Mermaid's Cove

Tucked away in Channahon, Illinois, Mermaid's Cove is a saltwater-focused fish store that has built a loyal following among reef hobbyists across the region — some driving from as far as Iowa and logging two-hour trips just to shop there. The store's primary draw is its saltwater livestock, including reef fish like PJ cardinals and a solid selection of corals, though a few reviewers note the coral inventory could be deeper. They also maintain some freshwater setups, but make no mistake: this is a saltwater shop at heart.

One of Mermaid's Cove's standout offerings is their handmade frozen fish food, crafted specifically for reef tanks. Multiple customers rave about it, with one simply stating their fish "love" the homemade frozen food. It's the kind of detail that signals a store run by people who actually keep tanks themselves.

The owner, Tom, and staff member Matt are frequently mentioned by name. Tom's approach is notably low-pressure — he gives customers space to browse, answers questions patiently, and shares genuine expertise rather than pushing sales. One reviewer recounted bringing home peppermint shrimp on Tom's recommendation to tackle a stubborn aiptasia outbreak in their 45-gallon tank; within two days, 25-plus aiptasia were completely gone after months of failed treatments.

That kind of targeted, practical advice keeps people coming back. Mermaid's Cove also attends coral shows — they were spotted at one in Clio, Michigan — and are known for offering some of the best prices on clean-up crew invertebrates in the area. The pricing, in fact, comes up in nearly every positive review, with multiple customers calling their rates the best around.

A few reviewers have dinged the shop's tidiness, noting the space could use some attention. But the overwhelming consensus is that this is a store where the owner genuinely cares more about your tank's success than your wallet. For saltwater and reef enthusiasts in the greater Channahon area, it's a destination worth seeking out.