LPS Coral

LPS Corals (Large Polyp Stony Corals)

The perfect balance of color, movement, and structure for any reef tank.

LPS corals are known for their large, fleshy polyps and hard calcium skeletons. They offer a wide variety of shapes, colors, and textures—from the flowing tentacles of torches and hammers to the brain-like ridges of Favia and Lobophyllia.

LPS corals are a great middle ground between beginner-friendly soft corals and the more demanding SPS species. Most tolerate a range of lighting and flow conditions and grow steadily with stable parameters.

Key Traits of LPS Corals:

  • Skeletal Base: Builds a hard skeleton like SPS, but with much larger polyps

  • Movement: Many offer visible polyp extension and tentacle sway

  • Lighting: Moderate to high (varies by species)

  • Flow: Moderate, often indirect

  • Aggression: Some (like Favia or Euphyllia) have long sweepers for territory defense

  • Feeding: Often benefit from occasional spot feeding

  • Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate