








Tucked away in Jefferson City, Tennessee, The Coral Reef has built a loyal following that stretches well beyond the local community — and for good reason. This independently owned aquarium shop, which relocated from Knoxville, stocks both freshwater and saltwater livestock with a clear passion for the reef side of the hobby. Their coral selection, while not massive, features quality specimens alongside a variety of saltwater fish, including eye-catching mocha lightning clownfish that have shipped as far as neighboring states.
The staff is the real draw here. Caden (sometimes spelled Cayden) has earned near-legendary status among regulars for his patient, thorough approach to saltwater guidance — walking customers through tank needs and offering practical suggestions without condescension. Alexis is another standout, praised for her knowledge and willingness to work with indecisive shoppers.
The owner and her husband round out a team that genuinely cares about matching fish to the right home, asking thoughtful questions about customers' existing setups before making recommendations. The store itself is compact but meticulously maintained. Tanks are clean, fish are visibly healthy and actively eating, and prices are clearly marked on each tank — no surprises at the register.
Beyond livestock, they carry live rock, frozen fish food at competitive prices, and a solid range of shelf products and equipment. Their online store with fast shipping is a welcome bonus, with at least one customer reporting next-day delivery on a bonded clownfish pair that arrived in stunning condition. There are minor quibbles — some reviewers wish the coral selection were larger, and one hobbyist noted an aiptasia problem in the display systems.
A snail buyer also felt staff knowledge on invertebrate care could be deeper in certain areas. But the overwhelming consensus across hundreds of reviews is clear: The Coral Reef delivers honest, personalized service and healthy livestock that the big-box competitors in Knoxville simply can't match. For reef keepers and freshwater hobbyists across East Tennessee, it's become a destination worth the drive.
Mimi Kavlakian
11 reviews
Very impressive. I was greeted quickly. The store was very clean. Employees very knowledgeable and friendly. Im new to fish tanks and they answered all my questions. Ill be a returning customer. Thank you
brian ernst
34 reviews
Like selection of clownfish
Casey Wise
8 reviews
Nice fish
Kerensa H
12 reviews
Great place! Great people! They have a lot of knowledge and help you with whatever you need. Alexis is wonderful!
Jack Gofourth
547 reviews
Always a good selection of fish and friendly service
Robert Kirk
7 reviews
Good quality products
Jessica
8 reviews
This is by far our favorite shop. Caden is exceptional in every way. He takes his time to explain every aspect of your tank needs. He is great at suggesting what you can do better without making you feel inferior. Their fish are always eating and healthy which is hard to find in other suppliers it seems.
Daniel S Bastidas A
19 reviews
A really nice place, but sometimes the cashier changes the price from what is displayed when you buy something.
Connie Matthews
7 reviews
Always friendly and willing to help highly recommend shopping and purchasing from these folks great people
Scott Smith
10 reviews
We have made several recent purchases. Staff are very helpful and want to help you choose what you want. I would highly recommend them.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (865) 375-7135 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Coral Reef.
Phone
(865) 375-7135Website
www.coralreeftn.com/Address
273 W Old Andrew Johnson Hwy, Jefferson City, TN 37760
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273 W Old Andrew Johnson Hwy, Jefferson City, TN 37760
February 7, 2026
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