Corals
Husbandry requirements for corals are best explored on an individual species level. Generalizations can be made, but unfortunately there are exceptions to every rule, so it is best to start with some general knowledge and then pursue more granular information for the coral species you are interested in. For the most part, the corals that are commonly available in the saltwater aquarium hobby can be grouped, non-scientifically, into one of five categories:
- Mushroom Corals
- Zoanthid Corals
- Soft Corals
- Large Polyp Stony Corals (LPS)
- Small Polyp Stony Corals (SPS)
Explore the short descriptions below or click on the links to view more information.
Husbandry Requirements at a Glance
Mushroom Corals
Mushroom Corals (Corallimorphs) Page
Mushroom Corals are often found to inhabit lower light, high nutrient environments, where they derive nourishment from photosynthesis and absorption of organic material through the water. This makes these corals ideal candidates for a mixed reef tank including saltwater fish and coral. Most mushroom corals need low to moderate light, are mostly unaffected by all but the strongest flows. Select Mushroom Corals for more husbandry information
Zoanthid Corals
Zoanthid Corals, also known as button polyps, are a wide-ranging group of corals with specific strains suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced aquarists. They are generally aggressive, hardy invertebrates with diverse lighting needs. The darker, brown species are thought to require lower light levels, whereas the brighter pigmented species require higher light. Find out more on the Zoanthid Corals Page.
Soft Corals
Many of the most popular soft coral species available in the saltwater aquarium hobby belong to the order Alcyonacea—this order includes the colt and Kenya tree corals, leather corals, green star polyps, xenia and others. Soft coral species are generally easy to care for and are suited for beginners to the saltwater aquarium hobby. Learn more about these great beginner corals by clicking the link above.
Large Polyp Stony Corals Page (LPS Page)
Large Polyp Stony Corals (LPS), as their name suggests, are categorized based on the presence of a hard, calcium carbonate backbone and large, generally inflatable fleshy polyps. Commonly seen specimens are the Bubble Corals, Hammer Corals and Frogspawn Corals. Large Polyp Stony Corals (LPS) frequently inhabit slower, deeper water and thus depend only on moderate light levels and flows. Click the link above to review more information about these corals.
Small polyp stony corals (SPS) are considered to be at the pinnacle of the hobby. In general, Small polyp stony corals (SPS) are the most demanding and some would argue, the most beautiful species to keep, often requiring high flow rates, intense lighting and optimal, stable water chemistry. See this section for more information about keeping these gorgeous species.
