Serious Cichlids - Freshwater African Cichlid Fish For Sale

The following Terms and Conditions apply to the use of this Web site as well as all transactions conducted through the site.

Trademarks:

All brand, product, service, and process names appearing on this Web site are trademarks of their respective holders. Reference to or use of a product, service, or process does not imply recommendation, approval, affiliation, or sponsorship of that product, service,or process by Serious Cichlids.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel, or otherwise any license or right under any patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right of Serious Cichlids or any third party, except as expressly granted herein.

Use Of Site:

This site may contain other proprietary notices and copyright information, the terms of which must be observed and followed. Information on this site may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.  Information, including product pricing and availability, may be changed or updated without notice. Serious Cichlids and its subsidiaries reserve the right to refuse service, terminate accounts, and/or cancel orders in its discretion, including, without limitation, if Serious Cichlids believes that customer conduct violates applicable law or is harmful to the interests of Serious Cichlids and its subsidiaries.

Privacy Policy:

Serious Cichlids use of personal information that you may submit to Serious Cichlids through this Web site is governed by the Serious Cichlids Privacy Policy.

Consumer Agreement:

Due to variations in species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Keep in mind, cichlids change color with every event that takes place; changing tanks, being bagged up to be sold, water temperature changes, new set up in the aquarium, and especially if the cichlid is a juvenile, sub-adult, or an adult.

Species Name & Photo Copyrights:

Due to a previous confused customer, we wanted to post a note to clarify any concerns with the species listed name, actual photo and borrowed photos.

On our site we list all species names by the scientific name that is posted on all of our invoices received directly from exporters and wholesalers.   Names were originally chosen by the British ichthyologist C. Tate Regan in 1922.  He divided the then known 84 species into 15 genera. Since then it has been discovered over 2,000 species and they are now being classified into more genera as we are constantly learning of new species and names.  Many previously classified fish are given new names as they are placed within new genus or given their own classification.  This by NO means says that the original name does not exist, but in fact that the species now has 2 names and no matter which name is used, it still refers to the same species.  This can cause a lot of confusion.  For example, have you noticed or seen that some Haplochromis species are being referred to as Copadichromis? Even some Victorians are being called Haplochromis?  So before purchasing ensure you are reading the name in its entirety. 

SPECIAL NOTE:

Due to a previous confused customer,we wanted to post a note to clarify any concerns with the species listed name,actual photo and borrowed photos.

On our site we list all species namesby the scientific name that is posted on all of our invoices received directlyfrom exporters and wholesalers.   Names were originally chosen by theBritish ichthyologist C. Tate Regan in 1922.  He divided the then known 84species into 15 genera. Since then it has been discovered over 2,000species and they are now being classified into more genera as we are constantlylearning of new species and names.  Many previously classified fish aregiven new names as they are placed within new genus or given their ownclassification.  This by NO means says that the original name does notexist, but in fact that the species now has 2 names and no matter which name isused, it still refers to the same species.  This can cause a lot ofconfusion.  For example, have you noticed or seen that some Haplochromisspecies are being referred to as Copadichromis? Even some Victorians arebeing called Haplochromis?

Example: Aulonocara StuartgrantiNgara "Flametail Peacock",  Aulonocara = genus, Stuartgranti =sub-genus, Ngara = Island,  Flametail Peacock = Common Name.  We cannotemphasize this enough!  Please email or call with any questions!   So before purchasing ensure you are readingthe name in its entirety. 

Serious Cichlids also offers photosto help with your purchase. Just like humans and the way genetics work, allfish look different, even when two of the same genus come from the sameisland.  We try to take actual photos of the fish that we have for sale topost on the site for you.  These photos are "actual" fish wehave for sale and are stamped with a "SeriousCichlids.com"watermark.  Unfortunately, for the fish that are a smaller size or notcolored to their full potential, we may not have an "actual" adultphoto available.  In the event that some sites allow us to borrow theiradult photos, you will see their name on the photo.  Any photo that yousee that does not have our watermark,shows the potential of thefish.  Since there are different variants of the same genus, some havemore color than others and different features, either being big differences orsmall differences.  Should you need further information, please contactus, or visit Cichlid-Forum to searchthe species by name and to see additional photos. We are not liable forany orders that are purchased under the wrongful impression, due to thecustomer not reading the name in its entirety or relying only on thephoto.  This is why we emphasize the importance of understanding theguidelines listed above.  If for some reason you place an order withouthaving full knowledge of the name (original or new), actual or potentialphotos, we will not be able to issuea refund or have you ship the fish back. It is always good to look up differentpictures of the genus you are interested in so you can be fully aware of whatyou will be ordering, unless it has a “Serious Cichlids.com” watermark on thepicture.  In this case you will be aware of what the fish willlook like at the time of purchase. If there is a case where you order a juvenilefrom our site that does not have itscolors yet and does have a watermarkon the photo, you will be receiving the fish of the juvenile in the photoshown. We are not responsible forwhat the fish will look like at adult size when it gets its color. Again,ALL fish from the same genus, whether from the same island or not, could havelittle differences or huge differences, due to genetics.  

A good way to explain what we mean iswhen breeders “Line Breed”. When breeders line breed, they breed a certainspecies and genus and take the fry and grow them up, cherry pick (to take thebest looking fish out of the batch of grown fry), and breed them back to theparents of the fry they bred it from. In this case, the cherry picked fish areusually males, because they have all the color and they would breed it back toone of the females of the breeding group. If they want more fish that look like the father of the group, theywould take the females out of the fry, grow them up, and breed them back withthe father. When doing this, the fish always come out looking better and betterevery time they breed them back.

Most of the time, breeders often takeanother fish from the same genus, (usually a male), from a different blood lineand breed that fish to a female of one of the current generations they havebeen breeding from. They do this for two reasons:

1.     Totry to minimize any deformities that could happen due to breeding the samefamily, that would have the same genetics in the fry. When line breeding though,breeding back to the parents usually allows you to breed more generationsbefore you reach deformities, unlike breeding brother fry to sister fry.

2.     Thisallows the breeders to add different genetics to the current blood line theyare breeding from to get different colors, fins, body structure, and all kindsof different features.

This is why allfish from the same genus from the same island look different. We believe thatthis naturally happens in the wild without fish knowing it, which sometimesgives you the opportunity to find a #1 show fish just from the lakes of Africawithout the help of breeders. Genetics is a beautiful gift from God which makesup how we look, how our kids look, and how all the animals in the world look,from the smallest living creature to the largest, including cichlids.

We hope this hashelped you understand what we mean when we say all fish from the same genusfrom the same island look different. So again, make sure no matter what, evenif we have a watermark on our photo, we suggest you take a look at differentpictures of the same fish you are interested in, especially pictures of whatthe juveniles will end up looking like at adult size.

Thank you and please contact us forany questions at SeriousCichlids@yahoo.com

For more information on the naming ofcichlids – click here.

Shipping & Delivery:

At this time, Serious Cichlids ships merchandise to locations within the continental United States, using Fedex, USPS and Airport to Airport services through United Airlines Cargo.  If you live outside of the Continental US, please find out what licensing and other fees and regulations are required for you to import fish to your country.  Each location has their own rules and regulations.  Once you have the necessary documents, we can export (fees apply).

Currently our shipping charges are figured on an individual basis.  Prices are based on weight, distance, and size of the package being shipped. Serious Cichlids personalizes each shipping order to fit your individual needs.  After you had a chance to view all of our products, visit our"How to Order" page and read the details on how to place an order on SeriousCichlids.com.  If you have any questions before placing your order you can email us at Orders@SeriousCichlids.com or call us immediately at (815)557-5505 or (815) 509-9912.

All orders will be shipped after a 2 day starvation period.  Depending on the service requested shipping dates are different.  Read our "How to Order" for more details. The only restrictions are weekends, holidays, and 2 day shipments during summer months only.  Should you have any questions or concerns, please email usat Orders@SeriousCichlids.com.  The risk of loss and title for all merchandise ordered on this Web site pass to you when the merchandise is delivered to the shipping carrier.

Another option, that would be no shipping charges, would be to set up an appointment with Serious Cichlids to visit our location.  Serious Cichlids is a local Chicagoland breeder, and we have a lot of local customers that visit us frequently. Hopefully after visiting our 90+ aquarium spectacular, you would be happy to visit us time after time!!

Sales Tax/Paypal Fees:

Serious Cichlids charges Illinois State Sales Tax for merchandise ordered from customers within Illinois, whether online or on location, you will be charged tax, based on the applicable state sales tax rate.  Should you be purchasing from out of the state of Illinois, there are no sales taxes, only paypal fees.

All online orders being paid via Paypal will charged the Paypal processing fee of 3-4.5%, which will be added to your order during checkout, whether out of state or on location.  Any payment made through Paypal will incur this fee.

Warranties:

Serious Cichlids ships all packages FedEx, USPS, and Airport to Airport services through United Airlines Cargo for all of our livestock. We are willing to provide alternate ways of shipping provided the customer pays the difference in the shipping charges. Depending on the method of shipment chosen, may or may not void our DOA guarantee. 

Livestock Guarantee:

Serious Cichlids takes pride in the health and handling of our livestock, water conditions, and aquatic maintenance! Serious Cichlids only guarantees our livestock for any DOA (dead on arrival) fish for OVERNIGHT (1 day) and same day airport deliveries.

Unfortunately with all the differences in each hobbyists aquarium, it is impossible for us to control the health of our livestock after leaving our location, due to unsafe water conditions and undue stress posed on the cichlid from the shipper.  As cichlids are known to be hearty, when moving to a new tank they can be very sensitive fish.  There are so many issues that could harm a cichlid, if your tank is not cycled properly.  (ie: the slightest change in pH shock, water temperature shock, open wounds, high levels of ammonia, etc.)  Not all cichlid hobbyists tanks are wrong, but we are not able to see for ourselves to put in place a long term guarantee.  To ensure that your fish will leave our healthy environment and survive in a new one, we would be happy to test your water before purchasing, for local customers only.

ON LOCATION PURCHASES:

Should you purchase your fish at our location, we allow the customers to cherry pick the fish they prefer, as well as when we ship.  Serious Cichlids will always pick the best of the pack to sell to our customers!  Whether the livestock is being shipped, pre-bagged and picked up on location, or if you cherry pick by appointmentonly.  No livestock leaves this location with any question of health or appearance!  Nothing but excellence leaves our location. 

Although, in the rare event there is a health issue noticed within 1 hour ofshipment received by customer, for shipments only, we will do our best to work with you.  We will try to fix the issue with your fish if possible, and for expired fish, we will issue an in store credit based on dollar amount lost for the expired fish(s) only.If you are on location and cherry picking your livestock, it is up to Serious Cichlids as well as the customer to ensure the health and appearance of the livestock before it is sold.  Unfortunately we will not be able to replace or accept any returns from customers purchasing on location.

Serious Cichlids does weekly water changes, 3-4 times a week of tank testing and medication, in addition to daily inspections.  With this routine in place, it allows us to keep the health of our fish at an all time high!  If we do suspect a health issue is to break out, we will immediately medicate, and or remove from the site. That particular livestock(s) will not allow to be sold until the health/appearance is improved 200% or more!  In turn, we know we take excellent care of our livestock, and therefore do not have a guarantee on fish purchased at our location.

SHIPPING DOA GUARANTEE:

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

Guarantee only applies to orders shipped overnight or same day deliveries via United Airlines Cargo.NO Guarantee on any 2 day deliveries.  We have shipped fish 2 day with great success.  2 day delivery request is shipped at your own risk and there is NO Guarantee given by Serious Cichlids.If a DOA (Dead On Arrival) does occur, DO NOT OPEN or TAMPER with the bag containing the DOA.  Please send an email to with a CLEAR photo(s) and immediate contact information within 1 HOUR from the logged time of drop off from the shipper to the customers desired drop off location.  Should we agree that the DOA fits all requirements for the guarantee, you will receive store credit for the price paid for the DOA livestock only.In the event that we are unable todetermine what the cause of death may be or if the package has been opened ortampered with, Serious Cichlids has the right to VOID the DOAguarantee.  

The same rules apply for a DOA in a breeding group or bag with more than 1 fishin the same bag.  Should there be a DOA fish in the bag while all othersare alive, then the online/in-store credit will only be issued for the expiredfish, not the entire breeding group.  The prices for the online/in-storecredit will be based on sex, size and species.

LOST OR DAMAGED PACKAGES:

In the event that your package is lost or damage, it is upon the shipping company and the client to work out a refund.  Serious Cichlids packages all livestock with the necessary items to create a safe delivery!  There will be no credits issued for any packages that are lost, stolen or late with delivery due to shippers problems.  Again this is an issue the client must take up with the shipping company.

Should there be any issues with the shipping company it is advisable for you to file a complaint directly to FedEx, USPS, or United Cargo Airlines.  Serious Cichlids is happy to work with you to make the process easier. We are not responsible for any issues with any of our shippers, including late delivery due to weather and any other issues that may cause your package to arrive in an unfit condition. Although we prefer FedEx, we have the right to choose another shipping method with comparable shipping details. Taking pride in the way we handle our shipping, please be aware that there are no hidden fees, and we package and ship all livestock with the proper care to ensure a safe delivery.

Shipping Details:

All items shipped FedEx, USPS, United Cargo Airlines - based on what client chooses and or is recommended for a specific species/order All species are individually bagged, unless under 2" and more than 3 of the same sexed species. All Items are proficiently packed to include: pure oxygen (additional agents to aid in providing extra oxygen), double or triple bagged, insulated Styrofoam containers, and heat packs or cool packs (weather permitting).All Deliveries are shipped Monday through Thursday (based on individual conditions). Delivery for Saturdays cost extra, if this is the only day you can receive a shipment, please contact Serious Cichlids to work out price change.  Other arrangements for pickup and delivery in the Chicago land area can be arranged for during the week and weekend, by appointment only.  Please email us at SeriousCichlids@yahoo.com for more details.Copy of invoice, receipt of payment, and a business card will also be included in your package. (if available)

Keep in mind, due to variations in the cichlid species, your item may not lookidentical to the image provided. Should you see our website name as a watermark on the image, this will represent the actual item for sale. 

Serious Cichlids does our best to keep our inventory up-to-date on a daily basis.  But as all fish lovers, breeders, owners know that there is always something that can throw numbers off!  If you are placing an order for something that is more then a few, please email us to ensure that we have the exact amount that you are requesting. This is especially true with fry, juvies, and breeding groups.  Although, Serious Cichlids does our best to make sure that all species are counted for correctly, we would not want to be off before you place your order. 

Contact us via email at SeriousCichlids@yahoo.com or

immediately at: (815) 557-5505 / (815) 509-9912

Thank you for understanding and working with us on all orders, Serious Cichlids wants to make every order experience the best possible and with your help and understanding we can be #1!!

Return Policy:

Once the livestock is purchased, bagged up and leaves our location, there are no returns.  Serious Cichlidscan only guarantee the health and appearance of each livestock that leaves our location, but once put in a bag and then placed into another aquarium, there is no telling what the fish might experience.  These stresses are what cause different diseases and even death.  This is why we take such special care of each fish and ship only the best!

You may purchase merchandise from this Web site by using any one of the payment options through PayPal. Serious Cichlids reserves the right to change its payment procedures at any time without prior notice to you.

Store Hours:

Customer service is available as defined on the Contact Us page of this Web site. If you would like to visit our location, appointments are required!  There are no set hours at the Serious Cichlids location.  We try to be flexible for all our customers, while nights and weekends are preferable for appointments.  Should a day appointment be required, please contact us with enough notice and we can try to arrange something to fit your needs.  You can reach us by email throughout the day as well as by phone or text.  Serious Cichlids has only 2 ownersworking the entire location, so should we not answer right away, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Melissa - primary # (815) 557-5505

Tommy - secondary # (815) 509-9912

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED:

Although the information on this Website is accessible worldwide, not all products or services discussed in this Web site are available to all persons or in all geographic locations or jurisdictions. Serious Cichlids and the advertisers each reserve the right tolimit the provision of their products or services to any person, geographic area, or jurisdiction they so desire and to limit the quantities of any products or services that they provide. Any offer for any product or service made in the materials on this Web site is void where prohibited.

GOVERNING LAW:

In the event of litigation bothparties agree that the Law of the State of business registration of Serious  Cichlids shall apply and both parties shall consent to the jurisdiction of said State's courts, or in the event of diversity of citizenship, the United States District Court for the (District). Both parties expressly waive a trial by jury.

MISCELLANEOUS:

The Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and Serious Cichlids with respect to this Website. The Terms and Conditions supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written between youand Serious Cichlids with respect to this Web site. No modification of theTerms and Conditions shall be effective unless it is authorized by SeriousCichlids.  If any provision of the Terms and Conditions is found to becontrary to law, then such provision(s) shall be constructed in a manner to closely reflect, as much as possible, the intentions of the parties, with the other provisions remaining in full force and effect.