Top Five Beginner Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Corals

Written By Gabriel Medina

Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals are known for their vibrant colors, flowing tentacles, and relatively forgiving nature, making them an excellent choice for beginner reef keepers. They are easier to care for than Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals due to their lower light and flow requirements. Here are five of the best beginner-friendly LPS corals.

1. Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora)

  • Why It’s Great: Unique hammer-shaped tentacles, hardy, and visually striking.

  • Lighting & Flow: Moderate lighting; low to moderate water flow.

  • Feeding: Photosynthetic but benefits from occasional meaty foods.

  • Care Level: Easy – adapts well to various conditions but requires space to avoid stinging neighbors.

2. Frogspawn Coral (Euphyllia divisa)

  • Why It’s Great: Beautiful branching structure with swaying tentacles.

  • Lighting & Flow: Moderate lighting; low to moderate water flow.

  • Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic but can consume small meaty foods.

  • Care Level: Easy – similar to hammer coral, but needs space due to aggressive tentacles.

3. Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea spp.)

  • Why It’s Great: Hardy and easy to propagate, with bright green, blue, or purple heads.

  • Lighting & Flow: Low to moderate lighting; low to moderate water flow.

  • Feeding: Benefits from supplemental feeding of meaty foods.

  • Care Level: Very easy – one of the most resilient LPS corals for beginners.

4. Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)

  • Why It’s Great: Fast-growing, hardy, and has an elegant polyp structure.

  • Lighting & Flow: Low to moderate lighting; moderate water flow.

  • Feeding: Thrives with regular feeding of small meaty foods.

  • Care Level: Easy – grows well in stable conditions and is peaceful towards other corals.

5. Acan Coral (Acanthastrea spp.)

  • Why It’s Great: Highly adaptable with a wide variety of colors.

  • Lighting & Flow: Low to moderate lighting; low to moderate water flow.

  • Feeding: Readily accepts meaty foods and can grow quickly with regular feeding.

  • Care Level: Easy – does well in various conditions and is great for fragging.

Final Thoughts

LPS corals are an excellent choice for beginners due to their adaptability, lower maintenance requirements, and stunning appearance. By maintaining stable water parameters, proper lighting, and occasional feeding, these five LPS corals can thrive in a reef tank, providing movement and vibrant colors to the aquarium.

Gabriel Medina
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Top Five Beginner Small Polyp Stony (SPS) Corals