Tucked into a Portland storefront that's easy to miss from the outside, Woody's Seahorse Aquarium & Supply opens up into a vibrant, color-drenched world that multiple visitors describe as magical. This is a saltwater-only shop, and that singular focus shows in every detail — from the pristine tanks brimming with SPS, LPS, and soft corals to the giant tubs of genuine, high-quality live rock that reef hobbyists increasingly struggle to find elsewhere. The operation is run by a tight-knit team — Terry, Tewsley, and Bret are names that come up again and again in reviews — who treat every customer's tank like it matters.
One reviewer credits the owners with helping them build a seahorse tank from scratch. Another describes bringing in water samples during a phosphate crisis and getting immediate, informed troubleshooting. The shop offers comprehensive API water testing for $10, covering salinity, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, pH, and ammonia, with results emailed for long-term tracking through API's platform.
The coral selection draws particular praise: healthy frags at prices that surprise people, spanning beginner-friendly softies to demanding SPS varieties. Their cleanup crew invertebrates are well-stocked, and if they don't have a specific fish or invert on hand, they'll order it. Out front, an RODI and saltwater filling station makes pickup painless — a practical touch that signals how well Woody's understands the day-to-day realities of reef keeping.
What sets this Portland shop apart is its culture. Parents with toddlers, first-time reefers overwhelmed by water chemistry, seasoned hobbyists chasing rare corals — all report feeling genuinely welcomed rather than pressured to buy. Staff take time to explain macroalgae to a four-year-old or talk someone out of a fish that won't thrive in their system.
That honesty builds the kind of trust that turns visitors into regulars. For anyone maintaining a reef tank in the Portland area, Woody's isn't just a store — it's a resource.
Eric Chadwick
55 reviews
Amazing saltwater aquarium shop. Literally a hidden treasure.
Michael Tran
5 reviews
Love coming here. Best selection of corals and fish. Staff are super friendly and makes you feel like family.
Melissa Harrison
2 reviews
I started a seahorse tank with the help of the owners. They are super helpful and really care about their fish. I can trust that their stock is well cared for. I go in sometimes kinda in a panic because my phosphates get high and they always help me problem solve. They are very responsive to customer needs. They have the experience needed to give informed advice. Their tanks are amazing! I hope you decide to go visit to see them!
John C Kasziewicz
18 reviews
I highly recommend everybody David at Woody's aquarium they offer all your equipment needs for both salt and freshwater they also offer maintenance on your home tank 10/10
Tshering Sherpa
22 reviews
Visited the shop last week and had a wonderful experience. I brought my four-year-old with me, and the staff were amazing — they didn’t just try to sell me something, they really took the time to make us feel welcome. They explained everything clearly, even took the time to talk with my son and show him what macroalgae are! The whole visit felt personal and friendly. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, the coral selection is fantastic, and the prices are some of the best I’ve seen. This is a great place to shop if you’re looking for healthy fish, beautiful corals.
Angie Alvarez
6 reviews
First time visit today and I have NEVER felt more welcome at a fish shop than today. Amazing staff that took so much time to help me and give me tips and tricks I would have never even thought of . I will definitely be back . They gained a forever customer 💯
Eric
13 reviews
Best salt water fish store. Amazing customer service. Amazing staff and great products dont go anywhere else!!
Matthew Eskins
30 reviews
Fun place to go love every one there very knowledgeable of the fish and corals they sell if your having trouble with your saltwater thease are the people to see bring a water sample and 10 bucks and the test they run will give a great overview of your tank they are saltwater only
John Kasziewicz
30 reviews
10 outta 10 LFS, always willing to go out of there way to help you out with your saltwater journey and give advice from everything from food to fish,corals and equipment, I highly recommend them
Bonnie Cooley
8 reviews
Visited for the time yesterday. Incredible variety with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Very patient with me, a first time reefer, and my 20 month old. Would definitely recommend to anyone new or experienced in saltwater husbandry.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (503) 283-4788 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Woody's Seahorse Aquarium & Supply.
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106 NE Russet St, Portland, OR 97211
February 7, 2026
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