Coral Species Guide

Coral Species Guide: Choosing the Right Corals for Your Reef Tank

Building a thriving reef tank starts with understanding the different types of coral species and how they fit your system. Some corals are hardy and forgiving for beginners, while others demand pristine water, strong lighting, and stable parameters. This guide breaks down the major coral groups, highlights popular species, and offers practical tips so you can stock your tank with confidence.

Soft Corals: Best for Beginners

Soft corals are often the first choice for new reef keepers because they are generally more tolerant of nutrient swings and moderate lighting. They lack a rigid calcium skeleton, which makes them more flexible and less demanding on water chemistry.

Popular Soft Coral Species

• Zoanthids & Palythoas – Colorful, fast-growing polyps that form mats. Great for filling in rockwork and adding movement.
• Green Star Polyps (GSP) – Bright green grass-like polyps that sway in the flow. Very hardy but can spread aggressively.
• Leather Corals (Sarcophyton, Sinularia) – Toadstools and finger leathers are classic beginner choices that tolerate a wide range of conditions.

For a deeper dive into easy starter species and stocking order, check out our guide on beginner saltwater corals.

Soft Coral Care Tips

• Aim for moderate lighting and gentle to moderate flow.
• Keep nitrates around 5–20 ppm and phosphates detectable but low.
• Isolate aggressive spreaders like GSP and some zoas on separate rocks or islands.

LPS Corals: Big Polyp, Big Personality

LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals have a hard skeleton with large, fleshy polyps. They offer bold colors and dramatic movement, making them a favorite for intermediate hobbyists.

Popular LPS Coral Species

• Hammer, Torch, and Frogspawn (Euphyllia) – Flowing tentacles and bright tips; excellent centerpieces but can sting nearby corals.
• Acanthastrea (Micromussa) – Compact colonies with intense coloration, ideal for lower rockwork.
• Trumpet/Candy Cane (Caulastrea) – Distinct heads on branching skeletons; hardy and good for learning LPS care.

If you’re planning a mixed reef, our mixed reef tank stocking guide covers how to place LPS safely alongside softies and SPS.

LPS Coral Care Tips

• Maintain stable alkalinity (8–9.5 dKH), calcium (400–450 ppm), and magnesium (1250–1350 ppm).
• Provide moderate light and gentle, indirect flow to avoid tissue damage.
• Target feed meaty foods (mysis, reef roids) 1–2 times per week for faster growth.

SPS Corals: High Demand, High Reward

SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals are the most demanding group but can create stunning, branching reef structures. They require excellent water quality, strong lighting, and stable parameters with minimal daily swings.

Popular SPS Coral Species

• Acropora – Iconic branching and tabling forms; sensitive but incredibly colorful under strong light.
• Montipora – Plates, caps, and encrusting varieties; generally more forgiving than Acropora.
• Birdsnest (Seriatopora) – Delicate, intricate branches that grow quickly in the right conditions.

SPS Coral Care Tips

• Use high PAR lighting (often 250–400 PAR) with a consistent photoperiod.
• Keep nutrients low but not zero (nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm).
• Invest in reliable testing and dosing to keep parameters extremely stable.

Before adding SPS, ensure your system is mature and your reef tank water parameters are consistently on target.

Bringing It All Together

When planning your coral stocking list, start with hardy soft corals, then add LPS as you gain experience, and finally consider SPS once your tank is stable and mature. Mixing coral species successfully is all about matching their needs to your equipment and maintenance routine, and giving each type enough space to grow.

Tip: Go slow. Add a few frags at a time, observe for several weeks, and adjust flow, lighting, and placement before buying more.

With a thoughtful approach and an understanding of each coral group, you can build a vibrant, long-lasting reef that showcases the best of soft, LPS, and SPS species.

Sources

• Borneman, E. H. (2001). Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History.
• Sprung, J. (2009). Corals: A Quick Reference Guide.
• Delbeek, J. C., & Sprung, J. (1994–2005). The Reef Aquarium series.