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Coral Encyclopedia — 74 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular coral species with care requirements, traits, and difficulty levels.

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LPSHardySPSSoft coralColorfulFluorescentLPS coralSand bedFast-growingCollectorFleshyVividUniqueClownfish hostMontipora

Showing 3 of 74 species

Bubble Coral© Oceanamazon / CC0

Bubble Coral

Plerogyra sinuosa

Intermediate

LPS coral with distinctive bubble-shaped tissue. Inflates by day, deflates at night. Responds well to feeding.

LPS coralUniqueIntermediate
Merulina Coral

Merulina Coral

Merulina sp.

Intermediate

Unique SPS coral with thin plate-like blades rising vertically. Green and brown common. Adds depth and dimension to aquariums. For intermediate keepers.

SPSPlate-likeUnique
Pipe Organ Coral© Frédéric Ducarme / CC BY-SA 4.0

Pipe Organ Coral

Tubipora musica

Intermediate

Unique coral with green polyps emerging from red skeleton. Appears soft but actually has a hard skeleton.

UniqueRed skeletonIntermediate
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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.