About
Tucked into a basement in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Elsner Aquarium & Supply is the kind of family fish store that earns lifelong loyalty. Father-and-son team Alan and Jeff have run this shop for more than 40 years, and many Sheboygan County hobbyists have been coming back since they were kids. Behind the marquee sign out front is a surprisingly well-organized space of immaculately maintained, individually filtered tanks.
Freshwater livestock is the main draw. If you have been searching for healthy freshwater fish for sale near me, this is the spot: reviewers single out the clown loaches, bala sharks, and mollies for their color and condition, and many report never having to quarantine fish bought here. You will also find livebearers, freshwater shrimp, goldfish, and community and semi-aggressive species rotating through the tanks, with prices that consistently beat the big-box stores.
If they do not have what you want, Alan and Jeff will try to get it in on their next order. Beyond livestock, Elsner's stocks the dry goods and aquarium equipment a tank needs: aquariums, canister and other filters, substrate, fish food, water treatments, medications, aquarium salt, and stress coat. They also carry supplies for reptiles, amphibians, and other small pets.
Water testing and honest consultation come with every visit, drawing on decades of hands-on experience to guide you through water quality, stocking, and fish compatibility, and they will warn you when a fish you are eyeing is going to outgrow your tank. The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, the kind of place where customers are treated like family rather than transactions. For anyone looking for a trustworthy, well-priced fish store in Plymouth, WI, this little basement shop is widely regarded as the best in Sheboygan County.
Note the limited weekday hours, and expect a crowd on Saturdays.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Elsner Aquarium & Supply in Plymouth, WI
Elsner Aquarium & Supply stocks livebearers, shrimp and freshwater fish for sale in Plymouth, WI. As a fish store serving Plymouth, WI, it also carries aquarium equipment, fish food and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations and water testing.
- Livestock & products
- LivebearersShrimpAquarium EquipmentFish FoodDry Goods
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-run basement shop operated by father-and-son team Alan and Jeff for 40+ years
- Exceptionally healthy freshwater fish that customers report never needing to quarantine
- Competitive pricing significantly below big box stores on species like bala sharks and clown loaches
- Comprehensive aquarium supplies including tanks, filters, substrate, food, and water treatments
- Decades of hands-on expertise shared freely with every customer visit
From keepers
Customer reviews
“He’s an awesome guy”
— Jeremiah Dang5.0a month ago“Best aquarium place ever, super helpful and kind!”
— Dakota Schmidt5.02 months ago“I LOVE Elsner's aquarium! I grew up in Plymouth and remember going to this aquarium with my Dad and older brothers as a little kid. This family runs this aquarium out of their basement and has an incredible set-up with lots of healthy fish and almost all the fish supplies you'd need! I used to buy all of my fish and supplies from Petsmart. But I am really trying to only support small businesses as much as I can now. The fish I have gotten from here are 10x better than Petsmart and are always so much healthier. All the fish are well taken care of and kept in adequately sized aquariums. The owners are so kind, knowledgable and helpful with any questions you may have. I now have a 40 gallon tank of my own with lots of fish who are having their own babies now from Elsner's aquarium. I will definitely be stopping back soon for more fish, food and other supplies. I would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in keeping fish and aquariums. (Photos are of my own aquarium with fish from Elsner’s)”
— Hannah Bougie5.0a week ago“Great fish selection. And great prices. Nice family”
— Sheldon Spence5.06 months ago“I love this place the fish are very healthy and I know what they're doing”
— Joshua Chavez5.0Edited 6 months ago“I love this place the fish are very healthy and I know what they're doing”
— Josh Chavez5.0Edited 10 months ago“Very friendly and helpful”
— Gary Safer5.09 months ago“Terrific prices and a wonderful talk. Kind and walks you through it all”
— Jibby Jiz5.09 months ago“Hidden Gem and healthy fish!! Definitely coming back!!”
— Adam T5.0a year ago“This place is a hidden gem if you're in the aquarium hobby! They have a large selection of healthy, vibrant fish—none of the sad, sickly ones you'd find at big box stores. We bought clown loaches here and didn’t even need to quarantine them; they’re thriving months later! The owner is incredibly kind and knowledgeable, always happy to answer questions and give expert advice. The store is well-stocked with everything you need for aquariums—tanks, filters, substrate, food, water treatments, and more. They even have supplies for reptile terrariums, rodents, and other small pets. Whether you're starting a new tank or maintaining an established one, this is the perfect place to find high-quality products and support. Highly recommend!”
— Karyna Noyes5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (920) 893-5774 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Elsner Aquarium & Supply.