LPS Coral Care Guides
Explore care guides for Large Polyp Stony corals. From popular euphyllias like torches and hammers to stunning acans and chalices, learn everything you need to keep these beautiful corals thriving.
About LPS Corals
Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals are among the most popular choices for reef aquariums, known for their impressive polyp extension, vibrant colors, and relatively forgiving care requirements. Unlike their SPS cousins, LPS corals are generally more tolerant of water parameter fluctuations and moderate lighting conditions.
LPS corals build calcium carbonate skeletons like SPS corals, but feature larger, fleshier polyps that extend during feeding time, creating stunning displays of movement and color. Popular families include Euphyllia (Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn), Lobophyllia, Acanthastrea, and Trachyphyllia.
Most LPS corals prefer moderate lighting and low to moderate flow. They benefit from regular feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp or coral-specific pellets. Many species can be aggressive, extending sweeper tentacles at night, so proper spacing is crucial.
Popular LPS Corals
Start with these beginner-friendly and widely-loved LPS species
Acan
Acan Coral (Acanthastrea spp.) is an LPS coral known for its bold colors, fleshy polyps, and striking ability to inflate dramatically during feeding. Colonies form low, encrusting mounds with wide oral discs displaying colors from neon greens and fiery oranges to rare rainbow and designer patterns prized by collectors. Acans thrive under low to moderate lighting of 50-150 PAR and moderate indirect water flow, making them accessible for beginner to intermediate reef keepers. Acan Coral is semi-aggressive and extends sweeper tentacles 1-2 inches at night to defend territory, requiring at least 4-6 inches of spacing from neighboring corals. Target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp intensifies coloration and accelerates growth of new polyps at a rate of one to two per month under ideal conditions.
Blasto
Blasto Coral (Blastomussa spp.) is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral in the family Mussidae, recognized for round, fleshy polyps in vivid colors including red, green, teal, orange, and purple. Blastomussa corals are native to Indo-Pacific reef environments in Indonesia, Fiji, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, where colonies grow in dome-shaped or flat clusters with individual polyps ranging from 1 to 5 inches across depending on species. Blasto Coral thrives under low to moderate lighting of 75–150 PAR and gentle, indirect water flow, making Blastomussa one of the most beginner-friendly LPS corals in the reef aquarium hobby. Blasto Coral is a peaceful species that lacks potent sweeper tentacles, requiring placement away from more aggressive neighbors that could sting or damage exposed Blastomussa polyps. Blastomussa colonies grow slowly under optimal conditions, producing 2–4 new polyps per year, and respond well to weekly target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp.
Duncan
Duncan Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga) is an LPS coral recognized for its long, flowing tentacles that extend from tubular branching stalks and sway gently in the current. Colonies display colors ranging from green and purple to pink and blue, with each polyp head featuring a contrasting oral disc that creates a daisy-like appearance. Duncans thrive under low to moderate lighting of 100-150 PAR and moderate indirect water flow, making them one of the most accessible LPS corals for beginning reef keepers. Colonies grow rapidly for an LPS species, producing new heads approximately every month under consistent feeding, and can develop into large multi-headed structures within a year. Duncan Coral belongs to the family Dendrophylliidae, a group in which most members are non-photosynthetic, making this species a notable exception that hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and derives energy from light.
Frogspawn
Frogspawn Coral (Euphyllia divisa) is a popular LPS (large polyp stony) coral known for its flowing, bubble-tipped tentacles that resemble frog eggs — hence the name. With its vibrant colors ranging from neon green to purple, pink, and gold, frogspawn brings beautiful movement and coloration to any aquarium. It is a relatively hardy coral that adapts well to a variety of lighting and flow conditions, making it a favorite among both beginner and intermediate hobbyists.
Hammer
Hammer Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its distinctive hammer, or anchor-shaped tentacles. These corals fall into two main categories based on growth form: branching (F. paraancora) and wall (F. ancora). Their fleshy polyps sway gently in the current, adding movement and vibrant color to reef aquascapes. Available in a wide range of morphs - from neon green and gold to metallic and bicolor varieties - hammer corals are among the most popular LPS choices for mixed reef tanks. While moderately hardy, they thrive in systems with stable parameters and appropriate lighting and flow. Branching types are more forgiving and easier to frag, whereas wall varieties grow as a continuous structure and are more difficult to propagate.
Torch
Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its long, flowing tentacles tipped with glowing colors. Its dynamic movement, especially in moderate flow, makes it one of the most sought-after corals in the hobby. Torch Corals come in a range of beautiful colors including gold, green, orange, and rare bi-color varieties. Some variations, such as Holy Grail and 24k Torches, command very high prices. While they are considered easier to keep than SPS corals, they require stable water conditions and ample space due to their aggressive sweeper tentacles.
LPS Care Essentials
Key guidelines for keeping LPS corals healthy and thriving
Moderate Lighting
Most LPS corals thrive under moderate lighting (100-200 PAR). Too much light can cause bleaching, while too little will reduce coloration and growth.
Low to Moderate Flow
LPS corals generally prefer gentle to moderate, indirect flow. Strong direct flow can damage their fleshy tissue.
Regular Feeding
LPS corals benefit significantly from regular target feeding with meaty foods.
Watch for Aggression
Many LPS corals can be aggressive, extending sweeper tentacles to defend territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LPS coral care and compatibility
General Questions
What types of corals are considered "LPS corals"?
LPS stands for Large Polyp Stony, a category of corals defined by two main features: a rigid calcium-based skeleton and large, fleshy polyps that extend from it. These polyps are much larger than those of SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals and give LPS corals their distinctive, dramatic appearance.
Corals that fall into this group include Torch, Hammer, and Frogspawn corals, as well as Acan, Lobophyllia, Scolymia, Trachyphyllia, Candy Cane, and Blastomussa. Despite their differences in shape and color, all LPS corals share the combination of a solid skeletal base and visibly prominent polyp structures.
Are LPS corals suitable for beginners?
Many LPS corals are a great choice for beginners, especially those looking to move beyond soft corals. They tend to be more forgiving than SPS corals and don't require extremely high lighting or dosing to thrive. Corals like Candy Cane, Duncan, and some types of Acan are a great place to start because of their hardiness and visual appeal.
Care & Maintenance Questions
What lighting do LPS corals need?
LPS corals generally prefer moderate lighting, though the ideal intensity can vary depending on the species. Some, like Acan and Trachyphyllia, do better in lower light zones, while others, like Torch or Hammer corals, can handle stronger light.
As with any coral, it's best to start with lower light levels and gradually increase if needed to avoid stress or bleaching. For the best results, look into the lighting needs of each species before placement. You can click on individual coral types listed on Meta Reef to learn more about their ideal conditions and care recommendations.
Do LPS corals need to be fed?
LPS corals can survive on light alone through photosynthesis, but many benefit from supplemental feeding. Their large, fleshy polyps are capable of capturing food like mysis shrimp, reef roids, or other fine particulate foods. Feeding can encourage faster growth, better color, and fuller polyp extension in many species.
Not all LPS corals respond the same to target feeding, so it's best to research the individual needs of each type.
What water flow do LPS corals prefer?
Most LPS corals prefer low to moderate water flow. Too much flow can cause their fleshy polyps to retract or tear, while too little may lead to poor waste removal and reduced health. The ideal flow creates gentle, indirect movement that keeps the coral clean without blasting it directly.
When setting up flow for LPS corals, consider the specific needs of each species. Some, like Torch, can handle more flow than others, while species like Trachyphyllia prefer calmer waters. Adjust flow based on how the coral responds, ensuring it remains healthy and fully extended.
Compatibility Questions
How should I space LPS corals in my tank?
Proper spacing is important for LPS corals. Many species extend sweeper tentacles at night that can sting neighboring corals, so it's best to leave 4 to 6 inches of space between colonies, depending on size and species. This is especially important for more aggressive types like Hammer, Torch, and Frogspawn corals.
When placing LPS corals, consider their potential full size and aggression level. Less aggressive species may tolerate closer placement, but it's always a good idea to monitor surrounding corals for signs of stress or tissue damage over time.
Can LPS corals be kept with soft corals and SPS?
Yes, LPS corals can be kept alongside soft corals and SPS in a mixed reef tank, but placement and compatibility need to be carefully managed. LPS corals often have sweeper tentacles or strong stings that can damage nearby corals, especially sensitive SPS. Soft corals, while generally less aggressive, may release chemicals that affect stony corals over time.
Are LPS corals reef safe with fish and invertebrates?
Yes, LPS corals can be kept with most fish and invertebrates. However, some species - like certain butterflyfish, angelfish, and large crabs - may nip at their fleshy polyps or disturb them. It's important to research each fish or invert before adding them to a tank with LPS.
Complete LPS Index
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