A One-of-a-Kind Golden Trophy
The Mirror Carp is a prize defined by its individuality. Unlike the uniform scaling of a common carp, the Mirror Carp (Cyprinus carpio) carries a "fingerprint" of large, irregular scales that make every catch a unique specimen. Whether you landed a massive golden mirror in a private estate pond or a wild river, that specific pattern deserves to be immortalized. Florida Fish Mounts, based in Cocoa, Florida, is the shop of artist Greg Cassell, specializing in custom fiberglass Mirror Carp replicas for specialist anglers who demand a museum-quality alternative to traditional taxidermy.
The Artist’s Solution to Oil and Deterioration
Carp are famously oily fish, making them a nightmare for traditional skin taxidermy. Over time, the natural oils in a skin mount will inevitably seep through, yellowing the scales and causing the mount to smell or degrade. Greg solves this by casting 100% fiberglass replicas and applying multi-stage, automotive-grade paints in our Cocoa shop. This ensures the deep bronzes, bright golds, and iridescent highlights of your fish remain permanent. We offer these custom builds to match your catch, with available lengths of 23 and 25 inches.
Anatomical Accuracy: Mapping the Scales
The true challenge of a Mirror Carp replica is the scale mapping. No two fish have the same arrangement of "mirror" scales along the lateral line or dorsal ridge. Greg treats your catch photo as a strict roadmap, meticulously patterning the size and placement of every individual scale to reflect your specific fish. Because these fish are often the crown jewels of catch-and-release waters, no fish is required for the build. Greg uses your photo to replicate the exact color phase and scale density of your catch.
Select Your Mount Style
To begin your custom build, use the dropdown menus above to select your Mount Type and specific Length. Half Mounts start at $9 per inch, Full Mounts at $15, and 360° Suspension Mounts at $18. Please note that there is a $160 minimum charge for any individual mount. 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.
