About
Tucked inside an unassuming mini plaza in Appleton, Wisconsin — the kind of spot you'd walk right past if you didn't know what was inside — Fish Cave LLC is a hobbyist's store run by a hobbyist. The owner's dedication shows in a detail that experienced fishkeepers will immediately appreciate: every tank in the shop runs on an individual filtration system rather than a shared sump, meaning disease and parasites can't hop from one stock tank to the next. It's a labor-intensive choice that speaks volumes about the priority placed on livestock health.
The freshwater selection punches well above what you'd expect from the store's compact footprint. Guppies are a particular standout — the owner has imported strains never before available in the US, and multiple reviewers single them out as the finest in the state. German Blue Rams, peacock gudgeons, bettas with vivid coloring, and a rotating cast of exotic and rare species fill the rows of clean tanks.
Hardscape materials like stone and driftwood line the shelves for anyone planning an aquascape, and you can pick up blackworms, fish food, and general supplies without needing to order online. Customers regularly drive from Green Bay and beyond to browse the stock, and Fish Cave also ships — one reviewer ordered guppies and had them shipped the next day. The store supports the Milwaukee Aquarium Society, reinforcing its roots in the broader Wisconsin fishkeeping community.
The space is admittedly snug, and parking in the winter can be tricky given the oddly shaped lot, but most visitors find the density of the selection a feature rather than a flaw. If you have a specific species in mind, the owner is happy to source it. Staff — often the owner's family — are consistently described as patient and genuinely eager to talk fish, whether you're setting up a micro tank or hunting for something nobody else in Appleton carries.
It's a family operation built on passion, and repeat visitors keep coming back because the fish arrive home healthy and stay that way.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Ships FishConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Individual filtration on every tank prevents cross-contamination between stock
- Imported guppy strains unavailable anywhere else in the US
- Ships fish — orders fulfilled next day
- Wide selection of rare and exotic freshwater species in a compact space
- Hardscape materials, blackworms, and fish food available on-site
From keepers
Customer reviews
“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“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“Very cool store. Very clean. And a lot of unique fish”
— Randy Schilling5.0a month ago“This store is truly amazing, ALL the difference selection of fish is just Great. Extremely Friendly as well as Knowledgeable. Took the time to show my family and I all the breeds of fish that we were in the market for. Will be back!”
— Alex Casey5.0a month ago“Owner is very knowledgeable and keeps the tanks very clean. Wonderful experience”
— Steve S5.0a month ago“Picked up a beautiful pair of German Blue Rams from here. The fish look great and have settled in nicely in their new home. All the fish looked very healthy in the store.”
— Dan Kidney5.02 months ago“Love this place! Whether I'm just browsing or looking to get something exotic. Great service from such a small place, and packed with amazing fish and more.”
— Steve Klopstein5.02 months ago“Best place to find unique and rare fish, which are the healthiest I've ever seen from an aquarium shop.”
— Dillon Kiel Glavin5.03 months ago“Order a pair of guppies. They shipped it out the next day. Great spot to get a fish. Highly recommended.”
— Ghetto5.03 months ago“Super cool store! My boyfriend and I built this micro fish tank. The owners son was there when we went in and he was very polite, knowledgeable and helpful.”
— taylor moore5.03 months 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.