish: German Blue Rams, geophagus, jack dempseys
- Carries Aquarium Co-Op dry goods, medications, dechlorinator, blackworms, and hardscape stone and driftwood
- Family-run with a knowledgeable owner and son who'll even talk through fish health over the phone
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Called them to ask about a condition happening with my betta. They were super helpful and informative and recommended to me several possible causes and treatments. Putting me on the right road to figuring out my fish's health problem. Thank you!”
— Air5.03 days ago“Very nice little store. Good variety of fish and other stuff. Will definitely come back when I'm in the area”
— Dan Pater5.03 weeks ago“This is a great fish store for freshwater fish! Many times they have fish that others don't often have. Clean aquariums, and I have bought many fish and fish food from this store. Kind and knowledgeable owner. I will be back. Attached are some pics and videos of fish in the store, and 2 of the jack dempseys that I got from there. He also often has some geophagus, which I got a Balzani which looks amazing as well!”
— William Postel5.0a month ago“I'm in town for work. I always like to check out the local fish stores wherever I am. I definitely recommend Fish Cave. It's not very big but they have a very good selection of healthy looking fish and the tanks are clean. Small selection of dry good but they did carry a decent line up of Aquarium co-op products, which I love! And their bettas are gorgeous!! I wish I was going home today I would have definitely picked some up. If you haven't yet, check this place out! Support your LFS. I picked up some dechlorinator, fish food and meds.”
— Stuart5.02 months ago“Amazing place with a huge variety. Clean store and healthy fish! Definitely recommend. Best local fish store yet.”
— Ayson Vang5.03 months ago“Cool fish nice employee or owner not sure but great guy very friendly”
— ray farr4.04 months ago“I just got a new tank. I went to every single shop in Appleton to look for fish, and this is definitely the best place. It has the most variety and the betas here are absolutely incredible. Prettiest guppies around too.”
— Mike “Sumo Mike” Wietecha5.04 months ago“They have many kinds of fish for sale and the tanks look very clean, too. They also have fish food and supplies.”
— Dan Owen4.0Edited a month ago“They have many kinds of fish for sale and the tanks look very clean, too. They also have fish food and supplies.”
— Dan4.0Edited 6 months ago“I am truly disgusted, and disappointed in my visit. Walking in I was attacked with the smell of a rotten animal, I thought maybe someone who came in here just maybe smelt bad. But no. (usually fish stores have a scent and I won’t deny that, but this smell made me walk out gagging) walking around I noticed that some fish looked amazing, while others were not so lucky. there was one specific tank that was full. I mean full of dead and decaying fish. the water was cloudy and I believe that was the cause of the smell. Also noticed that the prices were high, I don’t mind paying extra for some good quality fish, but when there’s dead fish everywhere it turns you down. I also understand that dead fish is the nature of the hobby, but not tanks full of fish that might have been there for weeks.”
— Ethan Johnson1.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (414) 234-3526 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Cave LLC.