Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before ordering from Cichlid Vault.

Live-fish orders are shipped on designated shipping days to reduce the chance of delays. Shipping may be postponed because of extreme temperatures, severe weather, carrier disruptions, or holidays when necessary for the safety of the livestock.

Yes, qualifying shipped livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Customers must follow the claim requirements and contact us within the stated time period after delivery. Please review our complete Live Arrival Guarantee before ordering.

Only listings marked WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) are for the exact fish shown. For standard listings, photos are representative of the species and potential coloration. Size, color, pattern, and finnage may vary.

Our A-Grade fish are selected for overall quality, including color, body shape, finnage, pattern, and condition. We focus on sourcing standout specimens rather than simply carrying large quantities.

The approximate size is shown on each product listing. Fish are measured from approximately the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Because these are live animals, slight variations should be expected.

Not necessarily. Juveniles and sub-adults may not yet display their full adult coloration. Color can also change depending on age, sex, dominance, diet, breeding condition, stress, and aquarium environment.

Yes. We regularly post current livestock, videos, WYSIWYG fish, and new arrivals on Instagram. This is one of the best ways to see our fish live before purchasing.

Inventory changes frequently. Specialty and limited-availability fish may be released through The Vault Drop. Some fish may not be restocked once they sell out.

Once a fish is purchased and payment is confirmed, it can be reserved for that customer according to our holding and shipping policies. Adding an item to your cart does not guarantee availability until checkout is completed.

Bring the package inside immediately and inspect the fish before opening the bags. Follow our acclimation instructions and avoid leaving live-fish packages outdoors. If there is an arrival issue, take clear photos/video and contact us immediately before disposing of the fish or shipping bag.

Yes. Local pickup is available through Rockland Aquarium in New City, NY.

Cichlid Vault operates from a private facility and does not accept walk-ins. We can deliver your completed order to Rockland Aquarium for pickup. Please wait until you receive confirmation that your order is ready before visiting.

No. Cichlid Vault is not open to the public and does not accept walk-ins. Our operation is focused on online sales, livestock sourcing, conditioning, and fulfillment.

Cichlid Vault operates as a specialty livestock business separate from the retail aquarium store. Rockland Aquarium serves as our convenient local pickup location.

Yes, depending on availability. If you're searching for a particular African cichlid, South American cichlid, pleco, loach, or other specialty fish, contact us with the species, locality/variant, size, and quantity you're looking for.

African cichlids are one of our specialties, but The Vault can also feature select South American cichlids, rare plecos, loaches, oddballs, and other exceptional freshwater livestock.

Incoming livestock is inspected and managed according to our livestock-handling procedures before fulfillment. Because live animals can respond differently to transport and environmental changes, customers should always follow good quarantine practices before introducing new fish into an established aquarium.

Only when a listing specifically states that the fish is male, female, or sexed. We cannot guarantee sex on fish sold as unsexed.

The Vault Drop is our limited collection of unusual, rare, or especially high-quality livestock. Quantities are often very limited.