Comprehensive guide to LPS Corals: 

Identification, Care, and Tips for Saltwater Aquariums

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals are a favorite among reef hobbyists due to their vibrant colors, fascinating movement, and relatively easier care compared to SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals. They have large, fleshy polyps and a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. This guide will cover 12 of the most popular LPS corals, detailing their identification, care requirements, buying tips, and skill level recommendations.

Types of LPS Corals

Well let us start with my favorite coral:

1. Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora)

Identification: Hammer corals have unique hammer or anchor-shaped polyps with vibrant colors ranging from green to gold.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water with moderate calcium levels.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or brine shrimp.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Attractive and relatively hardy.
• Cons: Can be aggressive towards other corals with its long sweeper tentacles.

Okay, well the Frogspawn is also my favorite coral.

2. Frogspawn Coral (Euphyllia divisa)

Identification: Similar to Hammer coral but with a more bulbous, frothy appearance.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods like mysis shrimp.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Beautiful and adds movement to the tank.
• Cons: Sweeper tentacles can sting neighboring corals.

As is the torch coral...

3. Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens)

Identification: Long, flowing tentacles with tips that can be brightly colored.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting.
• Flow: Moderate to strong water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Pros: Stunning appearance and movement.
• Cons: Very aggressive with long sweeper tentacles.

I mean who doesn't love Caulastrea?

4. Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)

Identification: Clustered polyps that resemble candy canes, often in green, blue, or brown.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from target feeding with meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Pros: Hardy and easy to care for.
• Cons: Can be overshadowed by larger, more aggressive corals.

Ok, can I just have the category LPS be my favorite coral???

5. Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)

Identification: Large, bubble-like vesicles that expand during the day.

• Water Quality: Clean, stable water conditions.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Low to moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Unique and visually interesting.
• Cons: Can be delicate and prone to damage.

If not, Acans are definitely my favorite coral.

6. Acanthastrea (Acan Lords)

Identification: Large, fleshy polyps in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from feeding with meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Extremely colorful and attractive.
• Cons: Can be aggressive towards other corals.

Tied with Favia's of course...

7. Favia (Moon Coral)

Identification: Rounded colonies with large, star-shaped polyps.

• Water Quality: Clean, stable water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from feeding with meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Pros: Hardy and easy to care for.
• Cons: Can produce sweeper tentacles that sting other corals.

...also, tied three-way with Scolymia's because they are SO fun to feed!

8. Scolymia (Scoly)

Identification: Large, solitary polyps with striking colors.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Low to moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

• Pros: Beautiful and highly sought after.
• Cons: Can be expensive and requires specific care.

...But Trachy's are also a ton of fun to feed.

9. Trachyphyllia (Open Brain Coral)

Identification: Large, fleshy polyp with vibrant colors and a folded, brain-like structure.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Low to moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Stunning and adds visual interest.
• Cons: Can be delicate and prone to damage.

Oh but Lobo's come in SO many colors!

10. Lobophyllia (Lobo)

Identification: Large, fleshy polyps with bright colors.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Vibrant colors and attractive.
• Cons: Can be aggressive towards other corals.

I do love the beautiful polyps of a Duncan!

11. Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)

Identification: Large, daisy-like polyps on long stalks.

• Water Quality: Clean, stable water conditions.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from feeding with meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Pros: Hardy and easy to care for.
• Cons: Can be overshadowed by larger, more aggressive corals.

Oh Blasto's, the tiny Acan family. Who doesn't love an adorable tiny colorful coral!

12. Blastomussa

Identification: Large, fleshy polyps with vibrant colors and a somewhat inflated appearance.

• Water Quality: Stable and clean water.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting.
• Flow: Low to moderate water flow.
• Feeding: Benefits from meaty foods.
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Pros: Attractive and adds diversity to the tank.
• Cons: Can be delicate and require specific care.

It is official, I am just selecting the whole category of LPS as my favorite corals... but I do love a good mushroom...

LPS Corals: Chemistry Requirements for Optimal Health

Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals are a popular choice for saltwater hobbyists due to their vibrant colors, larger fleshy polyps, and generally more forgiving nature compared to Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals. However, to thrive, LPS corals require specific water chemistry conditions that must be carefully maintained. This section will provide an overview of the key chemistry parameters necessary for the care of LPS corals, along with practical tips to help hobbyists maintain these conditions.

1. Calcium (Ca)

• Optimal Range: 400-450 ppm

• Importance: Calcium is a critical element for LPS corals, as it is required for the formation of their calcium carbonate skeletons. Insufficient calcium levels can lead to slowed growth, weakened skeletons, and reduced overall health.

• Maintenance Tips: Regularly test calcium levels using a reliable test kit. If levels are low, consider using calcium supplements or a calcium reactor to maintain optimal levels. Water changes with high-quality salt mixes can also help replenish calcium.

2. Alkalinity (KH or dKH)

• Optimal Range: 7-9 dKH (125-161 ppm)

• Importance: Alkalinity measures the water’s ability to neutralize acids, which is crucial for maintaining a stable pH and supporting the calcification process in LPS corals. Low alkalinity can lead to stress and stunted growth, while levels that are too high can cause tissue damage.

• Maintenance Tips: Test alkalinity regularly and make gradual adjustments if needed. Buffering agents like sodium bicarbonate can be used to raise alkalinity, while careful dosing is essential to avoid large fluctuations. Using a dosing pump to maintain steady alkalinity levels is often recommended for tanks with high coral density.

3. Magnesium (Mg)

• Optimal Range: 1250-1350 ppm

• Importance: Magnesium plays a supporting role in maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. It prevents calcium carbonate from precipitating out of the water, ensuring that calcium remains available for coral growth.

• Maintenance Tips: Regularly test magnesium levels, especially if you notice issues with maintaining calcium and alkalinity. If levels are low, magnesium supplements can be added. Magnesium is typically included in most high-quality salt mixes, but additional dosing may be required in heavily stocked tanks.

4. pH

• Optimal Range: 8.1-8.4

• Importance: Maintaining a stable pH within this range is essential for coral health and the calcification process. LPS corals are sensitive to pH fluctuations, which can cause stress and hinder growth.

• Maintenance Tips: Test pH levels regularly, particularly in the morning and evening when levels can fluctuate. Ensure adequate gas exchange by maintaining good water flow and surface agitation, which can help stabilize pH. If pH drops too low, consider using a buffering agent, and if pH is too high, review alkalinity levels as they are closely linked.

5. Nitrate (NO3)

• Optimal Range: 1-10 ppm

• Importance: Nitrate is a nutrient that LPS corals can tolerate at low to moderate levels. While they can handle higher nitrate levels better than SPS corals, excessive nitrates can lead to algal growth, which can outcompete corals for light and nutrients.

• Maintenance Tips: Perform regular water changes to manage nitrate levels and avoid overfeeding, which can contribute to nitrate buildup. A protein skimmer and good mechanical filtration can also help reduce nitrate levels. If nitrates are consistently high, consider adding a refugium with macroalgae or using chemical filtration media like biopellets or nitrate reactors.

6. Phosphate (PO4)

• Optimal Range: 0.01-0.03 ppm

• Importance: Phosphate is another nutrient that must be carefully controlled. While LPS corals can tolerate slightly higher phosphate levels than SPS corals, excessive phosphates can inhibit calcification, encourage algal growth, and lead to poor coral health.

• Maintenance Tips: Test phosphate levels regularly and use phosphate-removing media like GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) if levels are high. Reducing feeding and ensuring efficient skimming can also help manage phosphate levels. Regular water changes with phosphate-free salt mixes are effective in keeping phosphates in check.

7. Salinity

• Optimal Range: 1.025-1.026 specific gravity (SG)

• Importance: LPS corals thrive in stable salinity conditions that mimic natural seawater. Fluctuations in salinity can cause osmotic stress, leading to tissue recession or even death.

• Maintenance Tips: Use a high-quality refractometer or digital salinity meter to monitor salinity levels accurately. Top off evaporation with fresh RO/DI water to maintain consistent salinity, and be cautious when adding salt or fresh water during water changes to avoid sudden shifts.

8. Temperature

• Optimal Range: 76-78°F (24-26°C)

• Importance: LPS corals require stable temperature conditions within this range. Temperatures that are too high can accelerate coral metabolism, leading to stress, while temperatures that are too low can slow down biological processes.

• Maintenance Tips: Use a reliable aquarium heater and consider using a chiller in warmer climates to maintain a stable temperature. Avoid placing the tank in direct sunlight or near heat sources that can cause temperature fluctuations. Use a temperature controller for more precise regulation.

Practical Tips for Maintaining LPS Coral Health

1. Regular Monitoring: Consistent testing and monitoring of water parameters are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance required by LPS corals. Consider investing in automated monitoring systems to keep track of key parameters and receive alerts when levels fall outside the optimal range.

2. Gradual Adjustments: When adjusting any water chemistry parameters, always make changes slowly to avoid shocking the corals. Sudden fluctuations in alkalinity, calcium, or pH can be particularly harmful.

3. Water Changes: Regular water changes are an effective way to maintain water chemistry, replenish trace elements, and reduce the buildup of unwanted nutrients like nitrates and phosphates. Aim for weekly or bi-weekly changes, depending on your tank’s bioload.

4. Dosing and Supplementation: In heavily stocked tanks, water changes alone may not be sufficient to maintain optimal levels of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Dosing supplements or using a calcium reactor can help ensure these elements remain within the desired range.

5. Stability is Key: LPS corals thrive in stable environments. Beyond the individual parameters, maintaining consistency in all aspects of water chemistry is essential. Fluctuations, even within the acceptable ranges, can stress corals over time.

Buying Tips for LPS Corals

1. Inspect for Pests and Diseases: Check for any signs of pests or diseases, such as flatworms or brown jelly disease, and avoid corals that appear unhealthy or damaged.
2. Color and Polyp Extension: Healthy LPS corals should have vibrant colors and well-extended polyps.
3. Ask About Lighting and Flow Requirements: Ensure you can meet the specific needs of the coral in your home aquarium.
4. Observe Behavior: Watch the coral in the store tank for any signs of distress or unusual behavior.

Pros and Cons of LPS Corals

Pros:

• Generally more forgiving than SPS corals.
• Provide movement and color to the aquarium.
• Wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Cons:

• Some species can be aggressive towards other corals.
• Can be sensitive to water quality changes.

Conclusion

LPS corals are a fantastic addition to any reef tank, offering a beautiful array of colors, shapes, and movements. By understanding their specific needs for water quality, lighting, flow, and feeding, you can create a thriving environment for these stunning organisms. With the right care and attention, LPS corals can flourish and become a highlight of your saltwater aquarium.

Happy Reefing!