About
Step inside Sanctuary Aquatics in Oshkosh, WI and the scale is the first surprise — the space runs far deeper than the storefront suggests, built around a centerpiece indoor lagoon stocked with big, showy cichlids. A reading nook tucked beside that open water invites you to slow down, and the dramatic lighting and waterfront theme make this aquarium store feel as much like an attraction as a place to shop. Families plan day trips around it; one visitor and her three boys easily spent more time here than expected because there was so much to see.
The store splits cleanly into freshwater and saltwater halves, both densely stocked. Reef hobbyists across central Wisconsin drive 50 to 70 miles for Sanctuary's pre-quarantined saltwater fish — a genuine rarity in the region — and a huge man-made reef glitters with tropical fish, with a daily live feeding around 4pm where you can spot the resident sea stars. If you want saltwater fish for sale in Oshkosh, WI, this is the central-Wisconsin destination.
The freshwater side is just as deep. Regulars point to a strong rotation of African cichlids, tetras, barbs, and rasboras, alongside Oscars, Celestial Pearl Danios, and brilliant Mosaic Guppies, plus loaches and bristlenose plecos. The live plant selection is a draw in its own right, with varieties you won't easily find elsewhere.
Keepers of axolotls have walked out with both their supplies and a real care plan, thanks to staff who teach rather than rush a sale. Owner Dean has built the shop's reputation on going further than expected — researching and sourcing specific custom tanks, even setting up dealer accounts, and talking experienced hobbyists through tank emergencies. Team members like Lee are singled out for patiently guiding newcomers through setup and stocking choices.
With competitive pricing on equipment and accessories, a pre-quarantine policy reefers trust, and livestock available in Oshkosh, WI that you can actually inspect in person, Sanctuary Aquatics rewards an unhurried walk-in visit.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Sanctuary Aquatics in Oshkosh, WI
Sanctuary Aquatics stocks corals, reef fish, cichlids, African cichlids, tetras, livebearers, plecos, axolotls, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Oshkosh, WI. As an aquarium store serving Oshkosh, WI, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers fish quarantine, aquarium consultations and custom tank builds.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefLive PlantsPlanted TanksCichlidsAfrican CichlidsTetrasLivebearersPlecosAxolotlsInvertebratesAquarium Equipment
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Centerpiece indoor lagoon stocked with large cichlids, with a reading nook beside the tank
- Pre-quarantined saltwater fish that draw reefers driving 50 to 70 miles across central Wisconsin
- Daily live reef feeding around 4pm — watch for the resident sea stars
- Deep freshwater rotation: African cichlids, tetras, Oscars, Celestial Pearl Danios, Mosaic Guppies, plus axolotl supplies
- Owner Dean sources custom tanks and sets up dealer accounts; staff like Lee teach newcomers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Whenever we take family day trips around Wisconsin, we always make it a point to find at least one fish store to visit, and this one did not disappoint! The variety of fish was impressive, and the aquarium setups were absolutely beautiful. It was clear that a lot of thought and care went into creating the displays. My three boys had a great time exploring and checking out all the different fish. We easily spent more time here than we expected because there was so much to see. If you're an aquarium enthusiast or just looking for a fun stop with kids, this place is definitely worth a visit.”
— Mrs. Alm5.0Edited a week ago“Very cool place!!!”
— Cal 5045.04 weeks ago“This place is so much fun. They have a huge man-made reef filled with so many beautiful tropical fish. Every day around 4pm, they do a live feeding. Keep a eye out for the elusive sea stars!”
— John Smith5.04 weeks ago“An amazing saltwater selection, a great selection of African Chiclids, a pretty good rotation of tetras, barbs, and rasboras, etc. Lots of amazing plants that you won't likely find other places, but many have algae on them.”
— William Postel5.0a month ago“Simply one of the coolest fish stores I've personally been to. I highly recommend checking this place out!”
— Stuart5.0a month ago“Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. We were not only able to get everything we needed for our adopted axolotls abut also a lot of very useful information on how to care for them and what they need. In addition it is awesome to just walkaround and see all the cool fish they have.”
— Clayton Emons5.0a month ago“This was a larger fish store then I had expected. Great selection of products & fish.”
— George Illetschko4.0a month ago“This place is amazing 🤩🤩”
— Vernon Robinson5.02 months ago“Was excited when I saw this store online. However, when visited the tanks were very dirty and looking like they have not been cleaned in a while. Some tank surfaces were completely covered by algae and fish were not visible. I also saw 3 dead fish which is always a bad sign. Most of the plants also looked half dead.”
— Steve S2.03 months ago“Fun to experience. Loved your displays especially your saltwater tanks”
— Colleen McKenna5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (920) 385-4802 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Sanctuary Aquatics.