Mikes Cichlids

For discerning aquarists and fish enthusiasts across Florida, finding a reliable source for healthy, vibrant, and sometimes hard-to-find fish is paramount to the success and beauty of their aquatic ecosystems. In New Smyrna Beach, one name has consistently stood out as a trusted and expert provider: Mike's Cichlids. This isn't your typical storefront pet shop; Mike's Cichlids operates as a dedicated tropical fish farm, specializing in the breeding and distribution of a stunning array of African and South American cichlids, along with other popular species like Angelfish and Bristlenose Plecos. Their commitment to quality, health, and customer satisfaction has made them a beloved local resource for the thriving fishkeeping community in the Sunshine State.

Mike's Cichlids, led by owners Mike and Jen, has built a reputation over decades for providing fish that are not only visually striking but also robust and well-adapted to new environments. Their deep-rooted experience in the business, dating back to 1988, ensures that every fish they offer is raised with the utmost care and expertise. For Florida residents looking to add unique specimens, enhance the vibrancy of their existing aquariums, or seek out specific breeds that are challenging to acquire elsewhere, Mike's Cichlids serves as an invaluable partner. Their direct-from-farm model ensures freshness and quality, providing a distinct advantage for local hobbyists seeking the best for their tanks.

Mike's Cichlids is located at 185 El Pino Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA. It is important for potential visitors from Florida to note that while this is the operational address of their tropical fish farm, it is primarily a breeding facility. According to their public information, Mike's Cichlids operates as a tropical fish farm and is not open to the public for general walk-in hours. Visits for local pickup of pre-ordered fish are available by appointment only. This specialized operational model allows them to focus intensely on the health and quality of their fish without the distractions of a retail storefront.

Despite not having open public hours, its location in New Smyrna Beach makes it accessible for local pick-ups for those in Volusia County and surrounding areas like Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and Edgewater. Customers who arrange for local pick-up can benefit from the close proximity, saving on shipping costs and ensuring a quick, direct transfer of their new aquatic companions. For the broader Florida community, their robust online presence and shipping capabilities ensure that their high-quality fish are still readily available, bridging any geographical gaps and making their exceptional stock available to aquarists across the state.

Mike's Cichlids is a highly specialized tropical fish farm with a strong focus on breeding and distributing a specific range of healthy, vibrant freshwater fish. Their services are tailored to the needs of dedicated aquarists, whether they are hobbyists looking for show-quality specimens or enthusiasts seeking to expand their collection with unique breeds. Here's a detailed look at their primary services and product offerings:

• Specialized Fish Breeding: The core of their business is the expert breeding of a wide variety of cichlids, including:
  • African Cichlids: Specializing in species from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria, known for their stunning colors and diverse behaviors. Examples include Pseudotropheus Chindongo Saulosi, Neolamprologus Leleupi Orange, and Placidochromis Phenochilus "Star Sapphire."
  • Central/South American Cichlids: Offering a selection of these robust and often highly intelligent cichlid species.
• Other Bred Species: Beyond cichlids, they also breed and offer:
  • Angelfish: A huge selection of fancy Angelfish, beloved for their graceful appearance.
  • Ancistrus Plecos (Bristlenose Plecos): Including popular varieties like Super Red Shortfin Bristlenose.
  • Guppies: Offering various strains of these popular livebearers.
• Direct-from-Farm Sales: Customers can purchase fish directly from their Florida fish farm, ensuring optimal health and quality as the fish are acclimated to Florida water conditions.
• Nationwide Shipping: For customers outside the immediate New Smyrna Beach area, Mike's Cichlids provides efficient and reliable nationwide shipping with a focus on live arrival guarantees. This service makes their specialized stock accessible to a wider audience within Florida and beyond.
• Local Pick-up by Appointment: For Florida residents in the New Smyrna Beach area, pre-ordered fish can be picked up directly at the farm by scheduling an appointment, offering a convenient and cost-effective option.
• Specialized Fish Food: They also offer quality fish food, such as their "2mm Cichlid Slow Sinking Pellet," specifically formulated for the needs of the fish they breed.
• Knowledge and Experience Sharing: While not a formal service, their long tenure in the business means customers benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience in fishkeeping, particularly for cichlids and other specialized species. This expert insight is often communicated during purchase or through customer inquiries.
• Limited Accessories/Merchandise: They may offer a small selection of related items, such as the "Drink Like A Fish T-shirt" as listed on their website, diversifying their offerings slightly beyond live fish.

Mike's Cichlids stands out in the Florida aquatic community due to its unique operational model and unwavering commitment to specific aspects of fishkeeping. These features and highlights are consistently praised by their customer base:

• Exceptional Fish Health and Quality: This is arguably their most significant highlight. Customers repeatedly emphasize that their fish arrive "healthy and vibrant," adapting "with ease" to new environments. This speaks volumes about the care and breeding practices at their farm. The reputation for providing "best most cared for fish" is a testament to their dedication.
• Deep Specialization: Their primary focus on cichlids (African and South American), Angelfish, and Bristlenose Plecos allows them to achieve unparalleled expertise in these species. For hobbyists passionate about these particular fish, Mike's Cichlids offers a depth of selection and knowledge that general pet stores cannot match.
• Direct Breeder Advantage: As a working fish farm, customers buy direct from the source. This typically means healthier fish that haven't endured multiple transportation stages, and often results in more competitive pricing for high-quality specimens.
• Outstanding Communication: Customer reviews specifically highlight "immediate" email response times and "constant communication throughout the process, and after delivery." This proactive and reassuring communication builds trust and confidence, especially for those purchasing live animals online or arranging pickups.
• Source for "Hard to Find Fish": One customer explicitly states Mike's Cichlids will "definitely be my go to place for hard to find fish." This indicates their ability to provide unique or less common varieties that might be unavailable at local fish stores, a significant advantage for collectors in Florida.
• Experienced and Passionate Owners: Mike and Jen, the owners, are described as having "been in the business forever" and are praised as "great owners." Their long-standing presence and passion for fishkeeping contribute significantly to the overall positive customer experience.
• Adaptability of Fish: The feedback that fish "adapted to their new environment with ease" is a crucial highlight for aquarists, as it minimizes stress and potential losses, leading to a more successful and enjoyable fishkeeping experience.

For any inquiries regarding fish availability, ordering, or to arrange a local pickup by appointment, Mike's Cichlids can be reached directly through the following contact details:

Address: 185 El Pino Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA

Phone: (386) 426-0131

Mobile Phone: +1 386-426-0131

Customers are encouraged to use email for hobbyist questions or to arrange a shipping quote, and to call for direct communication, especially concerning pick-up appointments. Their commitment to immediate and constant communication, as noted in customer reviews, ensures a smooth and helpful interaction for all Florida fish enthusiasts seeking their specialized products.

For locals across Florida, particularly those with a keen interest in freshwater aquariums, Mike's Cichlids in New Smyrna Beach represents an unparalleled resource. In a state with a vibrant and extensive fishkeeping community, having direct access to a dedicated tropical fish farm like this is a tremendous advantage. Mike's Cichlids fills a vital niche, moving beyond the general offerings of typical pet stores to provide healthy, directly-bred, and often hard-to-find species of cichlids, Angelfish, and Plecos.

The consistent positive feedback regarding the health and vibrancy of their fish, coupled with the exceptional communication from owners Mike and Jen, establishes a level of trust and reliability that is highly valued by aquarists. Whether a Florida resident is a seasoned enthusiast looking for a specific rare cichlid or a hobbyist expanding their collection with robust and well-acclimated fish, Mike's Cichlids delivers a superior product. While direct walk-in hours are not available, the option for pre-arranged local pickups and reliable nationwide shipping ensures that their quality stock is accessible. Mike's Cichlids is truly the go-to destination for anyone in the Sunshine State seeking to enhance their aquatic world with the highest quality, most carefully bred fish available, making them an indispensable local business for the fishkeeping community.

Mikes Cichlids

185 El Pino Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA