Curated top 10

Top 10 Beginner Coral

The 10 easiest coral for new reef tanks. Forgive parameter swings, color up under standard reef LEDs.

The list

1

Green star polyps (GSP)

Almost impossible to kill. Encrusts everything. Some keepers try to keep it OUT of tanks.

2

Zoanthids (multiple morphs)

Massive variety, beginner-friendly, fast-spreading. Wear gloves - palytoxin in some varieties.

3

Mushroom corals

Tolerate a wide range of light + flow. Multiplies via fission. Multiple species + colors available.

4

Kenya tree coral

Fast-growing, soft coral. Pulses with current. Beginner-friendly.

5

Toadstool / Sinularia leather

Hardy soft coral, full polyp extension after settling. Releases chemicals - run carbon to mitigate.

6

Frogspawn

Hardy LPS with constant polyp extension. Sweeper tentacles 6-12" at night - space accordingly.

7

Hammer coral

Like frogspawn but rounded tips. Stunning under blue light. Hardy LPS.

8

Duncan coral

Polyps almost always extended. Tolerates lower light. Spreads slowly.

9

Acan / Lordhowensis

High-grade premium LPS. Variety of color morphs. Tolerates lower light.

10

Xenia

Pulsing motion makes it the most-recognized coral. Fast-growing. Some keepers find it spreads too aggressively.

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