Coral Growth Rate & Size — Species-by-Species Guide

Coral Growth Rates Vary Greatly by Type

Coral growth rates differ significantly depending on the species. Choosing the right type for your keeping style is the first step to creating a beautiful reef tank.

Growth Rate by Type

Soft Corals (Fast Growth) - Zoanthids: Increase by 1–2 polyps per month - Star Polyps: Mat spreads at a rate of 1–2cm per month - Discosoma: Can split once per month under good conditions

LPS (Moderate Growth) - Hammer Coral (Euphyllia): Branch extension of 0.5–1cm per month - Brain Coral (Favia): Expands 1–2cm per year - Lobophyllia: Approximately 0.5cm per month

SPS (Slow Growth) - Acropora: Approximately 0.3–0.5cm per month - Montipora: Approximately 0.5cm per month - Colony formation from a frag takes 6 months to over a year

Factors Affecting Growth

• Light: Appropriate intensity for the species is most important
• Flow: Random water flow promotes polyp extension
• Calcium/KH: Maintain Ca 400–450ppm, KH 7–10dKH
• Nutrients: Growth slows if levels are too low. Trace element supplementation is also effective

Growth Stages from Frag

1. 1–2 weeks: Attachment stabilizes and polyps begin to extend
2. 1–3 months: Tissue encrusts over the frag plug
3. 3–6 months: Grows to 2–3 times the original size
4. 6 months–1 year: Colony shape begins to take form

Benefits of Buying on Buri-Choku

On Buri-Choku, you can purchase directly from specialist coral breeders. Growth rate and difficulty advice is available, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy growing from frags.