Cuttle Fish and Corals

Cuttle Fish and Corals in Portland, Oregon has built the kind of loyal following that most saltwater stores only dream of — customers driving from Seattle, commuting an hour each way, and stopping in three or four days a week just to see what's new. Under owner Pete's stewardship, this reef-focused shop has become arguably the best saltwater destination in the Pacific Northwest, and the reviews overwhelmingly back that claim. The store is housed in a newer building with meticulously clean tanks organized by coral price point — a thoughtful touch that makes browsing both beautiful and practical.

Their coral selection is vast and constantly rotating, from budget-friendly beginner frags to high-end pieces, and the fish inventory is equally impressive with new arrivals generating genuine excitement among regulars. Invertebrates are also part of the mix, and customers report receiving consistently healthy livestock with no sick arrivals. What truly sets Cuttlefish apart is the team.

Pete, Jeff, Bret, and Puck each bring deep saltwater expertise and an infectious enthusiasm for the hobby. Staff regularly spend hours with new customers helping with aquascaping and walking them through the reef tank process from scratch. They'll work within your budget, put together package deals on smaller frags, and keep you in the loop when specific fish or corals come in that match your tank.

One customer recounted Pete personally coming to her home to help dismantle a tank she was stuck with before a move — an act of generosity that transcended ordinary customer service. The atmosphere has a neighborhood feel, often compared to Cheers — a place where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are welcomed without pressure. Staff answer every question patiently, from the technical to the purely curious, and they stand behind their livestock with fair replacement policies.

For anyone running a reef tank in the Portland metro area — or well beyond it — Cuttle Fish and Corals delivers exceptional coral selection, pristine tanks, and a team that genuinely wants to see your reef thrive.