About
Chicago Discus isn't your typical fish store — it's a dedicated discus breeding operation run by Miranda and Josie that has earned a near-perfect reputation among freshwater enthusiasts across the country. Operating by appointment out of their Chicago facility, they've built a devoted following that stretches from San Diego to Hawaii, shipping healthy, show-quality discus with a level of care that reviewers consistently describe as extraordinary. The selection is impressive and deeply specialized.
Customers report choosing from varieties including Panthera Snakeskin, Altum Flora Turquoise, Penang Eruption, Super Red Eagle, Golden Eagle, Red Fuji, Blue Turquoise, Blue Altum, and Leopard discus — many in the 5- to 6-inch range, far larger than what you'd find at fish swaps or chain pet stores. Several buyers note receiving proven breeding pairs, with some fish laying eggs within the first month of arrival. The operation clearly prioritizes genetics and health, with even a professional zookeeper vouching for the quality.
Shipping is where Chicago Discus truly distinguishes itself. Every fish is triple-bagged — a practice multiple reviewers highlight as unusual in the industry — and Miranda personally tracks shipments, communicating updates at every step. In one memorable case, when UPS lost a package, Miranda went to the facility, waited for the box to be located, brought the fish back to recover, and reshipped them only after confirming their health.
The personal touch extends beyond logistics. Miranda fields questions from first-time discus keepers with patience, sharing feeding tips and care instructions. She recommends her own beefheart recipe, though customers report the fish also readily accept Sera Discus Granules, Hikari Discus, Vibra Bites, and frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms.
At roughly $100 per fish for large, vibrant specimens, the pricing draws consistent praise. For anyone in Chicago or beyond who's serious about keeping discus, this is the kind of specialist operation that justifies a cross-country shipment.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- DiscusRare Species
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive discus variety including Panthera Snakeskin, Blue Altum, Penang Eruption, and proven breeding pairs
- Ships nationwide with triple-bagged packaging and personal shipment tracking by Miranda
- Large 5-6 inch specimens far exceeding typical retail sizing
- Appointment-based visits to browse multiple tanks of discus in person
- Hands-on customer support with feeding guidance and proprietary beefheart recipe
From keepers
Customer reviews
“After many years, I am back to the discus hobby. I have other fish (koi, flowerhorns, arowana, and reef tanks). Anyway, I did my research and went with Chicago discus. Miranda accomodated my shipping date request to San Diego via southwest cargo, gave me timely updates and was just easy to work with. I was worried the discus may not eat because they're eating the Chicago's discus beefheart recipe. I still need to follow the recipe but was prepared with sera discus granules, hikari discus, vibra bites, frozen hikari brine shrimp, and hikari blood worms. Well they do eat all of it and I can relax with the beefheart recipe for now. I got 10 5" to 6" panthera snakeskin and altum flora turquise fish and all looks good round and healthy.Will send pics soon. Hope this helps...”
— Benson Ramon5.02 weeks ago“I was very pleased with Chicago Discus! I recently ordered 5 discus and they all arrived happy and healthy just two days later! All fish were triple-bagged to ensure safe travels. They were all vibrant in color and very active straight out of the bag. Shipping was a breeze even with the cold weather in my area. Miranda was always quick to reply to my emails and made sure to double check that I would be home to receive my discus before they were shipped. All in all it was a very straight forward process and I can’t recommend Chicago Discus enough!”
— Jarod Boening5.03 weeks ago“My brother gifted me his 12 discus collection, i had no clue about them. Miranda answered all my questions and was very nice and helpful. Gave me lots of tips on how to care for them and feed them. Thank you chicago discus!”
— Daniel Jr5.0a month ago“Great people and great fish! Easy to communicate with and buy from.”
— Dan Rank5.02 months ago“Thank you 🙏🏻 Miranda and Josie of Chicago Discus !! You have always taken care of me in Hawaii ! Awesome personal relationship with Miranda ! Great service, communication, shipping!! Miranda has always checked on my shipments ! Great selection of Discus !! From (Robert Lim Discus) Golden, Super Yellow, Golden Eagle, Red Fuji, Super Red, Fuji Red, proven pairs ! Blue Turquoise, Blue Altum and Blue Turquoise/ Blue Altum ! Definitely 💯 worth buying from Chicago Discus”
— Drake H Kusano5.04 months ago“As a professional zookeeper I can't recommend Chicago discus enough. Miranda was great for me. Very knowledgeable and very punctual with her responses to my emails. The discus came in in great health not stressed at all. They were triple bagged which I've never seen a vendor do but is very smart given the type of fish. Also the price wasn't bad. $400 for 4 high quality discus is a steal. Would 100% recommend and if I ever need to order discus again I'll be doing it through Chicago discus.”
— Joseph Clum5.04 months ago“Hands down a fantastic experience! They were beyond accommodating and you realize instantly that they are real animal and fish enthusiasts High quality fish couldn’t be happier . If you’re considering discus I highly recommend this is someone you can trust”
— ryan johnson5.08 months ago“I purchased 12 discus of various colors and am amazed at the quality and size. Fantastic job of packing, shipping, and communicating from Chicago Discus. Thanks, Miranda!”
— Scott5.010 months ago“Made an appointment and Miranda greeted us at the gate. Super polite and knowledgeable. We took a look at the discus and they all looked extremely healthy and happy. We are very happy with our 4 new discus. I definitely recommend and will be coming back for more in the future.”
— Galilea Gonzalez5.010 months ago“Very professional and Good customer service I bought a group of 5 leapords all arrived happy and healthy”
— Brock Bellenger5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (312) 622-0055 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Chicago Discus.