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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

Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)

Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)

Acanthophyllia deshayesiana

Intermediate

LPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.

LPSSingle polypFleshy
Blastomussa

Blastomussa

Beginner

A beautiful LPS coral with densely packed large polyps. Popular for vivid red and green colorations.

BlastomussaLPSLarge polyps
Lobophyllia© Philippe Bourjon / CC BY-SA 4.0

Lobophyllia

Beginner

An LPS coral with large fleshy polyps. Vivid red and green coloration makes it a tank centerpiece.

LobophylliaLPSFleshy
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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.