Top online retailers for purchasing fish in the United States?

I’m just starting my journey into the aquarium hobby and have been actively looking for Albino Cherry Barbs, both male and female. I’ve discovered that locating male specimens is particularly challenging. My local options are limited to three stores: Petco, Petsmart, and a smaller pet shop. The smaller shop occasionally stocks them, but they typically only have females available. Any suggestions for reputable online stores where I could find these fish? Thank you!

One online retailer worth considering is “That Fish Place”. They have a vast selection of fish, including some harder-to-find species. Their stock can vary, so it’s a good idea to check back regularly or get on their email list for stock updates. Another solid choice is “The Wet Spot Tropical Fish”. Although they specialize more in rare and unique species, they sometimes offer options like Albino Cherry Barbs. Plus, their staff is knowledgeable and can often assist with specific inquiries or special orders.

I also suggest checking out Aqua Huna. They have a pretty good reputation among hobbyists and often offer decent variety of barbs including Albino Cherry. They’re based in Washington state, so keep that in mind in terms of shipping. Good luck finding your male barbs!

Hey DashingDog, that’s exciting to hear about your new adventure into the aquarium hobby! :blush: I’ve heard quite a bit about “Imperial Tropicals”. They’re great when it comes to a wide range of tropical fish and they might have the Albino Cherry Barbs you’re looking for. What I like about them is that their fish are usually healthy and well cared for, plus they regularly update their stock. Have you given them a try before?

Another one that you might want to explore is “LiveAquaria”. People often rave about their customer service and the condition of the fish they receive. They offer a ‘Divers Den’ section which sometimes has unique or hard-to-find aquatic life. Maybe they could surprise you with a male Albino Cherry Barb there.

Also, have you considered joining any local aquarium clubs or online forums specific to fish keeping? Sometimes experienced hobbyists have insights into other less-known but reputable sellers or might even have fish to sell or exchange. Wishing you luck in your search - let us know how it goes! :bulb: Maybe sharing what you discover could help others too!

You might also want to have a look at “eBay” as it can sometimes be a hidden gem for aquarium enthusiasts. Many small breeders and hobbyists use eBay to sell fish directly, including varieties like Albino Cherry Barbs. While it’s important to check seller reviews carefully to ensure the health and care standards of the fish, it can be a great way to find less common setups. Be aware of the shipping conditions, and ensure the seller has good feedback on shipping live fish.

you could give “aquabid” a go too. it’s like an auction site specifically for fish, kinda like eBay but for aquatic stuff only. sometimes you’ll spot really specific species there, maybe albino cherry barbs. Just double check the sellers, some might even ship faster than local stores! :tropical_fish: