Top 5 Corals for Beginners

Want to start keeping corals but overwhelmed by the variety? Here are five especially hardy, easy-to-keep, yet beautiful corals hand-picked for beginners. All are soft corals or LPS with relatively high tolerance for water quality fluctuations.

#1: Zoanthids

The absolute go-to coral for beginners. Dense clusters of small polyps resemble an underwater flower garden. Extremely rich color variations make them highly collectible.

• Difficulty: Very easy
• Light: Low to medium
• Flow: Low to medium
• Price: 1,000-3,000 yen (frags)
• Placement tip: Position on upper to middle areas of live rock. They can overflow frag plugs as they grow, so leave surrounding space

#2: Green Star Polyps

Fluorescent green polyps covering live rock is a breathtaking sight. Growth rate is extremely fast, making this the #1 coral for experiencing the satisfaction of visible progress. Hardiness is also top-tier.

• Difficulty: Very easy
• Light: Low to strong (highly adaptable)
• Flow: Medium
• Price: 1,500-4,000 yen
• Placement tip: Place away from other corals due to fast growth. An isolated rock makes management easier

#3: Mushroom Corals (Discosoma)

Round disc-shaped soft corals with a cute appearance. Available in red, green, blue, purple, and more—popular among collectors too.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Light: Low to medium
• Flow: Gentle
• Price: 1,000-5,000 yen
• Placement tip: Position in lower areas with less direct flow. Simply placing without gluing is fine

#4: Leather Coral (Sarcophyton)

A large soft coral shaped like a tree with polyps swaying beautifully in the current. Its presence can serve as the centerpiece of a tank.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Light: Medium
• Flow: Medium
• Price: 2,000-6,000 yen
• Placement tip: Position on top of live rock. It may periodically close its polyps and "shed"—this is normal behavior, so don't worry

#5: Pipe Organ Coral (Clavularia)

A beautiful soft coral with delicate white or pink polyps that grow in clusters. Slightly more temperamental than the other four, but thrives once conditions are met.

• Difficulty: Fairly easy
• Light: Medium to strong
• Flow: Medium
• Price: 2,000-5,000 yen
• Placement tip: Position in middle to upper areas with sufficient light. Keep nitrates low

Purchasing Advice

Beginners should start with 1-2 species. Adding one type at a time helps maintain tank balance. On Bri-Choku, you can receive husbandry advice from coral breeders, so make sure to take advantage of this resource.