About
Extreme Corals is one of the most established online coral marketplaces, operating since 2006 and serving reef tank hobbyists across the United States. The store is built around a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) model, meaning every single coral for sale is individually photographed so customers receive the exact specimen they purchase — no surprises, no substitutions. The catalog spans a wide range of reef corals including Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals such as Acanthophyllia, Cynarina, Torch, Hammer, and Plate corals; Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals including Acropora and Echinophyllia Chalice; soft corals; Zoanthids; Rhodactis and Ricordia mushrooms; and Goniopora colonies. Many specimens are ultra-rare, hand-selected collector pieces curated by owner Scott, marketed as "Scott's Handpicked Corals." Extreme Corals offers free overnight shipping on orders over $200, ensuring live livestock arrives safely. The site also features coral care guides, facility information, financing options, and a blog for reef keeping enthusiasts. It caters to beginner hobbyists looking for starter frags as well as serious collectors hunting rare, high-grade showpiece specimens. Whether you're building your first reef tank or adding a centerpiece colony to an established system, Extreme Corals provides an accessible, trustworthy source for premium reef livestock.
Key Features
- WYSIWYG Coral Listings: Every coral is individually photographed so buyers receive the exact specimen pictured — no substitutions or surprises.
- Extensive Coral Selection: Offers LPS, SPS, zoanthids, soft corals, mushrooms, colonies, and frags spanning hundreds of species and color morphs.
- Free Overnight Shipping: Orders over $200 qualify for free overnight shipping, keeping live livestock transit times minimal and survival rates high.
- Scott's Handpicked Collection: Owner Scott personally curates and hand-selects ultra-grade, rare showpiece specimens for a premium collector's catalog.
- Coral Care Resources: The site includes coral care guides, a reef blog, facility transparency, and financing options to support hobbyists at every level.
Use Cases
- Reef tank hobbyists looking to purchase rare, ultra-colored LPS or SPS corals with confidence in what they'll receive.
- Collectors seeking one-of-a-kind showpiece corals hand-selected for exceptional color and grade.
- Beginner reef keepers buying starter frags with expert care guidance to grow their first tank.
- Experienced aquarists expanding an established reef system with new coral species or morphs.
- Gift buyers purchasing coral gift certificates for reef-keeping enthusiasts.
Pros
- True WYSIWYG Guarantee: Individual photography of every specimen eliminates guesswork — you know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
- Rare & Exotic Inventory: Regularly restocked with ultra-colored, collector-grade morphs that are difficult to find elsewhere, including hand-selected showpieces.
- Fast, Livestock-Safe Shipping: Free overnight shipping on qualifying orders minimizes live animal transit stress and supports healthy arrival rates.
- Long-Standing Reputation: Operating since 2006, Extreme Corals has built a trusted brand among reef hobbyists with years of consistent quality and service.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Ultra-rare and hand-selected corals can command high prices (some exceeding $1,000), making the store less accessible to budget-conscious hobbyists.
- Live Animal Shipping Risks: Despite overnight shipping, live coral shipments carry inherent transit risks including temperature stress, especially in extreme weather seasons.
- US-Centric Availability: International shipping for live livestock is heavily restricted by regulations, limiting the customer base largely to domestic buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WYSIWYG mean on Extreme Corals?
WYSIWYG stands for 'What You See Is What You Get.' Every coral listed on the site is photographed individually, and when you purchase it, you receive that exact specimen — not a similar one.
How does shipping work for live corals?
Extreme Corals offers free overnight shipping on orders over $200. Live corals are carefully packed to minimize transit stress, and overnight delivery keeps livestock healthy during shipment.
What types of corals does Extreme Corals sell?
The store sells a wide variety including LPS corals (Torch, Hammer, Acanthophyllia, Cynarina, Goniopora, Plate), SPS corals (Acropora, Chalice), Zoanthids, soft corals, Rhodactis and Ricordia mushrooms, full colonies, and frags.
What are 'Scott's Handpicked Corals'?
These are ultra-grade, rare, and visually exceptional specimens personally selected by the owner, Scott. They represent the top tier of the inventory and are priced as collector showpiece items.
Is financing available for purchases?
Yes, Extreme Corals offers financing options to help customers afford premium or high-value coral specimens. Details are available on the website's financing page.
