LPS corals (Large Polyp Stony)

Hard corals with large polyps. More resistant than SPS, with showy tentacles and intense colours. Also suitable for those starting out in the marine world.

Detailed explanation

LPS have a calcareous skeleton like SPS but their polyps are much larger and fleshier. The most popular genera include Euphyllia (torch, hammer, frogspawn), Acanthastrea, Micromussa, Trachyphyllia, Fungia, Goniopora and Lobophyllia.

They are more tolerant than SPS regarding parameter fluctuations and do not require extreme lighting. A PAR between 100 and 250 is fine for most LPS. Too much light can damage them.

The water flow must be moderate and indirect. Too strong a flow prevents the polyps from expanding fully and can tear the tissue from the skeleton.

Many LPS are active predators. Euphyllia have stinging tentacles that can reach and kill nearby corals. The distance between corals must be calculated considering the maximum expansion of the tentacles.

LPSs benefit from direct power. Small pieces of shrimp, frozen mysis or specific coral food (such as Reef-Roids) should be administered 2-3 times a week by placing them directly on the polyps.

Genera like Goniopora were considered impossible to maintain until a few years ago. With the correct nutrition and stable parameters today it is possible to grow successfully.

Brown jelly disease is the most feared disease for LPS. A bacterial infection that dissolves tissue into a brown, gelatinous mass. It spreads rapidly and must be treated with iodine or removal of infected tissue.

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