Segrest Farms

Introduction / Overview

For those in the Florida region with a deep interest in the fascinating world of aquatic life, Segrest Farms in Gibsonton stands as a monumental, albeit unique, destination. Unlike a traditional retail pet store where you might walk in to purchase a single fish or a bag of food, Segrest Farms operates on an entirely different scale. It is recognized as one of the largest wholesale distributors of ornamental fish in the world, supplying a vast array of freshwater and marine fish, corals, and other invertebrates to pet stores, public aquariums, and research institutions across North America and beyond. This distinction is crucial for local users to understand: while you cannot simply walk in to make a purchase for your home aquarium, Segrest Farms offers an incredibly insightful and educational experience through guided tours, providing a rare glimpse into the impressive operations behind the scenes of the global aquatic trade.

Segrest Farms is a cornerstone of the Florida aquaculture industry, with roots tracing back decades. Their commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and the advancement of the aquatic hobby is evident in their operations. While a review does note, "Not for the public. Don’t waste your time stopping by," this refers specifically to direct retail purchases. The other review, "I got to go on a tour with my class! It was very fun," highlights the true public access point for this remarkable facility: educational tours. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the vast array of aquatic life they house and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate processes involved in raising and distributing ornamental fish. For curious minds and serious aquarists in the Florida area, a tour of Segrest Farms is an unforgettable experience, providing unparalleled insights into the aquatic world.

Location and Accessibility

Segrest Farms is located at 6180 Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534, USA. Gibsonton is a community situated south of Tampa, making Segrest Farms accessible for residents across the Tampa Bay area and the broader Florida region. Big Bend Road is a significant local artery, providing clear navigation for visitors. Its position in Gibsonton, a historic area with a unique charm, means that while it's not in a bustling commercial district, it's easily reachable by car for those specifically seeking out this one-of-a-kind aquatic facility.

For locals in Florida interested in the aquaculture industry or simply fascinated by aquatic life, reaching Segrest Farms by car is the most practical option. The address is straightforward for GPS navigation, and typical suburban road conditions in Gibsonton generally allow for a smooth journey. Ample parking is to be expected at a facility of this size, ensuring visitors on scheduled tours can arrive and depart with ease. While the location itself might not be a high-traffic retail hub, its accessibility to major roadways connecting to Tampa and other nearby cities ensures that those with a genuine interest in the world of ornamental fish can make the journey to witness its impressive scale and operations. It's important to reiterate that while the physical location is accessible, public access is primarily for scheduled tours, not walk-in retail purchases.

Services Offered

• Educational Tours: The primary "service" offered to the public is comprehensive educational tours. These tours provide an in-depth look into the operations of one of the world's largest ornamental fish distributors, showcasing various aspects of aquaculture.
• Display of Diverse Aquatic Life: During tours, visitors get to "see all kinds of fish: both freshwater and marine." This includes a vast array of species that Segrest Farms handles for wholesale distribution.
• Showcase of Corals and Invertebrates: Beyond fish, tours also feature "corals and other invertebrates," giving visitors a chance to observe a wide variety of marine and freshwater organisms that contribute to diverse aquatic ecosystems.
• Expert Q&A Sessions: Tour guides are "friendly and answered all of our questions," even seeking assistance from other staff when necessary. This indicates a commitment to providing thorough and accurate information to curious visitors.
• Insight into Aquaculture Practices: For those interested in the industry, the tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about the breeding, holding, and distribution processes involved in large-scale ornamental fish farming.
• Wholesale Distribution (B2B Only): While not a direct service to the general public, it's important for locals to understand that Segrest Farms primarily serves as a wholesale supplier of ornamental fish, aquatic plants, reptiles, and invertebrates to licensed pet retailers, public aquariums, and research institutions globally. They supply a massive network of retail fish stores, enabling hobbyists to find their fish at local pet shops.
• Information Resources for Hobbyists: Though direct sales are not available, Segrest Farms provides extensive information and care instructions for the stock they supply through their network of licensed pet shops and via online catalogs, serving as a valuable resource for the hobbyist community.

Features / Highlights

• World-Class Scale of Operations: Segrest Farms is renowned as one of the largest wholesale distributors of ornamental fish globally. Visitors on tours get to witness the impressive scale of their facilities, housing countless tanks and ponds with a vast diversity of aquatic life.
• Diverse Aquatic Collection: The tours showcase an incredible variety of "freshwater and marine" fish, along with "corals and other invertebrates." This extensive collection offers a rare opportunity to see many species under one roof.
• Educational and Informative Tours: The guided tours are highly praised for being "very fun" and educational, with guides who are "friendly and answered all of our questions." This makes it an invaluable learning experience for students, aspiring aquarists, and curious individuals.
• Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse: For those fascinated by the aquatic trade, the tours offer a unique peek into the complex processes of large-scale aquaculture, including breeding, holding, and preparing fish for distribution worldwide.
• Commitment to Knowledge Sharing: The staff's willingness to go the extra mile to answer questions and provide accurate information, even consulting others, highlights their dedication to educating the public about aquatic life and responsible husbandry.
• Industry Leader in Sustainability and Ethics: Segrest Farms is committed to sourcing sustainably collected and captive-bred aquatic specimens and supports organizations that promote habitat conservation and ethical practices in the ornamental fish trade. This dedication ensures the hobby's long-term health.
• Support for the Hobbyist Community: While wholesale-only, Segrest Farms actively supports the hobby by supplying a vast network of local pet stores with diverse and healthy fish, ensuring that Florida's aquarists have access to quality livestock.

Contact Information

Address: 6180 Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534, USA

Phone: (813) 677-9196

Mobile Phone: +1 813-677-9196

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of the Florida region, particularly those with a keen interest in aquaculture, marine biology, or simply the captivating world of ornamental fish, Segrest Farms in Gibsonton offers an unparalleled and highly suitable experience. While it's crucial for locals to understand that this is not a retail pet store for direct purchases, its primary suitability lies in the unique educational opportunities it provides through guided tours. Located conveniently on Big Bend Road, it's accessible for anyone in the greater Tampa Bay area eager to delve deeper into the aquatic industry.

What makes Segrest Farms particularly suitable for locals is the rare chance to witness the operations of a global leader in ornamental fish distribution firsthand. The tours are consistently described as "very fun" and highly informative, offering insights into both freshwater and marine environments, including a vast array of fish, corals, and invertebrates. This immersive experience is complemented by friendly and knowledgeable guides who patiently answer questions, making it an ideal outing for students, school groups, and any curious individual. For those who purchase fish from local pet stores throughout Florida, a tour of Segrest Farms provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at where many of those beloved aquatic creatures begin their journey. It's an opportunity to appreciate the scale and complexity of the aquatic hobby from a completely new perspective, enriching the local community's understanding and appreciation for this specialized niche within the pet industry.

Segrest Farms

6180 Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534, USA