Coral Encyclopedia — 74 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular coral species with care requirements, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 5 of 74 species
Acropora
Acropora sp.
The pinnacle of coral keeping. Requires intense lighting and pristine water quality, but rewards with stunning growth and coloration.
Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla gigantea
A large anemone with short tentacles packed into a carpet. A powerful host for many clownfish, but its potent sting and demanding water requirements make it advanced.
© Tappinen / CC BY-SA 3.0Elegance Coral
Catalaphyllia jardinei
Beautiful LPS with long tentacles tipped in fluorescent colors. Placed on sand bed. Vivid fluorescence is the main attraction.
Gorgonian
A beautiful soft coral spreading in fan shape. Elegantly swaying in current, ideal as tank background.
© Franklin Samir Dattein / CC BY 2.0Sun Coral
Tubastraea sp.
Vivid orange non-photosynthetic coral. Grown entirely through feeding. Stunning full polyp extension at night.
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Coral FAQ
- Can beginners keep corals?
- Soft corals like zoanthids and star polyps are hardy and beginner-friendly. Start with resilient species and gradually work your way up to LPS and SPS corals.
- How much do corals cost?
- Zoanthid frags range from around 1,000-3,000 yen, LPS from 3,000-10,000 yen, and SPS Acropora species from 5,000-30,000+ yen depending on species and coloration.
- What equipment is needed for coral keeping?
- Basic equipment includes a tank, LED lighting, protein skimmer, circulation pump, heater, and refractometer. For SPS corals, you'll also need a calcium reactor and high-performance lighting.
- What should I check when buying corals?
- Ensure the coral has vivid coloration without bleaching, polyps are fully extended, and the base is firmly attached. Also watch for shipping damage.
- How long do corals live?
- With proper care, corals can live for decades. In the wild, some colonies survive for hundreds of years. Water quality management and proper lighting and flow are key to longevity.