SPS Coral Care Guides

Acropora (Acropora spp.) is a large polyp stony coral genus comprising over 150 species, making Acropora the most diverse and sought-after SPS coral group in the reef aquarium hobby. Acropora corals display remarkable growth forms including branching, tabling, staghorn, and bushy structures, with coloration spanning blues, pinks, greens, purples, and multicolor combinations that fluoresce under actinic lighting. Acropora typically thrives under high-intensity lighting of 250-400 PAR and strong, turbulent water flow. Acropora corals demand exceptionally stable water chemistry with minimal alkalinity fluctuations, making the genus suitable only for experienced reef keepers with mature systems running at least 6-12 months. Acropora colonies can grow rapidly under optimal conditions, though the genus remains highly susceptible to tissue necrosis (RTN/STN) and Acropora-specific pests including flatworms and red bugs.

Birdsnest Coral (Seriatopora spp.) is a fast-growing, branching small polyp stony (SPS) coral known for its delicate, intricate structure. Its thin, pointed branches can form dense tangles or open, tree-like shapes depending on variety and flow conditions. They are prized for their vibrant colors, ranging from neon green and pink to deep purple and tan. These corals are a great choice for reefers just getting into SPS as well as experienced hobbyists. Birdsnest corals are hardier than many SPS species and generally require less intense lighting. With proper care, Birdsnest Coral can quickly become a standout centerpiece in your tank.

Acropora millepora is a branching small polyp stony coral native to shallow reef slopes and lagoons throughout the Indo-Pacific, recognized by its fuzzy appearance from characteristically long polyp extension. Acropora millepora forms dense, clustered colonies with relatively thick branches compared to more delicate Acropora species, displaying famous color morphs including Strawberry Shortcake (lime green base with pink tips and red polyps), Rainbow, Ultra, and countless collector variations. Acropora millepora typically thrives under high-intensity lighting of 300-450 PAR and strong turbulent water flow, with placement in the middle to upper regions of established reef aquariums producing optimal growth and coloration. Acropora millepora demands pristine water quality with stable alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels, making this species suitable only for experienced reef keepers with mature systems running at least one year. Acropora millepora is particularly susceptible to Acropora-Eating Flatworms (AEFW), requiring quarantine and dipping protocols for all new specimens.

Montipora corals (genus Montipora) are small polyp stony corals within the family Acroporidae known for their diverse growth forms including plating, encrusting, and branching varieties that display vibrant fluorescent colors under actinic lighting. Montipora corals encompass over 80 species with popular varieties including Montipora capricornis (plating "Monti caps"), Montipora digitata (branching), and various encrusting species that spread across rockwork. Montipora corals require moderate to high lighting in the 150-300 PAR range and moderate to strong water flow, making these corals accessible to reef keepers with established tanks looking to transition into SPS keeping. Montipora corals demonstrate significantly higher survival rates in home aquariums compared to Acropora, tolerating minor parameter fluctuations that would stress more demanding SPS species. Reef keepers should quarantine and dip all new Montipora specimens to prevent introduction of Montipora-eating nudibranchs, a devastating pest that can rapidly destroy entire colonies if left unchecked.

Stylophora (Stylophora pistillata) is a small polyp stony coral known for its thick finger-like branches with distinctive blunt ends, commonly called "Cat's Paw" or "Smooth Cauliflower" coral in the aquarium trade. Stylophora colonies form dense branching structures with small polyps that extend significantly when healthy, creating a fuzzy, velvety appearance that ripples in water flow. The genus includes nine valid species displaying vibrant colors including purple, pink, green, orange, and multicolored morphs, with the "Milka" purple variant featuring striking purple branches and bright white growth tips. Stylophora typically thrives under moderate to high lighting of 250-350 PAR and strong alternating water flow, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists maintaining stable SPS reef systems. Stylophora is considered one of the most forgiving and hardy SPS coral varieties, tolerating a wider range of parameters than demanding species like Acropora, which makes it an excellent first SPS coral for reef keepers developing SPS husbandry skills. Stylophora corals are peaceful with no sweeper tentacles or sting, allowing safe placement near other corals, though colonies should be positioned on exposed upper rockwork to receive adequate light and flow for optimal polyp extension and growth rates of 2-4 inches per year.

Acropora tenuis is a small polyp stony coral prized for its vibrant color morphs and elegant tabletop to bushy growth forms with thin, tightly-spaced branches. Acropora tenuis displays colors ranging from deep blues, purples, and greens to oranges and multicolor combinations, with branch tips often showing distinct purple or blue fluorescence under actinic lighting. Acropora tenuis typically thrives under high-intensity lighting of 300-400 PAR and strong turbulent indirect flow, making this species suitable only for advanced reef keepers with mature, stable aquariums at least one year old. Acropora tenuis is sensitive to alkalinity fluctuations and responds poorly to elevated nutrients, with browning often occurring within weeks of parameter instability. Acropora tenuis colonies can reach impressive sizes over several years under optimal conditions, though this species remains highly susceptible to rapid tissue necrosis and Acropora-eating flatworms.