ordering cichlids online

It is almost always cheaper to get fish ordered thru you LFS, especially in small numbers. Getting them to order a single fish is usually harder than if you want a half dozen, but if you're a good customer, they may do it for you.

Having fish delivered is always expensive; it has to be done overnight, and water is relatively heavy. I don't know of any places that don't have some minimum order for shipping.

HTH,
Jim

biogirl, I'm experiencing the same thing here.... looking for something other then the same ole fish to complete my tank.

Thanks JSchmidt for the advice. I'm going to look into ordering some from the LFS.

I don't remember the site anymore sorry, but I have seen a couple of sites out there that will allow you to 'order as many or as little as you want'. I just remember that quite from them lol. Sorry. Keep searching I'm sure you'll find one.

It is difficult for pet stores to order in specific fish that you want. In order to get a species of fish in, the store MUST purchase a package of them from the wholesaler...which may be dozens of fish. A lot of stores are weary about ording in numbers of a species that may not sell well due to various reasons (the fish may be expensive, may be aggressive, etc..etc..). This is why most stores (especially smaller ones) then to 'play it safe' and order in the most popular fish (fish that are hardy, easy to take care of, peaceful).

If you go to a store which is part of a chain of stores, they may be able to call around their other stores to see if they can find something for you, and then have it sent to the store your closest to?

Cobalt blue zebra albinos aren't that common around here. I see them once in a while. Beginners don't buy them because Africans needs higher pH, are rather expensive, plus...they're aggressive. Unfortunately all the pet stores in my area mostly carry peaceful community fish. ZZZZzzzzzzZZZZzz...boring...