About
Global Exoticquatics has become a pilgrimage point for cichlid keepers across the Chicago suburbs, and the drive — sometimes an hour or two each way — is one customers happily make again and again. Owner Benjamin (Ben Tran) and shop manager Justin run a sprawling Joliet, IL fish store packed with well over 436 tanks, with more going in as the shop keeps growing. Reviewers describe a spotless, meticulously organized facility where every species sits in its own quarantined tank and the fish look healthier and more vividly colored than almost anywhere else they've shopped.
The store's reputation is built on African cichlids — Haps, Mbunas, OB, and peacocks in stunning variety, including the sought-after German strains that one longtime hobbyist called his "Mecca" for Malawi lovers. Ben is the resident African cichlid expert, while Justin earns praise for his eye sexing Central and South American species. 5-6" discus.
Beyond cichlids, the selection runs deep into exotic and monster fish you won't find at chain pet shops: black arowanas, freshwater stingrays, a tiger moray eel, plecos, Corydoras, albino hoplo, diamond and neon tetras, plus guppies, swordtails, and danios. There's a genuinely good hardscape corner too — driftwood, spiderwood, and aquascaping rocks at fair prices — alongside quality pellets, frozen foods, filters, and sponges to finish out a build. Staff bag every take-home fish with real care.
What keeps customers coming back, beyond the livestock, is the people. Ben and Justin are described over and over as knowledgeable, patient, and honest on pricing, often walking first-timers through the whole shop tank by tank. For anyone searching for cichlids or rare freshwater fish near me in Joliet and the southwest suburbs, Global Exoticquatics is a destination worth the trip.
Open daily, 10am-6pm.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Global Exoticquatics in Joliet, IL
Global Exoticquatics stocks cichlids, African cichlids, rare and hard-to-find species, arowanas, plecos, catfish, discus, tetras and freshwater fish for sale in Joliet, IL. As a fish store serving Joliet, IL, it also carries dry goods, fish food and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and fish quarantine.
- Livestock & products
- CichlidsAfrican CichlidsRare SpeciesArowanasPlecosCatfishDiscusTetrasLivebearersDry GoodsFish FoodAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- One of the largest African cichlid selections near Chicago — Haps, Mbunas, OB, and peacocks, including coveted German strains
- Rare and exotic freshwater stock: black arowanas, freshwater stingrays, geophagus, discus, and a tiger moray eel
- Over 436 tanks in a spotless, organized facility with every species quarantined in its own tank
- Hardscape and supplies on hand — driftwood, spiderwood, aquascaping rocks, quality pellets, and frozen foods
- Owner Ben Tran and manager Justin are hands-on, deeply knowledgeable, and fair on pricing
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Large selection of quality fish 100% satisfaction !!! 🐟💯 One of the best store around chicagoland area”
— Bartosz Golebiowski5.0a month ago“Very cool store. Lots of selections of exotic South American and African cichlids.”
— Cliff Gronemeyer5.0a month ago“Healthy fish and a huge variety. We need more places like this, please support this small buisness. I was impressed by the amount they have and you wont find most of these fish at other pet stores”
— ben ledoux5.0Edited 2 months ago“Beautiful fish. Clean and high quality. Will definitely go back”
— Mario Moreno5.02 months ago“Bought 20 diamond tetras for my 125 gallon Angelfish tank. They were knowledgeable and helpful.”
— Tee McCullum5.02 months ago“Drove 1.5 hours to visit this place. Worth the drive so much cool stuff and just over the top great people to work with. I ended up buying a tiger moray eel. Thanks again guys I will definitely be returning.”
— scott alm5.02 months ago“Fish Store Alert I went to the Bloomington fish trade/buy/sell looking to buy discus fish since they showed it in their flier. There were none there at all. Quite a lot of upset people. I did find some smaller fish. And met Jeff Daniels one of the members here. He suggested going to Global Exoticquatics located in Joliet.,IL. Almost a 2 hour drive but was well worth it. Talked to a super nice guy. Ended up buying $250 worth of beautiful Discus. 5 Discus at $50 each. And they are 4.5-6" in diameter. And the total was $250 paying cash. Well with the trip if you are wanting to buy fish. They have over 436 tanks and are expanding to put in more. Plus they can ship them to you! Tell them Fred from Freds FREE fish rehoming for Illinois and neighboring states, on Facebook told you about their store.”
— Lawrence Dorries5.03 months ago“Amazing fish, amazing communication. Cant wait to get my malaysian driftwood in so i can get some plecos from them. I can't thank their team enough and Cichlidbros for finding them for me! 🤍 from Arizona”
— Tall Top5.0Edited 3 months ago“Beautiful place and Benjamin awesome guy cares about his fish love it will be my store for now on 👍”
— Ghost killer74845.03 months ago“Highly recommend”
— Lu B5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (331) 777-0161 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Global Exoticquatics.