The Vibrant Atomic Sunfish of the Tropics
The Mayan Cichlid is a brilliant explosion of orange and turquoise, earning it the nickname "Atomic Sunfish" among Florida anglers. Whether you pulled a trophy specimen from the brackish waters of the Everglades or the canal systems of South Florida, that catch represents a unique moment in the sun. Florida Fish Mounts, based in Cocoa, Florida, is the shop of artist Greg Cassell, specializing in custom fiberglass Mayan Cichlid replicas that capture the fire and intensity of this exotic species.
The Artist’s Solution to Tropical Color Fading
The neon oranges and deep vertical bars of a Mayan Cichlid are notoriously difficult to preserve in traditional taxidermy. Skin mounts often lose their vibrancy within months as natural oils degrade the finish. Greg solves this by casting 100% fiberglass replicas and applying multi-stage, automotive-grade paints in our Cocoa shop. This ensures the brilliant "tiger stripes" and the signature turquoise tail spot remain permanent. This custom build is available in a high-detail 12-inch mold to match your trophy catch.
Anatomical Accuracy: The Ocellus and Fin Detail
A true Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus) is defined by the prominent ocellus (eye-spot) on the tail and the jagged, dark vertical banding along the flanks. Greg ensures strict adherence to these traits, using your catch photo as a roadmap to replicate the specific color phase and fin highlights of your fish. Because these cichlids are a vital part of the local ecosystem, no fish is required for the build. Greg uses your photo to create a museum-quality centerpiece for your home décor.
Select Your Mount Style
To begin your custom build, use the dropdown menus above to select your Mount Type. Our Mayan Cichlid is a specialized 12-inch replica designed for maximum detail. While our pricing starts at $9 per inch for Half Mounts, please note that there is a $160 minimum charge for any individual custom build. Once you select your options, the final price will update automatically. Upload your catch photo and proceed through checkout to secure your place in Greg’s shop schedule.
Verified Custom Build: 12" Mayan Cichlid
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It was like the day we caught our fish how exciting it was to receive our mounts. They were spot on, so much detail!"
— James White, Verified Customer
