About Us

Cuttlefish and Corals is a specialty reef aquarium store located in Portland, Oregon at 6363 SW Capitol Hwy, 97239. We are a brick-and-mortar shop serving the local reefing community and now offer carefully selected livestock online nationwide.

Originally established over 13 years ago, the business transitioned to new ownership in October 2026 under Pete Chandra, who previously managed the store for more than five years. Our experienced and passionate team is dedicated to maintaining high standards for livestock health, honest representation, and strong customer support.

We focus on sourcing exceptional corals, maintaining healthy systems, and helping hobbyists succeed long term. Our top priorities include bringing in unique, high-quality coral, supporting the reefing community, sharing knowledge, and helping grow the hobby responsibly.

In addition to retail livestock, we also offer professional aquarium maintenance services throughout the greater Portland area, supporting both beginner and advanced reef systems.

Whether you visit our Portland location or shop online, our goal is to provide healthy livestock, accurate WYSIWYG representation, and reliable guidance from experienced reef keepers.

Store Information

Address
6363 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, Oregon 97239

Phone
(971) 302-1347

Hours
Wednesday – Friday: 11am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Shipping Policy

We ship all livestock using overnight delivery to ensure the highest survival rate and minimal transit stress. Orders are carefully packed with insulation and temperature control as needed.

Orders typically ship Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend transit delays. Orders placed later in the week may ship the following Monday depending on weather and carrier conditions.

Tracking information will be provided once your order ships. Someone must be available to receive the package on the first delivery attempt.

We may delay shipping due to extreme weather conditions to ensure safe arrival of livestock.

Shipping fees are calculated at checkout unless otherwise stated.

DOA (Dead On Arrival) Policy

We offer a live arrival guarantee on all livestock shipments.

In the rare event a coral arrives DOA, please follow these steps:

Email us within 2 hours of delivery.
Include a clear photo of the coral in the sealed bag.
Include a photo of the coral outside the bag if requested.
Provide your order number.

Approved claims will receive store credit equal to the value of the coral, excluding shipping costs.

We cannot guarantee livestock if:

• Delivery is missed on the first attempt
• Incorrect shipping address is provided
• Package is left outside for an extended period
• Extreme weather warnings were ignored
• Claim is submitted after the 2 hour window

All WYSIWYG corals are final sale aside from DOA situations.

By placing an order, the buyer acknowledges the inherent risks associated with shipping live animals.

FAQ

Do you offer in-store pickup?

Yes. Orders can be picked up at our Portland retail location at 6363 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239. Please wait for confirmation that your order is ready before arriving.

Where do you ship?

We ship livestock nationwide within the United States using overnight delivery to minimize transit stress.

When do orders ship?

Orders typically ship Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend delays. Shipping may be postponed during extreme weather to ensure safe arrival of livestock.

Do you guarantee live arrival?

Yes. We offer a live arrival guarantee. If a coral arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photos of the coral in the sealed bag and your order number. Approved claims receive store credit equal to the coral value, excluding shipping.

What does WYSIWYG mean?

WYSIWYG means “What You See Is What You Get.” You will receive the exact coral shown in the photo.

Are your coral photos edited?

Corals are photographed under blue reef lighting using an orange filter to represent natural coloration. We do not artificially enhance color.

Do you offer aquarium maintenance services?

Yes. We provide professional aquarium maintenance throughout the greater Portland area for both freshwater and saltwater systems.

Can you help me choose the right coral?

Absolutely. We are happy to provide guidance based on lighting, flow, experience level, and aquarium parameters.

What lighting do most corals require?

Lighting needs vary by species. In general, soft corals prefer PAR 40–150, LPS prefer PAR 50–180, and SPS prefer PAR 150–350. Always acclimate corals to new lighting conditions.

What flow do corals prefer?

Most soft corals and LPS prefer gentle to moderate flow, while SPS corals typically prefer moderate to strong flow. Avoid placing corals in direct high-pressure flow.