Coral Encyclopedia — 74 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular coral species with care requirements, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 23 of 74 species
Acan Coral
An LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
© Philippe Bourjon / CC BY-SA 3.0Acanthastrea
An LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)
Acanthophyllia deshayesiana
LPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
© Jessica Rosenkrantz / CC BY-SA 4.0Alveopora
An LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
Blastomussa
A beautiful LPS coral with densely packed large polyps. Popular for vivid red and green colorations.
© bondolo / CC BY 3.0Brain Coral
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi
LPS coral with brain-like skeletal ridges. Vivid reds, greens, and purples. Relatively easy to keep. Extends large feeding tentacles at night.
© The original uploader was Albert Kok at Dutch Wikipedia . ( Original text: Albert Kok ) / Public domainChalice Coral
Echinophyllia sp.
Plate-shaped LPS coral. Eye-like patterns and fluorescent colors popular with collectors. Many high-value specimens.
© Kazvorpal / CC BY-SA 3.0Duncan Coral
Duncanopsammia axifuga
LPS coral with round flower-like polyps. Responds well to feeding — fun to watch eat. Relatively hardy and growing in popularity.
© 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.
Euphyllia (Hammer / Torch)
Euphyllia spp.
Reef-dwelling corals with extended polyps. Hammer corals feature hammer-shaped tentacles, while torch corals display flame-like polyps. Both responsive to water flow and lighting, making them beginner-friendly for marine aquaria.
Favia Coral
Favia sp.
Massive LPS coral with round corallites on surface. Similar to Favites but corallites are clearly separated. Hardy and colorful.
Favites Coral
Favites sp.
LPS coral with densely packed hexagonal corallites. Also called Favites. Various color patterns exist, related to 'War Coral.' Hardy and easy to keep.
© Ryan McMinds / CC BY 3.0Fox Coral
Nemenzophyllia turbida
An LPS coral with beautiful fluffy tentacles. Similar to torch but finer, more delicate tentacles.
© Gdiggers / CC BY-SA 3.0Frogspawn Coral
Euphyllia divisa
Distinctive rounded tentacle tips resembling frog eggs. Related to torch coral. Mesmerizing movement in water flow.
Frogspawn Coral
Euphyllia paradivisa
A branching hard coral displaying trumpet-shaped tentacles, named for their appearance during spawning. Sensitive to water flow placement. Beginner to intermediate species with straightforward care needs.
© Peter Young Cho, MD / CC BY-SA 3.0Goniopora (Flowerpot Coral)
Goniopora sp.
Beautiful LPS with long polyps like a bouquet. Once considered difficult to keep, but modern techniques have improved success.
Heliofungia (Long Tentacle Plate Coral)
Heliofungia actiniformis
Solitary LPS coral with long tentacles resembling anemones. Clownfish may host in it. Placed on sand — beautiful long tentacles swaying in current.
© Philippe Bourjon / CC BY-SA 4.0Lobophyllia
An LPS coral with large fleshy polyps. Vivid red and green coloration makes it a tank centerpiece.
Lobophyllia / Symphyllia
Lobophyllia spp. / Symphyllia spp.
Indo-Pacific corals with large, open flower-like polyps displaying vibrant coloration. Hardier species popular in marine displays. Suitable for intermediate aquarists with adequate water flow and moderate lighting.
Plate Coral
An LPS coral characterized by flat disc-like shape. Placed directly on sand bed for keeping.
Scolymia
A premium LPS coral characterized by single large polyp. Rainbow coloration popular among collectors.
© Nhobgood / CC BY-SA 3.0Symphyllia
Symphyllia
An LPS coral with complex brain-like patterns. Vivid fluorescent green and red specimens are popular.
War Coral
An LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.
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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.