.png)
Mastering SPS Corals:
The Ultimate Guide for Advanced Reef Enthusiasts
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals are the intricate masterpieces of the reef aquarium world, celebrated for their stunning hues, detailed structures, and the expertise they demand. Unlike their Large Polyp Stony (LPS) counterparts, SPS corals feature tiny polyps and a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton. This in-depth guide delves into the essentials of SPS coral care, highlighting 12 popular species, their specific requirements, buying tips, and methods for evaluating and maintaining their health.
What Are SPS Corals?
SPS corals are renowned for their hard, stony structures and small polyps. They thrive in stable, nutrient-poor environments with strong lighting and high water flow. These corals are more demanding than other types, requiring precise water chemistry and consistent care. Let’s explore some of the most popular SPS corals and how to keep them thriving in your reef tank.
Popular SPS Coral Species
1. Acropora (Acropora spp.)
Acropora is arguably the most sought-after SPS coral, known for its vibrant colors and fast growth. They form intricate branching structures and have small, closely spaced polyps that give them a fuzzy appearance when fully extended.
Lighting (PAR): 250-400
Ideal Water Flow: High, turbulent flow.
Aggression: Moderate - Can grow rapidly and overshadow other corals.
Hobbyist Level: Advanced
Growth Rate: Fast - Can grow several inches per month under optimal conditions.
Fun Fact: Acropora can exhibit rapid growth, sometimes sprouting new branches within weeks under optimal conditions.
2. Montipora (Montipora spp.)
Montipora corals are diverse, ranging from encrusting to plating forms. They have small polyps that often give a smooth appearance, with colors that can vary widely.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to high.
Aggression: Low - Generally non-aggressive but can outgrow other corals.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Growth Rate: Moderate - Can grow up to an inch per month.
Fun Fact: Montipora corals can display beautiful fluorescence under actinic lighting.
3. Stylophora (Stylophora spp.)
Stylophora, or “Cat’s Paw” coral, features compact, bushy branches with small, tightly packed polyps that extend during the day. This coral can display a range of colors, from pink to green.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to high.
Aggression: Moderate - Can compete for space with other corals.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Moderate - Approximately 0.5-1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Stylophora can change colors dramatically depending on the intensity and spectrum of lighting.
4. Seriatopora (Seriatopora spp.)
Also known as Bird’s Nest coral, Seriatopora has delicate, thin branches that form a nest-like structure. The polyps are tiny and closely packed, giving it a feathery look.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350 Ideal Water Flow: High. Aggression: Moderate - Can be sensitive to changes in water quality. Hobbyist Level: Intermediate Growth Rate: Moderate - Can grow up to 1 inch per month. Fun Fact: Seriatopora can be quite sensitive to changes in water quality, making it a good indicator species for reef tanks.
5. Pocillopora (Pocillopora spp.)
Pocillopora corals are hardy and come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them popular among SPS enthusiasts. They have small, bumpy polyps and can form dense, bushy colonies.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to high.
Aggression: Moderate - Can release mucus to deter other corals.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Moderate - Can grow up to 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Pocillopora corals can reproduce by a method known as "polyp bailout," where individual polyps detach and form new colonies.
6. Hydnophora (Hydnophora spp.)
Hydnophora, or Horn Coral, is known for its aggressive growth and vibrant colors. It has large, prominent polyps that can extend to capture prey.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: High.
Aggression: High - Can send out sweeper tentacles to compete for space.
Hobbyist Level: Advanced
Growth Rate: Fast - Can grow up to 2 inches per month.
Fun Fact: Hydnophora can deliver powerful stings to neighboring corals, so it's essential to give it ample space.
7. Porites (Porites spp.)
Porites are robust SPS corals with small polyps and a smooth surface. They can form encrusting, plating, or branching structures.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to high.
Aggression: Low - Generally non-aggressive.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Slow - Grows less than 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Porites are often the primary builders of coral reefs in some parts of the world.
8. Pavona (Pavona spp.)
Pavona, or Cactus Coral, has an encrusting or plating growth pattern with small, well-defined polyps.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to high.
Aggression: Moderate - Can grow over other corals.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Moderate - Can grow up to 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Pavona corals can grow rapidly, often encrusting over rocks and other corals.
9. Turbinaria (Turbinaria spp.)
Turbinaria, also known as Pagoda or Cup Coral, has a unique cup or scroll-like structure with small polyps that extend during the day.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate to high.
Aggression: Low - Generally non-aggressive.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Slow - Grows less than 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Turbinaria corals can adapt to lower light conditions better than many other SPS corals.
10. Echinopora (Echinopora spp.)
Echinopora, or Chalice Coral, features large, colorful polyps that can cover a wide, plating structure.
Lighting (PAR): 150-250
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate.
Aggression: High - Can send out sweeper tentacles to compete for space.
Hobbyist Level: Advanced
Growth Rate: Moderate - Can grow up to 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Echinopora can exhibit some of the most vibrant colors among SPS corals, especially under actinic lighting.
11. Favia (Favia spp.)
Favia, or Moon Coral, is characterized by its large, round polyps that create a honeycomb pattern on its surface.
Lighting (PAR): 200-350
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate.
Aggression: Moderate - Can send out sweeper tentacles at night.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Slow - Grows less than 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Favia corals can fluoresce brightly under blue lighting, adding a stunning effect to any reef tank.
12. Leptoseris (Leptoseris spp.)
Leptoseris corals have a distinctive plating or encrusting growth pattern with small, closely packed polyps.
Lighting (PAR): 100-200
Ideal Water Flow: Moderate.
Aggression: Low - Generally non-aggressive.
Hobbyist Level: Intermediate
Growth Rate: Moderate - Can grow up to 1 inch per month.
Fun Fact: Leptoseris corals can thrive in lower light conditions compared to many other SPS corals.
General Care Tips for SPS Corals
Water Quality: Maintain stable parameters with calcium at 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium at 1250-1350 ppm. Regular testing and dosing are essential to keep these levels consistent.
Lighting: SPS corals require strong, broad-spectrum lighting. Metal halides, T5s, and high-quality LEDs are commonly used to provide the necessary light intensity and spectrum.
Water Flow: High, turbulent flow is crucial for SPS corals to ensure proper nutrient uptake and waste removal. Multiple powerheads or wave makers can help achieve this in your tank.
Feeding: While SPS corals derive most of their energy from photosynthesis, they also benefit from supplemental feeding with phytoplankton, marine snow, and other fine particulate foods. Feeding should be done sparingly to avoid water quality issues.
Buying Tips: Look for vivid coloration, good polyp extension, and no signs of tissue recession or bleaching. Ensure the coral is free of pests such as flatworms, nudibranchs, and red bugs. Acclimate new corals slowly to avoid shock and stress.
Check out our article on dipping your new corals and how to check for pests: A Comprehensive Guide to Corals Pests and How to Dip
Conclusion
SPS corals are a rewarding addition to any reef tank for experienced hobbyists. Their stunning colors, intricate structures, and the challenge they present make them a favorite among advanced reef keepers. By understanding their unique requirements and providing consistent care, you can enjoy the beauty and complexity of these incredible corals in your own aquarium.
Happy Reefing!