Anaheim is home to a huge variety of live corals and abundant reef life…on La Palma Avenue in Anaheim near the intersection with Kraemer Boulevard. That’s the home of Reef Lounge USA.
From the OC Register:
Gumball Machine Cracker, Hawaiian Sherbert and Fizzy Lizzy sound like exotic flavors of soda pop or tasty pieces of candy, but these beauties are treats for the eyes.
They are live corals and among the more than 300 varieties sold at Reef Lounge USA in Anaheim – the widest selection of the saltwater invertebrates readily available in Orange County, boasts owner Jimmy Tao, 47.
“There’s no such thing as a favorite because every piece is unique,” said Tao, who operates the shop with his daughter, Katie, son, Kenny, and a handful of part-time employees.
Briny, alien-looking corals and fish of every imaginable color, ranging from $5 to $700, fill dozens of saltwater tanks lining the store’s walls and into the storeroom.
For the uninitiated, Tao meticulously explains the differences between stony, hard and soft corals to determine the best fit for first-time buyers. Many customers successfully grow their coral colonies to the point that old saltwater tanks are regularly replaced with new tanks, Tao said.
You can read the entire article here.
For those with children and looking for local opportunities for a day excursion, Reef Lounge USA is a great destination, and perhaps will spark the inner marine biologist in someone.
