About
Red Fish Blue Fish Aquatics has earned a devoted following among Madison's freshwater hobbyists, and a walk through the door makes the reason obvious. The tanks are bright, spotless, and never overcrowded — reviewers repeatedly mention they've never seen a dead or sick fish here, a telltale sign of the careful husbandry behind the scenes. It's a small, tucked-away shop, but regulars happily call it the best fish store in the Madison area.
Owner Todd is the heart of the place. He'll test your water on the spot, ask guiding questions about your setup, and steer you toward the fish that will actually thrive — even when that means talking you out of a pricier purchase. One recent customer setting up a new 75-gallon tank praised him for recommending affordable starter fish to cycle the tank properly instead of upselling the high-priced fish he'd come in for.
That honesty, paired with fair prices and consistently helpful staff, is a recurring theme across dozens of reviews. The livestock leans into freshwater favorites with a few uncommon picks. Cichlids draw steady praise, and you'll find pea puffers, guppies, corydoras, shrimp, and snails for sale in Madison, WI.
The betta selection is a standout — healthy, colorful fish housed in proper five-gallon tanks rather than cups. Planted-tank enthusiasts are well served too, with healthy live plants like java fern and hornwort that customers report growing fantastically at home, plus what one reviewer recently called the best spiderwood selection he'd seen. Beyond livestock, the shop carries filters, foods, and the supplies needed to start or maintain a freshwater aquarium, and Todd patiently walks beginners through every step — even troubleshooting a struggling tank over the phone.
If you're searching for a freshwater fish store near me in the Madison area, this clean, friendly, expertly run shop is hard to beat. It's the kind of neighborhood store where the owner treats every fish, plant, and customer with genuine care.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Red Fish Blue Fish Aquatics in Madison, WI
Red Fish Blue Fish Aquatics stocks cichlids, shrimp, invertebrates, pufferfish, betta fish, catfish, livebearers, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Madison, WI. As a fish store serving Madison, WI, it also offers water testing, aquarium consultations and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Todd tests water on-site and gives honest setup advice — even talking customers out of pricier fish
- Spotlessly clean, never-overcrowded tanks with consistently healthy freshwater stock
- Strong cichlid, pea puffer, betta, guppy, and corydoras selection
- Healthy live plants like java fern and hornwort, plus a standout spiderwood selection
- Fair prices and beginner-friendly guidance from a passionate local owner
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Hidden gem! Clean and such a great selection. Good prices! Helpful staff!”
— Mary Negron4.02 months ago“so i just started a new 75 gal tank, and went into this store to find supplies to set up my tank. The owner was very helpful, and spent a lot of time giving me advice and helping guide me to setting up a healthy tank that will thrive, he didn't try and sell me the high price fish i wanted, instead he advised me not to start my tank with the fish i was picking, instead he showed me cheaper fish that would help get my new tank ready for the fish i wanted. The owner genuinely wanted to see my tank thrive over selling me the higher priced fish. I would recommend this store to anyone who is looking for honest advice and great prices.”
— Steve Lehman5.02 months ago“Helpful staff”
— Julia C5.0Edited 3 months ago“Very knowledgeable owner, with the best spiderwood selection I've seen!”
— KrillinIt4.03 months ago“Great service, gave us tips on the fish”
— Henry Schnell5.04 months ago“Gorgeous setup and fish. The owner is super helpful and kind.”
— Mireya Pimentel5.0a month ago“Good spot to get what you need.”
— Nathan D5.0a month ago“Loved this place so so so so so much I think I met the owner so kind chatty and just such a wounderful caring person.”
— Jsgsofhkso Kshelsbsudhdm5.02 months ago“Nice fish. Nice selection of chiclids and other more out of the ordinary fish.”
— Jon Johansen5.02 months ago“Red fish, blue fish just totally blew me away with this order that I received even though there was one DOA it didn’t matter because it was by no fault of theirs. They know their business inside and out they are experts from start to finish their prices are Fair, they have a great selection, great communication and fast shipping. I was so impressed with my delivery that I can’t wait to get another one. I would highly recommend them.”
— Domenick CHILELLI5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (608) 230-5305 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Red Fish Blue Fish Aquatics.