First Due Aquatic Rescue Informational Guide For LPS Corals

Large Polyp Stony corals, or LPS, are some of the most recognizable and visually striking corals in the reef hobby. Characterized by their fleshy polyps, stony skeletons, and often dramatic coloration, LPS corals bring both movement and personality to reef aquariums. Their polyps can extend during the day or night, creating flowing displays that add depth and texture to any aquascape.

LPS corals are generally considered more forgiving than SPS but more demanding than soft corals, making them a great middle ground for aquarists ready to advance their reef-keeping skills. They typically thrive under moderate lighting and flow, and while they can adapt to a variety of conditions, maintaining stable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels is essential for skeletal growth and polyp health. Many LPS species also benefit from supplemental feeding with meaty foods or coral-specific blends.

It’s important to note that some LPS corals are aggressive, using long sweeper tentacles to defend their territory. Species like Euphyllia (Hammer, Torch, and Frogspawn) need adequate space from neighbors, while others, like Favia and Lobophyllia, are more compact but still capable of stinging. Understanding each coral’s temperament ensures a balanced, thriving reef.

Whether you’re drawn to the flowing tentacles of Euphyllia, the intricate patterns of Favia, or the bold presence of Trachyphyllia, our curated LPS collection at First Due Aquatic Rescue offers corals that combine beauty with manageable care. Perfect for aquarists looking to step up from soft corals or add vibrant movement alongside SPS, LPS corals make a stunning and rewarding addition to any reef system.

LPS Species

Acanthastrea (Acan Lords, LPS)

Acanthastrea are a favorite among reef keepers for their bold colors and fleshy polyps. Often found in rainbow patterns, they add a striking splash of color to lower rockwork or shaded areas of the tank. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, adapt to lower light, and readily accept meaty foods. Acans are beginner-friendly but offer enough variety to remain popular with advanced hobbyists as well.

Bubble Coral (LPS)

Bubble Corals are unique for their large, inflated vesicles that resemble clusters of bubbles. Their gentle, flowing movement under current makes them a standout in reef aquascapes. While hardy, they should be given space, as their sweeper tentacles can extend at night and sting neighbors. With the right placement, Bubble Corals bring dramatic shape and texture to a reef.

Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia, LPS)

Duncans are branching LPS corals with long, extended polyps that resemble a flower. They’re hardy, fast-growing, and respond well to feeding, making them an excellent coral for beginners. With consistent care, Duncan colonies expand quickly into beautiful, flowing clusters that add motion and color to a reef.

Fungia (Plate Coral, LPS)

Fungia are free-living plate corals that rest directly on the substrate. They come in a range of colors and grow into circular, saucer-like shapes. Hardy and adaptable, Fungia can recover from damage surprisingly well, sometimes regenerating from small fragments. Their low placement and vibrant hues make them a natural focal point on the sandbed.

Leptastrea (LPS)

Leptastrea are small-polyp encrusting corals known for their vivid fluorescent colors. They thrive in moderate to low light and grow steadily across rock surfaces. Leptastrea are hardy and adaptable, making them an easy addition to mixed reefs. Their glowing polyps create eye-catching patches of color that fill in space without overwhelming other corals.

Pectinia (LPS)

Pectinia, sometimes called Spiny Cup Coral, grow in ruffled, leafy formations with a unique, sculpted look. They can be aggressive, extending sweeper tentacles at night, so they need room away from neighbors. With proper placement, Pectinia’s flowing ridges and bright colors make it a bold showpiece coral in larger reef systems.

Sun Coral (Tubastraea, LPS)

Sun Corals are non-photosynthetic corals known for their brilliant yellow-orange polyps. Unlike most corals, they require regular feeding of meaty foods, as they don’t rely on light for energy. When cared for properly, Sun Corals reward aquarists with clusters of radiant, flower-like heads that stand out in shaded or cave-like areas of the tank.

Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral, LPS)

Acanthophyllia are large, fleshy corals often called Meat Corals due to their massive polyp size. They come in brilliant colors and metallic sheens, making them true showpieces for reef aquariums. Best placed on the sandbed, Acanthophyllia are hardy and thrive with occasional feeding. Their size and beauty make them a centerpiece coral in any display.

Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea, LPS)

Candy Cane Corals form branching colonies with plump, rounded polyps that glow under blue light. They are hardy, grow steadily, and will expand quickly with supplemental feeding. Their moderate care needs make them an ideal choice for beginners, while their glowing colors keep them popular with advanced aquarists.

Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia, LPS)

Elegance Corals are known for their long, flowing tentacles and neon coloration. They are large-polyp corals that thrive in moderate light and gentle flow. Elegance Corals can extend long sweeper tentacles at night, so they should be given room from other species. Their size and movement make them a stunning centerpiece for mixed reefs.

Galaxea (Galaxy Coral, LPS)

Galaxea Corals form dense clusters of small polyps with glowing tips. They are hardy and grow quickly, but they are also aggressive, sending out long sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals. With thoughtful placement, Galaxea can create a dazzling, starry effect that lives up to its name.

Lobophyllia (Lobo Brain Coral, LPS)

Lobophyllia, or Lobo Brains, are fleshy, meaty corals with bold patterns and vibrant colors. They tolerate a range of conditions but appreciate moderate lighting and feeding. Their sculpted ridges and glowing colors make them excellent statement pieces for the sandbed or lower rockwork.

Platygyra (Maze Brain Coral, LPS)

Platygyra, often called Maze Brain Coral, features winding ridges and valleys that give it its distinct look. It is hardy and grows steadily, adapting well to most reef systems. Platygyra’s intricate patterns and fluorescent highlights make it a striking coral that draws the eye.

Blastomussa (Blasto Coral, LPS)

Blastomussa are fleshy, colorful corals with polyps that resemble small open flowers. They prefer lower to moderate light and flow, and readily expand into colonies. Their bright colors and forgiving nature make them a great option for beginners and a beautiful filler coral in mixed reefs.

Alveopora (Flowerpot Coral, LPS)

Alveopora have delicate, flower-like polyps that extend in the current, resembling a small bouquet. They require moderate lighting and flow, and while less demanding than their cousin Goniopora, they still appreciate stable conditions. Their graceful, waving polyps bring softness and motion to reef aquascapes.

Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia & Relatives, LPS)

Chalice Corals grow in plating and encrusting forms, displaying some of the brightest and most varied colors in the reef hobby. They prefer lower light and steady flow, making them well-suited to shaded areas. Chalices can be aggressive, so they need spacing, but with care they become radiant showpieces in mixed reefs.

Favia & Favites (Brain Corals, LPS)

Favia and Favites are commonly grouped as Brain Corals, with fleshy polyps that form colorful ridges and valleys. They are hardy, fast-growing, and thrive in moderate light and flow. Both varieties add striking patterns to reef aquascapes, glowing brilliantly under actinic lighting. Their resilience makes them excellent choices for both new and seasoned aquarists.

Goniopora (Flowerpot Coral, LPS)

Goniopora are famous for their long, delicate polyps that sway like underwater gardens. They can be more demanding than Alveopora, requiring stable conditions and occasional feeding to thrive long-term. Modern aquaculture has improved their survivability, making them more popular than ever. A healthy Goniopora colony becomes a living bouquet that transforms the look of a reef.

Scolymia (Scoly, LPS)

Scolymia, often called “Scolys,” are solitary, fleshy corals prized for their intense color patterns. They prefer low to moderate light and flow and should be placed on the sandbed. Scolys grow slowly but are true gems of the reef, often serving as prized centerpieces in aquascapes.

Euphyllia Corals (Torches, Frogspawn, Hammer – LPS)

• Torch Coral – Known for their long, flowing tentacles tipped with glowing ends, Torch Corals are highly sought after for their dramatic movement. They need moderate flow and space, as their sweeper tentacles are strong. A must-have centerpiece in many LPS collections.
• Frogspawn Coral – Recognized by their clustered, branching tentacles that resemble frog eggs, Frogspawn are hardy and add lively motion. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them a favorite for mixed reefs.
• Hammer Coral – With hammer- or anchor-shaped tips, these corals are hardy and adaptable, often expanding into large, flowing colonies. Their soft movement and unique shape make them a beautiful focal point for aquascapes.

Scroll Coral (Turbinaria, LPS)

Scroll Corals grow in layered, swirling formations that create a sculpted, architectural look. They tolerate a range of conditions but prefer moderate light and flow. Their growth pattern allows them to develop into large, impressive colonies, making them ideal for aquarists looking to add structure and dimension to their reef.