Corals and Fins

For dedicated aquarists and aspiring marine enthusiasts across Florida, finding a highly specialized pet store that truly understands the intricacies of saltwater ecosystems is invaluable. In Tampa, Corals and Fins has earned a reputation as a go-to destination for all things marine, offering a stunning array of live corals, exotic saltwater fish, and the essential supplies needed to create thriving underwater worlds. This establishment distinguishes itself by its deep focus on the marine hobby, catering to those who appreciate the beauty and complexity of reef tanks and saltwater aquariums. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Corals and Fins, including its location, specialized offerings, unique highlights, and why it's a prime choice for local Floridians passionate about the aquatic realm.

Corals and Fins stands out in the bustling Tampa pet market by concentrating exclusively on saltwater aquariums. Unlike general pet stores that might offer a small section for marine life, Corals and Fins dedicates its expertise and inventory to the vibrant world of corals and saltwater fish. This specialization allows them to maintain a higher quality of livestock, offer a more diverse selection, and provide expert advice that is often unparalleled. The store's commitment to sourcing unique and healthy specimens, as evidenced by customer testimonials about finding rare fish, highlights their dedication. For Floridians immersed in the rewarding, yet sometimes challenging, hobby of marine aquariums, Corals and Fins serves as a crucial resource for both supplies and knowledge, fostering successful and beautiful reef environments.

Corals and Fins is conveniently located in Tampa, making it accessible for marine enthusiasts throughout the city and surrounding areas in Florida. You can find this specialized aquatic store at:

5011 W Hillsborough Ave C, Tampa, FL 33634, USA

The store's location on West Hillsborough Avenue places it along a significant commercial corridor in Tampa, ensuring relatively straightforward access for visitors. As part of a commercial unit, ample parking is typically available, which is particularly beneficial when handling sensitive or bulky aquatic purchases. While recent customer inquiries about operational status (as of late April 2025) suggest some potential communication issues or temporary closures, the store's previous operational hours indicate a commitment to serving customers during standard retail times (generally 11 AM - 7 PM on weekdays, 12 PM - 5 PM on Sundays, with varying Saturday hours). It is always highly recommended for Florida locals to call ahead to confirm current operating hours and availability before making a special trip, especially given the specialized nature of the store and the value of its live inventory.

Corals and Fins specializes in products and services for saltwater aquariums. Based on customer reviews and the store's name, here are the primary offerings you can expect:

• Wide Selection of Saltwater Fish: The store offers a diverse range of marine fish, including exotic and unique species like the wartskin frogfish, as noted in customer reviews. They appear to source these from distributors, aiming to provide customers with specific requests.
• Live Corals: As suggested by the name, Corals and Fins provides a variety of live corals for reef tanks, catering to hobbyists who wish to create vibrant and thriving coral ecosystems.
• Aquarium Equipment and Supplies: It is highly likely they stock all essential supplies for marine aquariums, which would include:
  • Aquarium tanks of various sizes, specifically for saltwater setups.
  • Filtration systems (sumps, protein skimmers, refugiums).
  • Lighting specialized for coral growth (LEDs, T5s, metal halides).
  • Water testing kits and a wide range of marine salt mixes.
  • Dosing pumps and supplements for maintaining water chemistry.
  • Substrates, rockwork (live rock, dry rock), and decor for marine environments.
  • Heaters, chillers, and other temperature control equipment.
• Expert Advice and Consultation: A significant aspect of their service, as highlighted by customer experiences, is the knowledgeable and professional staff (like Dave and Jean) who go "above and beyond" to help customers. This includes providing guidance on fish selection, compatibility, tank setup, and troubleshooting.
• Customer Sourcing of Specific Livestock: The ability to text customers pictures from their distributor to help them choose specific fish (e.g., a perfect frogfish) demonstrates a personalized sourcing service for desired aquatic animals.
• Dedicated to the Marine Hobby: Their sole focus on saltwater aquariums means that their inventory and staff expertise are highly concentrated on this complex niche, providing in-depth support not typically found in general pet stores.

Corals and Fins boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Florida's marine aquarium community:

• Specialized Marine Focus: Unlike broader pet stores, Corals and Fins dedicates its entire operation to saltwater aquariums, corals, and marine fish. This specialization ensures a superior depth of knowledge and a more carefully curated selection of healthy livestock and appropriate equipment.
• Highly Knowledgeable and Helpful Staff: Customers consistently praise the staff for being "very friendly and professional" and going "above and beyond" to assist. This personalized support, including troubleshooting and sourcing specific animals, is a major highlight for hobbyists.
• Access to Unique and Exotic Livestock: Their ability to work with distributors to help customers find specific and sometimes rare fish, like the wartskin frogfish, distinguishes them as a go-to for unique additions to a marine tank.
• Quality of Livestock: The focus on healthy fish and corals means customers can have greater confidence in the vitality and longevity of their purchases, reducing common frustrations in the hobby.
• Community Hub for Marine Hobbyists: A specialized store like Corals and Fins often becomes a hub where local marine enthusiasts can connect, share experiences, and receive expert guidance, fostering a stronger local hobby community.
• Personalized Service: The individualized attention given to customers, such as texting pictures from distributors or assisting with specific requests, creates a highly personalized shopping experience.

For inquiries about specific fish or coral availability, aquarium supplies, or expert advice, you can contact Corals and Fins using the following information. Given the nature of their business and recent customer feedback, it is strongly recommended to call ahead to confirm their current operating status and to ensure a staff member is available to assist with specialized needs.

Address: 5011 W Hillsborough Ave C, Tampa, FL 33634, USA

Phone: (813) 992-3467

Mobile Phone: +1 813-992-3467

Checking their social media pages (e.g., Facebook) for recent updates on hours or temporary closures, as mentioned in a customer review, could also be beneficial before planning a visit.

In conclusion, for Florida residents, particularly those in Tampa and the surrounding areas with a passion for saltwater aquariums, Corals and Fins presents itself as an incredibly suitable and valuable local resource. While a recent customer's experience with unanswered phone calls and conflicting "temporarily closed" reports on Google suggests a need for updated communication from the store, the strong positive reviews highlight the core strengths of this business. Its unwavering specialization in marine life, including a vast array of vibrant corals and exotic fish, makes it a distinct advantage over general pet stores. The exceptional customer service, exemplified by staff like Dave and Jean who go "above and beyond" to help customers find specific animals and offer expert advice, is a major draw. For hobbyists seeking high-quality livestock, specialized equipment, and knowledgeable guidance to ensure their marine ecosystems thrive, Corals and Fins remains a highly recommended destination. Despite any current communication challenges, its deep expertise and commitment to the saltwater aquarium community solidify its place as a cherished local haven for aquatic enthusiasts in Florida.

Corals and Fins

5011 W Hillsborough Ave C, Tampa, FL 33634, USA