About
Best Fish in Milwaukee has built a loyal following over nearly two decades, and it's easy to see why. The store carries a massive selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, with reviewers regularly singling out their coral frags as some of the best-priced in the area. Live rock is readily available, and the saltwater reef inventory draws hobbyists from over an hour away — some of whom check the store's online stock list before making the drive.
The freshwater side holds its own, with customers noting exotic and unusual specimens that aren't found at competing Milwaukee shops. " The store stocks supplies and equipment for both freshwater and saltwater setups, making it a practical one-stop shop for the hobby. Staff knowledge is a consistent theme across reviews.
Mark, the owner, and his team have helped customers pick out their first corals and explained care requirements in detail. Multiple reviewers mention feeling genuinely guided rather than sold to, and at least one customer was able to return fish they could no longer keep — a small gesture that speaks to the store's relationship with its community. The shop's resident dog adds a distinctly welcoming touch.
It's worth noting that the store has been going through a transition period, with plans to relocate. Some recent visitors found reduced inventory and a store in flux, and at least one customer had a seriously negative experience with gift card resolution during this uncertain time. Prospective visitors should check current hours and availability before making the trip.
When fully stocked, Best Fish delivers competitive pricing, a deep coral and fish selection, and the kind of passionate expertise that makes a local fish store irreplaceable. For Milwaukee aquarists maintaining reef tanks or freshwater setups, it has been a cornerstone of the hobby community for years.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive coral frag selection at competitive prices
- Large inventory of both freshwater and saltwater fish including exotic species
- Live rock readily available for reef setups
- Online stock list available so customers can check inventory before visiting
- Staff will hold fish for customers traveling long distances
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Store is never open during hours listed.”
— Jay1.07 months ago“Great service and help, expert advice, and good people. Mark is always good to us.”
— Jeannette Schultz5.08 months ago“Had less than half inventory, because they are in the process of moving to a new store, but still had a nice selection of fish.”
— Mike Garvie5.08 months ago“Great fish store with helpful employees!”
— Brian5.09 months ago“Love this place, lots of neat freshwater, and saltwater fish. Plenty of live rock available. Also lots of corals at a great price. Friendly staff and always helpful. A nice, well behaved, adorable dog to keep you company too haha.”
— Life With Animals5.010 months ago“Good Selection of fish and coral, great prices, doesn’t quarantine but is upfront about it.”
— NoOne Cool4.010 months ago“They're always very helpful. They have a huge selection of corals and fish. They also have an excellent knowledge of their Products”
— Michelle Naidul5.0Edited 10 months ago“Great place, but I believe they're moving to the West side of town. Too bad.”
— Jim McNulty5.011 months ago“After 15 years I will NEVER be back. The owner Mark lacks professionalism, the ability to run a business with any customer service in mind, and lies to his customers. The memories over the years of Brian, Judy, Kevin, Tyler, Laura etc are long gone. Highly recommend spending your money elsewhere. This USED to be the best place If you look at the Facebook page for Best fish (Jan 2025), it states they are remodeling the front, but in reality they are trying to liquidate everything because the building is pretty much sold. This would be fine except he sold my wife and mom $300 of Gift cards (store credit) in December and pretty much offers no resolution to it. He knew this all when he sold them the gift cards/credit Went in yesterday to buy some items I needed and the store looks like it got robbed. Most of the saltwater fish look like they are almost dead or clearly have ick. Hardly any supplies, and I couldn’t even find 50 worth of items in the store I actually “needed”. When taking to Mark about my 300 credit, he got rude with me and asked me “Well I’m a small business, what do you expect me to just give you $300 cash out of the drawer”? I responded with “well, no but I do need a light. Would you be willing to order me a light that exceeds my credit and I pay the difference. He didn’t like that idea, and said he couldn’t get the light. Mind you i never told him the light. It was just excuse after excuse about how he wouldn’t do anything. When mentioned I didn’t tell him what light, he responded that “i probably know which one”, which is laughable. I was told I can spend it on what he has left, or I can come to the new location when they have more items. The problem is Mark doesn’t know - 1. Where they are moving 2. When that will be How is that a resolution. I spent the 300 on almost nothing I needed because I felt like I’d never get my money back if I didn’t. So he’ll tell you they are moving, but if that actually happens I’d be shocked. If he’s making stories about remodeling he’s most likely not moving. He deserves to go out of business.”
— David Patterson1.011 months ago“Amazing selections and friendly knowledgeable staff”
— Samuel Eng (Belfire777)4.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (414) 224-0486 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Best Fish.