The Cichlid Shack

Austin Payton

2023-05

He definitely went above and beyond my daughter and I saved up for these fish they are so beautiful. I’m thankful for his hard work to bring joy into peoples lives he communicated perfectly with me over email. That to me is not a big deal it’s 2024 people if you’re not okay with email idk what you’re expecting smoke signals or something lol. I’ve seen so many negative reviews but I believe they didn’t know what they were doing with the fish or it was UPS he packed theses guys beautifully. Ups messed up with my delivery though the guy was definitely not gentle and that’s not on the cichlid shack that’s on UPS I definitely feel like calling them because the guy throws my fish at my door and it clearly says live fish !! Ups popped one of the bags because they didn’t handle it with care!! Anyway all my fish are fine and here they are thank you for everything cichlid shack I will be coming back😊

Rick Hale

2022-05

I’ll start by saying that I rarely give reviews, but I have to after the last experience I had with James and The Cichlid Shack. Firstly, I’ve ordered thousands of dollars worth of fish from James (few of them pictured) and I have never been let down when they show up to my door. The quality of the aquatic children that you receive is more than you could ask for! Secondly, I placed a order last month for my wife to stock her tank since she won’t touch my Cichlid tank 😂 I received a email from James that he was having trouble getting the Black Corys that I had ordered. What impressed me was that instead of sending the order without them, making up excuses or just sending my money back and ship the order he allowed me to choose another option and said that he would let me know the moment they get the Black Corys back at his shop and that he would hold them for me! My wife was extremely excited about the Black Cory’s and was really upset when I told her they won’t be coming with this shipment, but once I read her what James replied with on the email she was back to my normal happy wife. Keep up the great work James, the family &The Cichlid Shack! Already looking forward for my next order! ☺️

Mike

2022-05

The Cichlid Shack gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ These fish are always stunning! The customer support is great always quick to replay to any situation that you may have. I have made several purchases and when it comes to fish bought online there is a level of trust for both buyer and seller and from experience, James Largo is an honest and trustworthy person to do business with I look forward to doing more in the future

Megan Klimecki

2023-05

I agree with other reviews, they are not responsive when you inquire on your order status. If anyone is ordering fish online they want to make sure they are HOME for their arrival. I went a week without knowing when my fish would arrive (after paying for overnight shipping) and was constantly cancelling plans in case they were shipped. I have purchased fish from other online retailers (they are doing SO much better than Cichlid Shack’s) and in store and needless to say, they have all survived. Only one from CS (my favorite - hence the 2 stars) has survived. Overpriced, don’t waste your money - drive an hour to a good store to see the quality of fish you’re purchasing.

Josh Doughty

2023-08

I've ordered from the Cichlid Shack a few times now and wanted to share my experiences and what I think about the quality of the fish. I should start by saying I have multiple large (135 gallon) male peacock/hap tanks and an XL (220 gallon) male predator cichlid tank. To me, quality is the most important aspect. I'm looking for very high quality fish as I usually only have one of each species per tank, doubles of a few of my favorites. I will say that I usually order the F1's or best available largest cichlids. Of the fish I've ordered, they have always been TOP NOTCH! I've tested the waters with about 10 other highly reputable fish stores online, but I have quickly learned that this is my go-to place. Their Bucco Noto's are by far the best quality I've ever seen and are a must buy for any hobbyist that can accommodate the size. Their F1 Malawi Gars are better than the two wild caught I got from other shops. Their Protomelas Labriden is superb and one of my favorite fish. Also got a Malawi Barracuda from them and it's very impressive as well. Also picked up a Strigatus, Compressiceps, and Bucco Yellow Leptura that arrived and turned out super nice as well! I have had issues with a couple fish arriving in rough shape and/or die withing a few days. As long as you communicate with them the issues you are experiencing, they will give you a credit for the fish. I was always made whole. I saw a review saying they send you diseased fish, that's comical. Fish may be under stress due to shipping, but I have not experienced any instances where the fish I received are in any way diseased. If they were, I would have let them know what I thought and sent pics/videos evidence of what was going on and they would acknowledge and issue a refund. If you want instant answers to your questions and expect them to be shipped out the next day, that won't happen. People need too understand there may be issues that require more attention than your need for instant answers. If you want VERY high quality fish and can just relax for a few until they ship and when you send a message, you can't go wrong. The quality is well worth the wait and they will make you whole.

6pak singh

2023-05

Impressed with the professional bagging. Only thing is I didn't get a notification on my email saying they got delivered I only got a email stating I should track my shipment using the tracking code which made me pick up the fish 2 days after they were delivered. Regardless they were all still alive due to the professional and careful packaging. Which is why I gave 5 stars. Impressed with the quality of the fish.

David Allen

2022-05

Neolamprologus multifasciatus arrived healthy and happy. Really pleased with the quality of fish and speed of shipping. Will definitely come back for future purchases.

David Cardinal

2023-05

Drove 2 hours and 15 mins up to The Cichlid Shack let me tell you it was totally worth it. Talked with the owner for a few hours he is a very knowledgeable guy and has a great and beautiful selection of fish. We will be back for more thanks for a great experience.

Matt Galvan

2023-05

Ignore the little bit of negative reviews!!! I been in the freshwater fish hobby for over 30 yrs & I'll say this was my 1st time making a online purchase! I was nervous & skeptical as I'm sure we all are at first. James & the cichlid shack have been above & beyond amazing!! I'm definitely going to fill my 150 gallon with nothing but Peacocks & Haps from The cichlid shack!!Update: All my fish arrived beautiful & healthy this morning!! Please pleeease ignore any bad reviews. If you're looking for a place that KNOWS what they're doing with ALL beautiful fish, here's your forever spot, The Cichlid Shack!!!

Kevin Fehr

2023-05

Extremely helpful, chill people. Great selection and good advice. I'm a little new to this hobby but it also looks like their prices are great with most of their species. I really like the sales attitude here too. They will make recommendations based on tank size and temperament and encourage other tank ideas for your hobby as well. I've been to three independent fish stores, and this one is my favorite.

Ian Holcomb

2022-05

My son and I just stopped by and picked up five Peacock Cichlids to add to my 75 gallon.  WOW, I couldn't believe the selection and the customer service was amazing.  The young man working there showed me around and was super helpful.Best African Cichlid selection I have ever seen at a local fish store anywhere.  Also, great customer service which is very hard to find.

Greeny- Still

2021-05

One of the best customer services I ever witnessed, this store is amazing and filled with almost any cichlid. I purchased a pair of discus for my dad but sadly one of them was sick, the store manager was very kind in swapping the unhealthy fish for a healthier one. Unlike other fish store the store manager is really friendly and tries its best to give customers the best quality fish. I’m satisfied to received an outstanding customer experience.

Alina Quinones

2022-05

Where do I start, at the roaches, or the terrible customer service, or the ich ridden tanks. If you are looking to permanently ruin your tank this is the place to start. Asked a question, was told did you come to tell me about your fish or do you want mine. According to the voicemail they work 100 or more hours a week, but are only open 11 to 4 four days a week. There is a reason most of the fish there are full grown, no one has been successful with the babies and obviously have not went back. If you are interested in a real Cichlid store, check out plants n fins In Chandler, not only are there fish healthy, the people there are personable. Once again Cichlid shack you have failed.

Harmoney McNeel

2023-05

I have been going to this place for almost a year now. I love this place. Never disappointed. He has a big selection.

riley booth

2023-07

If you're looking for show quality african cichlids from a retail location or onlineRetailer there are not many places in the country that can compete with the shack.

Dorthy Guerra

2023-05

Very disappointed with the service here, my son placed a order for 171.93 dollars worth of fish and overnight shipping. When the order didn't come in he tried to contact them they ignored him. I tried to call them and send emails and they have ignored my as well. We aren't even asking for a refund. We are only asking for the fish that were bought. I hope that they do the right thing and contact us with a solution to this problem that they have caused.

Maya AP

2022-05

Had a great experience! Purchased several fish and was blown away by the variety of fish The Cichlid Shack had. Can't wait to buy more. The staff was attentive and answered all of our questions.

Mike Ciffone

2023-05

If you are a FISH NERD, do not entertain the ideas of the handful of poor reviews that exist here. James' fish room is absolute class. NEVER in my 7 years in the hobby have I trusted an online seller. I have always driven down to my shop in STL (Malawi Aquatics...big shout out to them).After receiving my fish I quarantined them for a day in a tank with salt and antibiotics. That doesn't mean you shouldn't leave yours in there for much longer - I know what to look for, and I know a healthy fish when I see one. But remember, a quarantined fish is not a stressed fish...and a fish with out stress is not a sick fish.I have had nothing but peaceful and prompt communications with James. As long as you don't behave like a child, he will get back to you asap. The Cichlid Shack is not PetSmart, and nor should it be.I am not a YouTuber...just a guy.

Herlis brown

2022-05

These people sold me a fish that died within two hours, when I called them and told them that the fish did not look well they would not respond. I brought the fish back the next day and ask them to replace it. The store owners daughter got very belligerent with me, The son was more cordial! But they still refuse to replace the fish. After I said that I was going to take legal actions they threaten to call the police. They will not abide by their own policy! Their policy states that if the fish is not taken out of the bag and entered into your tank then it is returnable. But then they claim that because you did not take it out of the bag that you suffocated. Even though they claim that their bags can hold the fish up to 24 hours. I am very disappointing! These people pretend to be God-fearing people. But they are just out to turn a quick buck!

Daniel Mccoy

2019-05

Amazing customer service and customer experience. I will be a life long customer. The owner did a great job working with me on my order to get everything I wanted and delivering it on A-day that worked best with my schedule. He also went above and beyond by calling me on his personal cell phone to talk to me about the fish and educate me on what would work best. I believe he truly cares about the fish and the customers and what will work best in my tank. It is clear that it is not just a business to him but a Passion

Aaron Brooks

2020-05

This is an awesome shop! I went in and was immediately blown away with the selection of African Cichlids, which is what I was searching for. Very friendly and helpful too. I went in looking to buy a fish and came home with 5. The pricing is reasonable for the stunning quality of fish they have. I would definitely recommend this store to any fish keeper and I'll be going back in the future. Thanks

Hyrum Baker

2022-05

This is definitely the best fish shop I've ever been to! There were so many kinds of beautiful, healthy fish. The owner of the Cichlid Shack takes very good care of them. I got a pair of Apistogramma agassizii and an A. borellii male. All three are beautiful and healthy, and although the borellii didn't look super content and colorful when I bought it, it was healthy. Now that it's been in my calm aquarium with live and prepared foods for a few days it keeps getting more color every day and is beautiful. Thank you!!! I will definitely come to the Cichlid Shack again!

Drie L

2022-05

First, let me just say that I rarely review a purchase or experience. Things are either really bad or really good in order to prompt a review. (Working on that as I know many small businesses rely on their reviews!) In this case, I'm 100% satisfied with my purchase. I ordered my Tetraodon Schoutedeni on Monday 8/9, it was shipped yesterday 8/10 from AZ, and I had it before noon today 8/11 in AL. It came well boxed with no room for the fish to be unnecessarily jostled in transport, and the fish was triple bagged. The fish was actively swimming when I unboxed, curious and inquisitive. It was slim from an empty belly, but not frail or sickly skinny by any means. After acclimating and release, he/she (still too young to tell) naturally spent a few minutes exploring the new surroundings, then immediately started hunting and eating the few small bladder snails I had previously put in the tank, which is another good indicator a healthy fish. I would absolutely recommend The Cichlid Shack to anyone considering a purchase, and I will absolutely purchase more fish from them in the future!

Sean Davis

2022-05

I ordered 4 haps. They all came in amazing shape and super healthy. I've ordered from other stores before but never got the quality that Cichlid Shack sent me. I will definitely ordered from them again.

Ernesto Esquivel

2022-05

First thing was the price I payed 94 dollars for shipping on 3 fish second thing was the time it took to receive the fish I had to wait 19 days exactly for them to arrive and third was that I payed 50 dollars for a deformed fish if your a well known breeder why would you send out a deformed fish to a first time buyer! When I contacted them about the deformed fish I never got a reply for a discount or anything. I won’t be buying from them again and I do not recommend!

Shibli Zaman

2022-05

The absolutely worst seller. DO NOT even buy a guppy from this guy. He will send you sick, dying fish and do nothing for you when you notify him. I’ve bought fish from a number of other online retailers and they have always gone above and beyond when a fish delivery goes wrong (which it OFTEN will). If you buy from a bad seller, you’ll be totally screwed. Skip this place. I’ve bought from Beantown Aquatics and never had a problem before that they weren’t enthusiastic to fix.

William Broyles

2019-05

The Cichlid Shack will be my new go to for any type of Cichlid the owner of the shop was really knowledgeable about the fish. His passion shows!! The pricing for the fish was pretty standard. I recommend that you definitely check this place out! You will not be disappointed

Amanda Lopez

2021-05

Terrible experience with customer service and availability, buyers beware!!!!Did everything in our power to communicate and get fish from just sitting at UPS. UPS had the fish picked up on a Thursday to be delivered on Friday. However this didn’t happen and new schedule to be delivered was Monday. UPS stated this was because the shipper sent out late, and something doesn’t seem right to have the fish sit for five days in a box. I offered to pick up but they wouldn’t let me without hearing from the shipper. I tried to call, email, text, during business hours with no luck. I did get a rude pickup with a guy saying “we’re not answering because we are helping customers, call back and I’ll block you” then hung up. He answered to say that but not see what I was calling about it. I am a customer with 7 fish depending on humans. So far, they have not been helpful to their customer or live product, they don’t value their customers after payment has been processed, and they don’t care to resolve issues before it’s too late. I don’t recommend due to poor customer service, and the way they value resolving issues with their fish and shipping accounts.

Jesse Gutierrez

2019-05

The Shack is the best place to get your fish at. James is by far one of the most knowledgeable people in the valley when it comes to Cichlids and fish in general. The selection of fish is absolutely amazing and priced correctly. The new hours are also a huge plus for all the locals with the busy life schedules. Keep at it James you guys are doing amazing.

Jeff

2018-05

So glad i found this place. Its a Lake Malawi super store. Super clean an amazing selection of fish most of which I've only seen in pictures. The Owner is a cool dude as well and very knowledgeable in the varieties and obviously a Huge fan of an Amazing species of fish. If you love Lake Malawi Chiclids you must check this place out.