Where to get New World Cichlids Online/ Locally?

[AquaStudent]

BLUF - Where do people get their larger new world cichlids from?

Hello CCA. I've been coasting in the freshwater hobby for a few years now. I had a pair (both females I think) of chocolate cichlids as my centerpiece fish in a 100G. Over the past few summers, I would put them out in a 150G outside tub to get some sunshine. They were great centerpiece fish but I made a mistake (didn't check the water temperature) with one of my water changes this summer and lost them both.

I'm now looking at what to do next. Over the couple months, I'll be reassembling a 150G to replace the 100G for a bit of an upgrade. I have seen a bunch of resources for African cichlids to include Dave's and a variety of local members but the New World cichlid market seems to be much dryer.

I'm thinking of going the wet pet route, leaning Amphilophus trimaculatus. I've had those in the past and absolutely loved them. (Also considering other large CA/SA cichlids)

Jeff Rapps TUIC is one of my favorites but doesn't have a large selection of Amphs, kronoheros, or parachromis.

CoA closing their doors was a bummer because I loved their offerings.

I found "Aqua Importer" out of Colorado. Has anybody ordered from them? What other good options are out there?

 

[FishEggs]

Beltway Aquarium usually has south and central american fish. i've only been there a few times so dont really know about quality of their stock but might be worth a look.

Beltway Aquarium · 3306 Robert S. Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20603

★★★☆☆ · Tropical fish store

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[bkfamus]

locally try Londontowne Tropicals. They had some nice Parachromis friedrichsthalii in the 5 - 6" range on my last visit.. Plus a nice collection of rarer CA cichlids..

Online, TUIC has Amphs, etc with good size frequently, but they also sell pretty quickly.

The Wet Spot online has a good variety of CA cichlids, but generally 1.5 -3" max..

There's a breeder in Cali named Matt (Cichlid Dojo on FB, IG & Band) that specializes in CA and aggressive SA cichlids. He may have what you want.. But he usually sells 1 - 2.5" fry / grow-outs.. Occasionally he'll also move adults..

There are a few Breeders, Fish Farms and Importers on FB (and Band) that post lists occasionally in CA and / or SA Cichlid groups..

There's also a guy local to the DMV that specializes in Amphs. Fishlaw on Youtube.. I've never purchased from him, but his fish look 👍 ...

 

[MarkK]

I don't have any experience with this vendor but have heard good things about him from others.

https://dansfish.com/catalog

I have purchased from https://imperialtropicals.com/ and had good results for what I purchased.

 

[AquaStudent]

Awesome! This is a great list. I have had success with Wetspot and Imperial Tropicals but it's been years. Good to know they are still reliable. Wetspot does usually undersized from what I remember but they do have a fairly solid collection.

I have not heard of Dan's so I'll check them out. FB is a challenging one to navigate but good to know there's quality out there.

Londontowne is a road trip but I can call ahead to see what they have.

 

[gwand]

Dan’s is great but doesn’t have a great selection of cichlids. The Wet Spot has a large selection and are extremely reliable. I also love Live Fish Direct out of Utah. Fantastic cichlids and fantastic service.

 

[Becca]

Londontowne Tropicals

 

[gwand]

House of Tropicals in Glenn Burnie.

 

[AquaStudent]

Thanks all. I'll make a road trip out of it and visit HoT and Londontowne. I am all for supporting our sponsors