About
California Cichlids is a specialist freshwater fish store in Fresno, CA, run by Joe — a longtime breeder whose command of African cichlids has earned a devoted following across the Central Valley and well beyond. This is no generic pet shop. Where most stores keep a single tank of nondescript "Assorted African Cichlids," Joe stocks species- and locality-specific fish that serious keepers rarely find locally: Malawi peacocks and haps, Mbunas, Frontosa (including hard-to-find Kigoma and bi-color 500 lines), Tanganyikan species, and even rare Madagascar cichlids.
South American cichlids and plecos round out the tanks, alongside food, decorations, and the supplies needed to set a system up right. If you're hunting for African cichlids for sale in Fresno, CA, this is a destination worth the trip. Customers set up an appointment, come in, and hand-pick their fish — and more than one visitor has stopped in for a few cichlids only to leave with far more after seeing what was swimming in Joe's tanks.
The livestock draws the praise: review after review describes fish that run larger than the size quoted, with vivid color, strong body structure, and the kind of health that has peacocks and haps eating within a day of settling in. One longtime customer documented an eye-biter close to ten inches, alongside prized specimens like Protomelas ornatus, Champsochromis spilorhynchus, and Dimidiochromis strigatus. What truly keeps people coming back is Joe himself.
He'll spend an hour on the phone walking a first-timer through a sponge-filter setup, follow up with water-parameter advice, and steer you toward fish that fit your tank and your budget. His preorder list regularly features rare cichlids you won't see anywhere else nearby. For anyone searching out quality African cichlids near me, California Cichlids is the uncommon local source where the expertise matches the fish.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at California Cichlids in Fresno, CA
California Cichlids stocks African cichlids, cichlids, rare and hard-to-find species, plecos and freshwater fish for sale in Fresno, CA. As a fish store serving Fresno, CA, it also carries fish food and dry goods and offers aquarium consultations and fish breeding.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Species- and locality-specific African cichlids — Malawi peacocks, haps, Mbunas, Frontosa (including Kigoma and bi-color 500), Tanganyikan and rare Madagascar species
- Owner Joe is a breeder who will spend an hour on the phone helping first-timers and follows up with water-parameter advice
- Appointment-based visits let customers come in and hand-pick their fish from Joe's tanks
- Fish frequently run larger than their quoted size, with vivid coloration and robust health
- Preorder list features hard-to-find cichlids like Protomelas ornatus and Champsochromis spilorhynchus
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Pleasure to do business with. Fish arrived in great condition, excellent communication, and fish arrived exactly on time. Of course I am going to buy from again.”
— Jacobs Donald5.0Edited 22 hours ago“I've ordered from Joe about 3 times now...and I'm never disappointed...if you email him, he gets back to you in a timely manner and he'll work with you...I'll be ordering from him in the future...👌🏾👍🏾”
— jermaine campbell5.0a month ago“All 15 fish arrived alive. Great experience with Joe. His fish are rare and beautiful. Will purchase from him again in the future.”
— Steve Dividend Investor5.0a month ago“Always happy with this company. Great shipping and customer service . Very nice fish.”
— Ethan Rico5.0a month ago“Special ordered some fish in fromo CaliforniaCichlids. Joe was very helpful and communicated with us through each step of the process. Fish came in healthy and looked as expected.”
— Phou Meksavanh5.0a month ago“Joe is great for ordering good size and rare species of African Cichlids I dont trust that many people and his work proofs his word”
— Jeanpaul Santanasolis5.0a month ago“Ordered 4 of the bi-color 500. All 4 arrived alive and healthy + one extra. I’d recommend for sure!”
— Tyler Baxter5.0a month ago“I bought a female Kigoma frontosa it came really healthy and eat right away I would definitely order from this company again the packaging was perfect”
— Albert Meisenhelder5.03 months ago“I’ve purchased from this company several times and have never had a problem. The fish are packaged well and arrive healthy. The company is very professional and I highly recommend buying your cichlids from here.”
— Victor Figueiredo5.03 months ago“I’ve purchased several cichlids from him and have been very impressed with the consistent quality. The fish are healthy, active, and show excellent body structure with strong color potential. My peacocks and haps settled in quickly and began eating right away. He’s also very helpful and clearly knowledgeable when it comes to cichlids.”
— James5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (559) 696-2287 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting California Cichlids.