While there are numerous cichlid species available in the hobby, many of them can be difficult to find. Sure, your LFS can sometimes get that hard-to-find species and so can that online retail shop that specializes in cichlids.
But what if none of those resources have what you want? How you do find rare and elusive species?
One of the best avenues is to join local cichlid clubs. These clubs are often run by experienced hobbyists who have a wide network of connections, which typically include importers, breeders, collectors, and other hobbyist “specialists,” people who I categorize as “gatekeepers” to the hobby. They are also the ones who attend national and regional cichlid events, write articles for various cichlid publications, and also sell fish.
There are many species that are brought into the US that don’t make it to an LFS or that are sold openly by online retailers. Just like with any other imported animal, there is an internal network of cichlid hobbyists who acquire, trade, breed, and sell hard to find, often difficult to keep species.
Gatekeepers perform several functions. One, they tend to take the care of their cichlids very seriously and thus serve as species protectors. They don’t want the “weekend” or amateur cichlidophiles keeping species they aren’t prepared or equipped to keep. Two, these are specialists who have significant species husbandry expertise with specific genera. There are hobbyist experts for haplochromines, pikes, apistos, shellies, etc. They know these fish – their morphology and phylogeny. Three, gatekeepers are highly knowledgeable and help guide conservation efforts by understanding and tracking threatened species, such as members of CARES. Finally, these are also the people who simply want to get their hands on new and other really difficult to acquire species before anyone else, and know how to do so.
Often times the easiest way to track down a species that you can’t find is to seek out these gatekeepers. Most of them are more than willing to help hobbyists locate that elusive fish. However, don’t be surprised if, just like with canine or feline breeders, you aren’t asked some questions that help these gatekeepers determine your ability to keep a species you’re looking for. Your LFS often doesn’t care how experienced you are. They typically just want to sell you fish. Gatekeeper cichlidophiles are usually more interested in sustaining the hobby, protecting fish, and protecting others.