𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟓 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

When I first dipped my toes into the world of reef tanks, I quickly realized that not all corals are created equal. Some demand constant attention while others are far less demanding and forgiving of the occasional mistake. That’s where LPS corals come in.

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals are some of the most rewarding additions to a reef tank. They bring vibrant colors, swaying motion, and fascinating feeding behaviors—all while being hardier than their SPS cousins.

But with so many LPS corals to choose from, which ones are best for beginners?

Here are my top 5 beginner-friendly LPS corals—ones that will thrive in most tanks, forgive minor mistakes, and reward you with steady growth.

1. Duncan Corals 

Photo Credit: Fragbox, Tidal Gardens, Vivid Aquariums, Premium Aquatics, Top Shelf Aquatics, Reef Builders

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

Duncan corals are hardy, adaptable, and one of the easiest LPS corals to care for. They grow quickly when provided with stable parameters and moderate feeding. Their fleshy polyps extend beautifully under the right conditions, adding motion to the tank.

Key Features:

• Growth Type: Branching with round, flowy polyps in shades of green and purple.
• Lighting Needs: Low to moderate (PAR 75-150).
• Flow: Low to moderate—too much can cause retraction.
• Aggression Level: Low—doesn’t sting neighbors.
• Feeding: Readily accepts small meaty foods like brine shrimp and reef roids.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Place them in a spot with moderate flow and feed them occasionally with small meaty foods for the best polyp extension.

2. Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea)

Photo Credit: Reef Builders, Yourfishstore, LiveAquaria, The Reef Farm, Tidal Gardens, Reef Builders

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

Candy Cane corals are low-maintenance and resilient, making them an ideal choice for beginners. They come in stunning green, blue, and neon shades and thrive in a variety of tank conditions.

Key Features:

• Growth Type: Branching clusters of fleshy polyps with bright green, blue, or striped heads.
• Lighting Needs: Low to moderate (PAR 75-150).
• Flow: Moderate—enough to keep debris from settling but not too strong to tear tissue.
• Aggression Level: Low—plays nice with neighbors.
• Feeding: Benefits from occasional meaty foods like mysis shrimp.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Want fast growth? Target feed a couple of times per week, and your candy cane coral will reward you with new heads in no time! If your Candy Cane coral isn’t expanding well, check your alkalinity and magnesium levels—these help maintain its skeletal growth.

3. Frogspawn or Hammer Coral (Fimbriaphyllia spp.)

Photo Credit: Extreme Corals, Fragbox, The Coral Farm, Reef Builders, Pacific East Aquaculture

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

Frogspawn and Hammer corals are staples of the LPS category. They offer movement, color, and hardiness—making them great for first-time LPS owners.

Key Features:

• Growth Type: Branching or wall formations with flowing polyps.
• Lighting Needs: Moderate (PAR 100-200).
• Flow: Moderate—too much flow can damage polyps.
• Aggression Level: Moderate—can sting neighboring corals with sweeper tentacles.
• Feeding: Does well with occasional target feeding.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Keep your Frogspawn or Hammer coral at least 3-4 inches away from other corals—their tentacles can pack a punch!

4. Acan Coral (Acanthastrea spp.)

Photo Credit: Zeo Box Reef, Cornbread Corals, Ultra Coral Australia, Top Shelf Aquatics, Cornbread Corals, Reef Exclusive

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

Acan corals are incredibly popular for their stunning variety of colors and their ability to thrive under low to moderate light. They’re a great choice for hobbyists who enjoy a bit of coral feeding.

Key Features:

• Growth Type: Encrusting clusters with thick, fleshy polyps.
• Lighting Needs: Low to moderate (PAR 75-150).
• Flow: Low to moderate—too much flow can cause tissue recession.
• Aggression Level: Moderate—can sting nearby corals, so give it space.
• Feeding: Loves spot-feeding but can survive on ambient nutrients.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Acans love low light and moderate nutrients—don’t keep them in an ultra-clean, high-light tank, or they’ll lose their vibrant color!

5. Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)

Photo Credit: The Fish Room, Vivid Aquariums, AlgaeBarn, Branson's Wild World, Reef Builders

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

Bubble corals are unique in appearance and relatively easy to care for, as long as they are given proper space. Their large, inflatable polyps help with photosynthesis, reducing their dependency on feeding.

Key Features:

• Growth Type: Large, rounded polyps that resemble inflated bubbles during the day.
• Lighting Needs: Moderate (PAR 75-150).
• Flow: Low to moderate—too much flow can cause the bubbles to stay deflated.
• Aggression Level: High—has long sweeper tentacles at night that can sting nearby corals.
• Feeding: Benefits from occasional spot-feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: If your bubble coral isn’t inflating fully, check your flow and lighting. Too much flow can cause retraction, while low light can lead to poor expansion. Keep it in a low-energy zone for the best results!

Conclusion

These beginner LPS corals are selected for their ability to thrive under stable, moderately managed tank conditions. While they still require care and attention, they are far more forgiving than high-maintenance species like Torch corals or Lobophyllia.

Start with these corals to gain confidence in your LPS care skills and build the foundation for a thriving reef.

Happy Reefing!