About
Walk into Malawi Aquatics in Florissant, Missouri, and you'll immediately feel the passion radiating from over 50 tanks lining the walls. Named after Lake Malawi — the legendary African cichlid homeland — this Black-owned shop has built a devoted following across the St. Louis area by specializing in what they know best: freshwater cichlids in stunning variety and quality.
Reviewers consistently call their cichlid selection the best in the region, from vibrant adult males to affordable juveniles with years of growth and color ahead of them. Red Terror Cichlids, Oscars, piranhas at half the price of competitors, puffer fish, Bala sharks, and other exotics fill tank after tank. Owner Billy and his team — including staff favorites Chris, Reggie, and Josh — bring genuine expertise that goes beyond salesmanship.
One customer arrived with a dying fish in a bucket and left with a diagnosis, species identification, proper food, and a budget-friendly recovery plan. Another had the crew come to their home for a full tank setup. When a cichlid collector needed help sourcing a 120-gallon tank for breeding large cichlids, Malawi Aquatics worked out a deal and provided ongoing guidance.
These aren't scripted interactions — they're relationships built around a shared love of fishkeeping. The store also stocks aquascaping materials, live plants, feeder fish, shrimp, and even rats. Fish health is a point of pride: multiple long-time customers report never introducing disease to their existing tanks from Malawi purchases.
The fish look healthy, the colors pop, and the selection rotates with unique and exotic species that you simply won't find at chain pet stores. Prices run slightly above big-box retailers, but customers consistently say the quality, expertise, and personal attention justify every dollar. For freshwater enthusiasts in the greater St.
Louis area — especially cichlid collectors — Malawi Aquatics delivers an experience that recalls the best independent fish shops of decades past, run by people who genuinely care about the hobby and their community.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Premier African cichlid selection widely regarded as the best in the St. Louis area
- Over 50 tanks stocked with freshwater species including piranhas, Oscars, puffers, and rare exotics
- Black-owned local business with knowledgeable staff who provide personalized tank setup and fish care advice
- In-home tank setup service available
- Healthy, well-maintained fish with customers reporting zero disease introduction to existing tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This place is amazing. I have never seen a wider variety of cichlids anywhere. Plus they have piranha for $20 that I paid $50 for at other pet shops. Feeders galore. I would travel to visit this place.”
— Robert Jackson5.03 weeks ago“These guys are awesome! They came to my house to setup everything.”
— Yolanda Carrington5.0a month ago“Went in to browse options for my new tank. The staff was friendly and took time to answer my newbie questions. The fish all looked healthy, and I loved the selection of aquascape.”
— Zach Hendrickson5.02 months ago“Great staff, lots of fish and tanks!”
— June Stiffler5.04 months ago“They always have an outstanding selection of fish! They are friendly and knowledgeable; always helping to keep your tank happy and healthy.”
— Chandra Ca'mel5.04 months ago“They have plenty of fish in stock, will always support a black owned business, not many pet stores left, please keep doing what you're doing”
— TaRhonya Walker5.05 months ago“Friendly staff and a large selection of fish.”
— James Prichard5.06 months ago“The have a big selection of fish . Price is reasonable and it's black owned”
— Lashelle Ridley5.06 months ago“This aquatic store has everything you could possibly think of. Even a puffer fish! Always a friendly staff and knowledgeable about everything in their store.”
— Cindy Holtmann5.0Edited 7 months ago“.typically love going here Chris and the owner are loving!!!went in today my daughter wanted a fish the guy in there was soooo rude upon walking in it was let me know if you have any questions but I guess I was asking too many but in front of my kids you want to argue like that’s what. Asked about a fish he says they had just got it in they usually let them swim 5 days before sell, I said ok..asked him if I could put something in for me to get one he said it’s three in the tank he mentioned the colorful ones are males so I look in the tank one wasn’t so colorful so I asked him him and was like is this a female since it’s. Not as colorful his response was and very unpleasantly was I said it’s three in the tank and the males are colorful, all while popping his neck like how rude I will never shop when he’s there again”
— Precious Wimberly1.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (314) 830-6460 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Malawi Aquatics.