The 12 Best Corals for Reef Aquariums Reviewed

1. Zoanthids

Zoanthids, or simply zoas, are types of soft corals commonly found in the aquarium hobby. There are numerous species of zoanthid corals placed in over 20 genera in the order Zoantharia.

Common genera of zoanthids in aquariums include Zoanthus and Parazoanthus. These corals are often given fascinating designer names that describe their appearance and make them appealing to buyers, such as purple monster zoa.

You can distinguish zoanthid corals by soft bodies, small marginal tentacles, and brightly colored polyps. They have a striking resemblance to anemones because of their finger-like tentacles and how their mats of polyps form. Most people are drawn to zoanthids for their reef aquarium due to their appearance and beginner-friendly care. They are not very fussy about water parameters or placement in aquariums.

2. Pulsing Xenia Coral

The Xenia is a genus of soft-bodied marine corals consisting of various species. Hobbyists favor this coral for its unique movements that can liven up any reef aquarium. Pulsing Xenia coral has a striking appearance with long stalks and feather-like tentacles that branch out. The coral polyps create a rhythmic pulsing motion underwater by s opening and closing.

Furthermore, pulsing Xenia corals are found in fascinating colors such as white or pink which look spectacular in display tanks. Pulsing Xenia corals prefer stable water parameters and require moderate to high lighting. This type of coral grows relatively fast in the right conditions and is peaceful towards other corals.

3. Galaxea Coral

Galaxea coral is often recommended for beginners who are looking for a hardy coral for reef aquariums. These corals belong to the Euphylliidae family and are sold under names such as galaxy or starburst coral. They are large polyp stony corals (LPS) with a skeleton that requires gentle handling.

Galaxea corals are found in a range of fascinating colors that intrigue hobbyists. You can find them in vibrant pinks, purples, and neon greens, but also plainer browns or tan. These corals have long, sweeping tentacles that flow in the water’s current, creating a mesmerizing movement. However, these tentacles can sting other corals within its reach so it’s important to consider their placement in reef aquariums.

4. Frogspawn

Frogspawn is a type of LPS coral that grows in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, specifically the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji. This type of coral is popular for its vibrant colors and relatively undemanding care requirements.

Frogspawn grows in groups and gets its name from its resemblance to clusters of frog eggs. This coral has striking colorations that are usually two-toned. Neon green and purple is a common color combination for frogspawn.

Despite being hardy in reef aquariums, frogspawn coral still requires specific water conditions to thrive. Frogspawn grows well in reef aquariums over 50 gallons in size with moderate lighting.

5. Green Star Polyps

Green star polyps are hardy soft corals recommended for beginners. This coral is found in reefs and lagoons around the Indo-Pacific Ocean and goes by the scientific name Pachyclavularia violacea.

Green star polyps are recognized by their star-like appearance and neon green coloration. They have long finger-like tentacles that branch out from each polyp with a white mouth part. Green star polyps grow horizontally and form a colorful mat along hard surfaces in aquariums, such as rocks. This coral does not require much specialized equipment, but it can take several days to acclimate them into a new aquarium.

6. Mushroom Coral

If you are looking for unique corals with easy-to-moderate care requirements, then mushroom corals are a good choice. They are false corals and belong to the order Corallimorpharia and the Fungiidae family.

Some common mushroom coral families in the aquarium trade industry include Actinodiscus, Rhodactis, Discosoma, and Ricordea. Species from those families can vary in appearance. However, they all share a resemblance to mushrooms, hence their names. Mushroom corals have impressive colors, such as red, blue, and neon green.

They have undemanding lighting requirements, so low to moderate lighting is sufficient. Furthermore, mushroom corals are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making them ideal for beginners.

7. Birdsnest Coral

Birdsnest coral is an SPS coral and the common name for Seriatopora. It is found throughout the Central Pacific and Indo-Pacific Oceans growing in shallow waters. Birdsnest coral is colorful and available in shades of green, pink, purple, and orange.

This is one of the more delicate corals that are better suited for more experienced reef keepers. However, beginners might be able to care for this coral with plenty of research and patience. They do well in established reef aquariums with stable water parameters and few temperature fluctuations.

8. Candy Cane Coral

Candy cane coral, scientifically Caulastrea furcate, is a colorful LPS coral from the family Merulinidae. It originates from the Indo-Pacific Ocean and inhabits shallow waters like tidal pools and lagoons. This coral is characterized by its vibrant colors in shades of green, yellow, and red. To make the candy cane coral stand out even more, each polyp has a neon green mouth.

Caring for candy cane coral is possible for both beginners and experienced reef keepers alike. This coral is hardy and is not fussy about slight changes in their environment, such as lighting or temperature.

Furthermore, candy cane coral is peaceful and does not have long tentacles that could easily sting nearby corals. It grows rapidly, so consider its placement in an aquarium for future growth.

9. Duncan Coral

Whisker or Duncan coral is a popular LPS coral thanks to its undemanding care requirements, making it a good choice for beginners. Its scientific name is Duncanopsammia axifuga and it belongs to the family Dendrophyllidae.

It is easy to see why Duncan coral is so popular amongst hobbyists through its appearance alone. This coral has colorful finger-like tentacles and mouths in shades of pink, green, brown, red, and blue. Their tentacles help them catch their prey and distribute it into their mouths for feeding. Duncan corals grow prolifically in reef aquariums with stable water parameters and warm temperatures.

10. Sinularia Leather Coral

The Sinularia is a genus of soft corals with approximately 190 nominal species. They are commonly referred to as leather corals and grow in the Indo-Pacific along reef slopes. There are various species of Sinularia leather corals, but not all species are available in the aquarium trade.

Some interesting species that make good additions to reef aquariums include pulsing Sinularia, cabbage leather coral, and finger leather coral. These species can vary in appearance, but each one has fascinating features that can liven up reef aquariums. Most Sinularia leather corals prefer an area in aquariums with moderate to high flow and lighting.

11. Staghorn Coral

Staghorn corals from the genus Acropora, are an important species in the Caribbean. They were once abundant in the Caribbean reefs until white band disease caused a major population decline.

They are SPS corals that can vary in appearance depending on their species. Although staghorn corals are not the most colorful corals available for reef aquariums, they can be found in vivid pinks, greens, purples, and blues. However, most staghorn corals are a tan or cream color.

It can be slightly challenging to keep staghorn coral thriving in aquariums, so they are suited for experienced reef keepers. These corals prefer stable and well-maintained water quality with few fluctuations.

12. Bubble Coral

The term “bubble coral” describes species of coral from the genera Plerogyra and Physogyra. The four main species of bubble coral include Plerogyra simplex, P. discus, P. sinuousa, and Physogyra lichtensteini.

These corals get their name from their round polyps that resemble bubbles. Aside from their unique polyp shape, bubble corals stand out from other species with their vibrant colors. These corals are available in striking yellows, neon green, purple, blue, and pearl.

Although beginners might be drawn to bubble coral because of its appearance, these corals are difficult to care for. They require specific water conditions to thrive and are difficult to handle because they sting. You should be cautious about bubble corals’ placement in aquariums and give them sufficient space to prevent neighboring corals from getting stung.