Malawi Aquatics

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.