Can I Buy Shell-dweller Cichlids Online?

[GaryPham]

Todd, I'm located in Southern California. What's the best price (including shipping) could you give me on a pair of them (male and a female)?

 

[toddnbecka]

I'm in Western MD, chances are you good can find some a bit closer. USPS express mail would be the least expensive practical method. I've had several packages shipped priority mail from CA, they took 5-8 days to arrive. Not a problem for snails, but a bit slow for fish. Express mail shipping w/60 hour heatpack would be $25, multi's are $5 each. I can ship a male and female, but it's best to start with a few more so they can choose their own mate/s. Simply putting 2 cichlids of the opposite sex together doesn't mean they'll get along.

 

[WaterBender1995]

dave still gets my vote, what would it hurt to give him a call and see what he can do or even suggest, he might know & trust a lfs closer to you he can recomend.

 

[fshlvr4life]

dave still gets my vote, what would it hurt to give him a call and see what he can do or even suggest, he might know & trust a lfs closer to you he can recomend.

Mult Faciatus are great fish, I also really like the Occelatus (maybe a little bigger tank) but great attitude for a commuity tank. I have a betta and danio's etc... with mine.

I appreicate the advise about on-line dealers as I have been looking for over a year for Brevis Mtoto's, another shell dweller with a great attitude. WARNING! once you start with the shell dwellers you won't want anything else. I personally felt a lot of the apistogramma's were a lot more aggressive than those I have mentioned.

 

[kribsandcons]

Todd, I'm located in Southern California. What's the best price (including shipping) could you give me on a pair of them (male and a female)?

Gary, if you're in SoCAl i really find it surprising that you haven't found shell dwellers if you haven't by now. There are a few LFS around the area that carry shellies. If you're in the Los Angeles Region, there are various stores in Long Beach, particularly All About fish and in Orange County that has shell dwellers. Try Shelldwellers.com Right now someone is trying to get rid of his shellies and is from around San Diego/Murietta area.
The best place that i've found outside of those lfs and shelldwellers.com are from other hobbyist. If you post up a wanted posting on Shelldwellers.com someone will eventually email you with what he or she has.
Also, try aquabid.com there are always shell dwellers there.

Just to warn you ahead of time, most shell dwellers in my experience tend to hide while being acclimated into a new home. they will eventually come out though and be more comfortable outside their shells. My favorites are L. Ocellatus and T. Brichardi.
Good Luck trying those.