Updated 09/28/2026. Interested in ordering cichlids online? I have posted a couple of times about online purchasing – a post about what to consider when doing so and issues with ordering online. I’ve even posted about some of the online sources I’ve used in the past. While I encourage you to patronize your local fish stores (LFS), they may not always have the most comprehensive selection or the best price. Give them your business but also know there are other options.
Below I’ve compiled a list of online cichlid retailers that I know of or that have reached out to me. While the list isn’t exhaustive, it’s pretty comprehensive. Unless otherwise noted, these are all based in the United States. Cichlid species from Africa, Central America, South America, etc. can be found within various stock lists of these vendors/retailers.
A note of disclaimer: Other than the online retailers who I have ordered from in the past (see link to post in the first paragraph above), I can’t speak to the quality of the fish, the selection, or the purchasing and shipping experience of any of the sites listed below. Thus, I’m not advocating any of them unless I’ve done so before. I’m providing this list to save you some time scouring the Web. Also, I only spot-check some of these to see if their online process works, so proceed at your own discretion and risk.
If you have a site (or you know of a site) that’s not listed below, drop me a note and I’ll update the list. Each of these sites was accessible as of 09/28/26. However, unless noted, I can’t tell you if they’re still selling fish.
Do u have in stock the aulonocara walteri peacock?
Hell Jorgie. Thanks for visiting. I don’t sell fish. This is a blog site. The links you see are for online sites that actually sell fish.
Hi,
As a Cichlids owner I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you put together this list of retailers for the rest of us. Is there a way to email you privately to see if you’ve dealt with the companies I have and what you experience with them might be? There’s one company in particular that have sold me some of the most beautiful fish I’ve gotten, yet I’ve had several that were sick/dying on arrival.as well as others that simply didn’t last very long. It’s not about my tanks/water because I’ve noticed this specially when dealing with this dealer. I’d OVE to be wrong cause again, some of their fish have been beautiful beyond comparison. Also,
Did you ever think about expanding this site to create a place where each retailer had a separate place for people to list reviews of their experiences with them? That would undoubtedly a HUGE help to all of us. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, Brendan. I have reached out to you for a one-on-one conversation about this, so please check your e-mail.
Don’t forget me at
Florida Aquatics and More LLC
I’m looking for 2 to 3 inches male peacocks.
Hi Tory. Thanks for the comment. Multiple vendors in this post sell peacocks. Andre at Beantown Aquatics carries many peacocks, though not sure he has many males that size. I think most of his are a bit larger. You can also check Imperial Tropicals, Cunningham Cichlids, and Dave’s Rare Aquarium Fish. All those places are reputable. I don’t keep peacocks, so can’t speak specifically to them. Good luck!
Tampa Bay Cichlids is complete garbage. DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS CLOWN. I ordered a red shoulder severum on Thursday Sept 30th 2021 for shipment from Florida to Las Vegas, and today is October 10th 2021 and still no fish? I contacted David via email and he catches an attitude and starts bragging about how well he packages fish and his 30 years of blah blah. I don’t want to hear that, all I want is my fish or the company to take responsibility for the obvious, the fish is not going to arrive alive. As of today the USPS tracking says it left Memphis TN on October 8th, 2021, that’s a long drive to Las Vegas for a delayed delivery date of October 9th, by 9pm especially since the original late delivery date was October 7th by 9pm. This place is incompetent and that’s what I get for trying to support small businesses who have done nothing but whine about the pandemic and yet this is how they treat their one-time customers. Never again and I will spread the word. Run fast in the other direction of Tampa Bay Cichlids
This is my New go to page. After the freeze event last year I found this blog to be by far the best place to fin retailers. Thanks a bunch.
Hi Bryan. Thanks for the comment. Glad you found the post helpful. Hopefully, you’ll find more useful information on the site. If you like the site, tell your fish keeping friends. If you’re on FB and a member of any cichlid groups, give it a shout out. The more readers, the merrier. Because the site is ad-free, I earn absolutely nothing from it but welcome as many readers as I can get. Thanks again!
Scott
Hey Everyone!
I recently purchased (2) hard good items from Sand City Cichlids. It has been over (25) days since I haven’t received my package. UPS confirmed with me that the package was never sent out. I emailed the owner “Rick” multiple times, and even tried their Facebook page as well with no luck on a response. I’m completely frustrated bc I’ve order fish/items online for over 10 years and I’ve never had an experience like this before…has any found Sand City Cichlids to complete drop the ball with a customer’s order ??
Same here
Hey Robert and Mariano. Sorry you’re having problems with Sand City. I haven’t ordered fish from him but I’ve ordered hard goods. He’s been responsive to me when I’ve contacted him, and I know quite a few people who have ordered fish from him, all of whom have spoken highly of their experience.
Hey i just want to say thank you for sharing the list, we have been looking to buy some other species to add to the collection.
Hi.
Thanks for the note. I hope you read more of the blog and find additional useful information here.
Scott
Most definitely. Thanks Scott.
Okay, amazing.
Amazing, Thanks for the valuale insights.
Cichlids and Herps at cichlidsandherps.net?
Excellent. Thanks Darron. I will add it.
Scott