In business since 1986, we currently maintain over 700 aquariums stocked with quality tank-raised and imported freshwater fishes from three continents. As direct importers from Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, we have access to a wide variety of cichlids and catfish, including all the newest L- and C- numbers.
What sets us apart from most trans-shippers is our unique and painstaking acclimation process. New arrivals are not "quarantined" in bare holding facilities, but truly "domesticated." Before we ship them out, all fish are acclimated to standard aquarium conditions—7.4 - 7.6 pH and 20° hardness. Any diseases encountered are dealt with and all specimens are actively feeding before they are released, unless otherwise requested by the purchaser (e.g. our cardinal tetras survive!).
While we are very proud of what we have accomplished so far in our import section, our mainstay throughout most of our history has been tank-raised African cichlids (especially Tropheus), of which we still maintain an impressive selection. In recent years we have expanded our selection to include six varieties of tank-raised bristlenose and nearly fifteen rainbowfish varieties, as well as several species of Central- and South American dwarf cichlids, Synodontis Petricola, and numerous Corydoras types.
While we have been extremely successful shipping our fish throughout the country, losses inevitably occur. To cover incidental fatalities, as well as to ensure against undercount, extras are included in almost all species we produce ourselves, resulting in an over-count generally in the range of 10 - 12%. In the rare case of more extensive losses, we do require 24 hours notice. All fatalities do not have to occur within this 24 hour window, but we do ask that the initial problem be reported within this timeframe. This helps to make sure we do not repeat the same mistake or ship additional specimens until we determine what the problem was.
We ship all our fish F.O.B. DTW (Southwest and Delta Airlines) in standard fish boxes, along with heat packs and oxygen where applicable. We do not tranquilize our fish. If you should wish to visit our hatchery instead of receiving a shipment, please keep in mind that such visits are by appointment only.
We pride ourselves on our reputation for providing prompt and frank advice on the care and, when applicable, the breeding of the fish we sell. However, while we will cheerfully offer our help, we can do no more than speak from our experiences and cannot guarantee results.
First orders are prepaid, C.O.D., or shipped with credit card information on file. After that, terms are 20 days. We accept Mastercard or Visa directly. Company checks are acceptable.