Coral Types & Selection Guide

Corals are broadly classified into three groups. Understanding each group's characteristics is the first step to choosing the right coral for you. This article covers classification through specific selection advice.

Three Major Coral Classifications

Soft Corals

Soft-bodied corals without a hard skeleton. Their swaying beauty in water currents makes them appealing, and they have the lowest care difficulty.

• Representative species: Zoanthids, Green Star Polyps, Leather Corals, Tree Corals
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
• Light requirements: Low to medium
• Price range: 1,000-5,000 yen

LPS (Large Polyp Stony Corals)

Corals with hard skeletons and characteristically large polyps. Slightly more difficult than soft corals but popular for their spectacular appearance.

• Representative species: Open Brain Coral, Lobed Brain Coral, Hammer Coral, Acan
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Light requirements: Medium
• Price range: 3,000-20,000 yen

SPS (Small Polyp Stony Corals)

Characterized by small polyps and hard skeletons, represented by Acropora. Maintaining beautiful coloration requires advanced water quality management.

• Representative species: Acropora, Montipora, Pocillopora, Stylophora
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Light requirements: High
• Price range: 5,000-50,000+ yen

Recommended Corals by Experience Level

Beginners should start with soft corals. Zoanthids and Green Star Polyps are extremely hardy and tolerate some water quality fluctuations. Once comfortable, progress to LPS, then step up to SPS after gaining sufficient experience—this is the standard progression.

Purchase Checklist

When purchasing corals, check the following:

1. Polyp extension — Choose specimens with fully extended polyps
2. Color vibrancy — Check for excessive browning or bleaching
3. Base condition — Look for algae growth or skeletal deterioration
4. Breeder's husbandry conditions — What water quality and lighting are used
5. Frag or colony — Frags (fragments) are affordable and easy to start with

On Bri-Choku, you can ask coral breeders directly about husbandry conditions and specimen status. Being able to purchase with full confidence is the greatest benefit of buying direct from breeders.