Mikes Cichlids

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

For dedicated aquarists in Florida, the quest for a trusted source of high-quality, healthy fish is paramount. Building and maintaining a vibrant aquatic environment requires not just the right equipment, but also livestock that is bred with care and expertise. In the heart of New Smyrna Beach, a local gem has established itself as a premier destination for tropical fish enthusiasts: Mikes Cichlids. This family-owned and operated tropical fish farm, run by the knowledgeable and passionate team of Mike and Jen, has been serving the community since 1988, providing a wide selection of beautiful and resilient fish.

Mikes Cichlids stands out in the industry for its unwavering commitment to the health and quality of its stock. Specializing in cichlids from lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria, as well as a variety of other species like angelfish and bristlenose plecos, the farm is renowned for producing fish that are vibrant, well-adjusted, and ready to thrive in their new homes. This reputation is built on years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to breed and care for these specific species. For both local hobbyists and those across the country, Mikes Cichlids has become a go-to resource for hard-to-find and exceptional fish.

What truly distinguishes this business is its personalized approach. As a fish farm that primarily serves through delivery and by-appointment pickups, they focus on building strong relationships with their customers. The communication from Mike and Jen is a hallmark of their service, providing expert advice and ensuring every step of the process, from inquiry to delivery, is smooth and reassuring. This article will provide a detailed look at the services and features that make Mikes Cichlids an invaluable partner for any serious aquarist in the Florida region.

Mikes Cichlids is located at 185 El Pino Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA. It's important to note that this is a fish farm, not a traditional retail storefront with open hours. As a result, it operates by appointment only for local pickups. This structure allows Mike and Jen to dedicate their time and attention to breeding and caring for their fish, as well as providing focused support for scheduled visits.

While the business itself is primarily a specialized breeding facility, it is designed with customer convenience in mind. It features a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, which is a thoughtful amenity for anyone who may have mobility challenges when picking up an order. Mikes Cichlids accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards and debit cards, making the purchasing process simple and secure. For customers who cannot visit in person, the business offers a reliable delivery service, which is a crucial aspect of their business model.

Mikes Cichlids focuses on providing a curated selection of healthy, high-quality tropical fish. While not a typical pet store with a wide range of supplies, their specialization ensures expertise in their specific niche.

• Tropical Fish: A specialty in breeding and selling African cichlids, including those from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. They also offer American cichlids, angelfish, and plecos.
• Delivery: The business offers nationwide shipping of their fish. They are known for meticulous packing to ensure the fish arrive healthy and vibrant, with a focus on quick and safe transport.
• By-Appointment Pickups: For local customers in Florida, pickups at the farm can be arranged by appointment only, providing an opportunity to see the fish firsthand and receive personal guidance.
• Fish Food: They also offer premium fish food, specifically a slow-sinking pellet designed for cichlids, to ensure the continued health of the fish.

The factors that make Mikes Cichlids a standout choice are rooted in their expertise, quality, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

• Expertise and Longevity: Founded in 1988, Mike and Jen have been in the business for decades. This extensive experience is a major asset, giving them a deep understanding of breeding, care, and the specific needs of various fish species. As one review put it, they are "great owners who have been in the business forever!"
• High-Quality and Healthy Fish: The core of their reputation is the health and vibrancy of their fish. Customers consistently report that their fish arrive healthy, with bright colors, and acclimate to their new environments with ease. This is a direct result of the meticulous care provided at the farm.
• Exceptional Communication: Mikes Cichlids is highly praised for its responsiveness and communication. One customer mentioned the "immediate" email response and "constant communication throughout the process and after delivery," highlighting a customer service model that is both professional and reassuring.
• Reliable and Safe Delivery: For customers who rely on shipping, the company's packing methods are a key highlight. The fact that fish "arrived healthy and vibrant" and were "very well packed with heat pads" demonstrates their commitment to a positive customer experience, regardless of distance.
• A Source for Hard-to-Find Fish: Mikes Cichlids is a valuable resource for aquarists looking for rare or specific breeds that are not available at local retail stores. Their specialization allows them to offer a unique and compelling selection.

To make an inquiry, place an order, or schedule an appointment for pickup, you can reach Mikes Cichlids using the following information:

Address: 185 El Pino Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USAPhone: (386) 426-0131

For any tropical fish enthusiast in Florida, Mikes Cichlids is a truly worthwhile choice for several compelling reasons. The most significant is the unparalleled quality of their fish. As a dedicated fish farm run by owners who have been in the business for over 30 years, they possess an expertise that is hard to match. They don't just sell fish; they breed and nurture them, ensuring that every pleco, cichlid, and angelfish is in peak health when it reaches your tank. The reviews that praise the fish for being "healthy and vibrant" and adapting "with ease" are a direct result of this dedication.

Another major benefit is the level of customer service provided by Mike and Jen. In an industry where online transactions can sometimes feel impersonal, their commitment to "constant communication" and honest, dependable service sets them apart. This human element, the trust built through timely responses and personalized care, makes the entire process of acquiring new fish a reassuring and enjoyable experience. The fact that a customer would consider them their "go to place for hard to find fish" is a testament to this trust.

Finally, the convenience of their business model is a huge asset. Whether you live locally and can schedule a pickup or you're a distant hobbyist who needs a reliable delivery, Mikes Cichlids has a system that works. The safe and secure packaging for shipping, ensuring that delicate livestock arrives in perfect condition, is a service that is invaluable. In short, if you are looking for a fish farm that combines decades of experience, exceptional fish quality, and a deeply personal and trustworthy approach, Mikes Cichlids is the best choice in the Florida region.

Mikes Cichlids

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