Types of Coral for an Aquarium

Many types of reef corals will thrive in an aquarium environment as long as the reef keeper provides the proper lighting and water conditions. When deciding on corals for a reef aquarium, knowing the feeding, lighting and water parameter needs of each organism is essential. A reputable aquarium retailer will be able to provide extensive information about the origin and hardiness levels as well as feeding, lighting and water requirements of each coral he stocks. Aquaculture is the preferable origin of corals--not wild-harvested--because aquacultured corals are better adapted to captivity and have less of an impact on the environment.

  1. Polyps

    • Mushrooms and zooanthids are polyps appropriate for both beginners and experienced reef keepers.

      Polyps are well-suited to beginners and so diverse that longtime reef keepers appreciate them as well. Polyps are small soft corals that can tolerate some fluctuations in lighting and water quality. They require strong water flow and enjoy phytoplankton and occasional meaty food applications. Polyps grow quickly under favorable conditions. Different varieties of polyps include button polyps (Palythoa caribaeorum), mat polyps (Zoanthus pulchellus), green star polyps (Pachyclavularia spp.) and mushroom polyps (Corallimorpharians). Most polyp varieties require high light levels with the exception of mushroom polyps which thrive in lower light.

    Toadstool Corals

    • Toadstool corals grow quickly and tolerate some variation in water quality.

      Toadstool corals (Sarcophyton spp.) are large, fast-growing corals that also tolerate a forgiving range of water and lighting parameters. Toadstools require moderate to high lighting and water flow. While white toadstool corals are not aggressive, if they begin dying and are not removed from the tank in time, their toxins could poison other corals in the system. Yellow toadstool corals are a more delicate variety of Sarcophyton. They require the same lighting and water flow parameters as the white variety but will perish within days if they come into contact with the oils on human skin. Toadstool corals require phytoplankton feedings once a week but seldom accept meaty foods.

    Open Brain Corals

    • Open brain corals are hardy stony corals that tolerate a variety of lighting conditions.

      Open brain corals (Trachyphyllia spp.) are hardy, large-polyp stony corals. Open brains have hard skeletons covered with brightly-colored tissue that fluoresces under actinic lighting. When they feed, open brains demonstrate gluttonous appetites; numerous tentacles emerge from the colorful tissue to grab meaty chunks of food. Open brain corals do not tolerate nipping or picking from aquarium co-inhabitants. Brain corals occur naturally in reef lagoon habitats that have milder currents and less light. Consequently, brains have low to moderate lighting and water flow needs in the aquarium environment. Large-polyp stony corals such as brain corals require weekly dosing of a calcium supplement to support stony skeleton growth.

    Acropora Corals

    • Advanced reef keepers maintain pristine habitats for their Acropora corals.

      Acroporas are rewarding because of their diversity and quick rate of growth. According to Dr. Ronald Shimek, "Acropora species probably account for more biomass than all other coral genera combined." Their colorful rigid branches contrast with the soft corals and large-polyp stony corals whose tissue moves with the current. Acroporas require well-established reef tanks for survival and should never be introduced to a system that is less than a year old. Colonies of Acropora require high water flow and lighting levels. Like most other stony corals, Acropora require phytoplankton feedings as well as weekly mineral and nutrient supplementation. Examples of Acroporas suitable for reef aquariums include staghorn corals (Acropora formosa) and bushy Acropora (Acropora austera).