The Corner Reef

The Corner Reef in St. Louis has built a devoted following that regularly drives an hour or two just to walk through its doors — and that kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident. This is a dedicated saltwater shop, and owner Steve has carved out a reputation for running one of the best reef stores in the St.

Louis metro area. The store's coral selection is a major draw. Reviewers consistently mention finding species and specimens they wouldn't encounter at a typical fish store, and the tanks are kept immaculately clean.

Beyond corals, The Corner Reef stocks a solid range of saltwater fish, invertebrates, pods, and reef-keeping equipment and additives. Steve price-matches Bulk Reef Supply and also buys and resells used equipment at significant discounts, a practical touch that reef hobbyists on a budget genuinely appreciate. What sets the shop apart is how it treats people who are new to saltwater.

Multiple reviewers describe walking in as complete beginners and being patiently guided through their first tank setup — not upsold, but genuinely educated. Steve has a reputation for recommending only what customers actually need, even if it means a smaller sale. For hobbyists already deep in the reef-keeping world, the store holds its own with a curated inventory and the ability to fulfill special orders.

The Corner Reef has recently undergone a notable expansion, with more space for livestock and supplies, and reviewers are excited about what's still to come. The shop is well-organized and thoughtfully laid out, making browsing easy even for visitors from out of town. It's worth noting this is almost exclusively a saltwater operation — those looking for freshwater will want to shop elsewhere.

For reef keepers across central Missouri, The Corner Reef has become the kind of local fish store people wish existed in every city: transparent pricing, genuine expertise, and a coral selection worth the drive.