About
Tucked away in Cherry Valley, California, West Coast Cichlid Supply LLC is an appointment-only operation run out of owner Brandon's garage — and it's one of the best-kept secrets for cichlid enthusiasts in Southern California. Don't let the unconventional setup fool you: reviewers consistently praise the clean tanks, vibrant fish, and an impressive selection that puts many brick-and-mortar pet stores to shame. The store specializes in African cichlids, and that laser focus shows.
Customers rave about the stunning colors and outstanding health of their purchases, with fish settling into home tanks without issue. Brandon clearly prioritizes quality stock, and his knowledge of cichlid care is evident in every interaction. Multiple reviewers note that he and his daughter take time to answer questions and offer practical advice on keeping cichlids thriving — the kind of one-on-one guidance that's hard to come by at big-box retailers.
Beyond the fish themselves, West Coast Cichlid Supply stocks food and equipment, making it a convenient one-stop for freshwater hobbyists building or maintaining a cichlid setup. Prices are frequently called out as excellent, especially given the quality of the livestock. The appointment-only model is worth noting: this isn't a walk-in shop.
Call ahead to schedule a visit, and you'll be rewarded with a focused, personal shopping experience. Several reviewers discovered the store through online maps and were pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome they received, even as drop-ins. Still, booking in advance ensures you get Brandon's full attention and access to his current inventory.
For anyone in the Inland Empire or greater SoCal area serious about African cichlids, West Coast Cichlid Supply has earned a devoted following for good reason. The combination of healthy, colorful fish, fair pricing, and genuine expertise from a family-run operation makes the drive to Cherry Valley well worth it.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Appointment-only African cichlid specialist run by Brandon and his daughter
- Exceptional fish health and coloring praised across nearly all reviews
- Competitive pricing on cichlids, food, and equipment
- Personalized consultation and care advice with every purchase
- Consistently rated among the best cichlid sources in Southern California
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very good selection of cichlids along with great prices. It is out of a garage, so its best to call ahead and make an appointment. Way way better than the average lfs! (In terms of cichlids)”
— R Goon5.0a week ago“Beautiful healthy cichlids. Very clean tanks. Brandon is very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely recommend to get your fish here.”
— Carrie Guerrero5.0a month ago“Really nice people and will get the job done and great communication! Love my fishes 🐟”
— Katherine Shaffer5.02 months ago“Awesome selection of cichlids, if you’re in the market this is definitely the spot to buy from.”
— FrankRazo5.09 months ago“Nice little place. Didn’t know it was appointment only since I found this place on apple map owner was very friendly and helpful, best African cichlids shop in Socal fosho.if you planning to come here make sure to make an appointment.”
— Danny Ho5.010 months ago“Awesome places for all your water breathing friends. Such a great local operation. Great selection of fish and supplies to choose from”
— Joshua Perry5.011 months ago“Great selection of fish and great prices! Brandon and his daughter are amazing!”
— Kahawana Sauray5.0a year ago“Amazing”
— Cami Almada5.0a year ago“Absolutely Wonderful Experience! I recently visited this fish store and couldn’t be more impressed with the quality of service and the beautiful selection of fish. I purchased three cichlids, and they are absolutely stunning! The colors and health of the fish are outstanding, and they’ve settled into my tank perfectly. The owner and his daughter were incredibly helpful and polite, making the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. They took the time to answer all my questions and offer helpful advice about caring for my new cichlids. It’s clear they truly care about the fish and their customers. If you're looking for a place to get high-quality cichlids, this is the spot! I’ll definitely be back again. Highly recommended!”
— jaime ramirez5.0a year ago“Amazing assortment of fish. Great people!!”
— American Balls and Reptiles5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (951) 525-7779 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting West coast cichlid supply LLC.