LPS Corals

Our LPS corals include a mix of aquacultured frags and hand-selected imported colonies. Many species, like Euphyllia, Favia, and Blastomussa, are grown in-house under consistent lighting and flow conditions by our farm team. These pieces are fully healed, encrusted, and conditioned to thrive in reef tanks.

For meatier species that are difficult to farm—like Scolies, Wellsos, and Trachyphyllia—we work with trusted import partners and hold each coral in controlled systems for health monitoring and recovery before listing. Whether farmed or imported, we inspect every coral for tissue health, polyp extension, and coloration before it’s shipped.

Most LPS corals thrive under moderate lighting (PAR 75–150) and gentle to moderate, indirect flow. Too much flow can cause their large polyps to retract or tear, while too little may lead to detritus buildup. We recommend placing them in areas where they can gently sway without being blasted.

We grow our LPS under a combination of Radion LEDs and metal halides to balance growth and coloration. Each product page includes care recommendations so you can match conditions in your tank.

Many LPS corals are well suited for beginner and intermediate reefers. Species like Candy Cane (Caulastrea), Acanthastrea, and some Favia varieties are forgiving and tolerant of moderate parameter swings. They don’t require intense lighting or aggressive flow, and they respond well to target feeding.

That said, some LPS—like Torches, Elegance, or meatier imports—may need more stable conditions and careful placement due to their size, sweepers, or sensitivity. If you’re just starting out, our team can help guide you to the most appropriate options.

When shopping for LPS corals, focus on a few key indicators of health and quality:

- Polyp extension: Healthy LPS corals should have full, fleshy tissue with good inflation or polyp extension. Avoid pieces with receding tissue or exposed skeleton.
- Coloration: Look for vibrant, well-defined colors that aren’t overly saturated or washed out. While some variation can occur under different lighting, healthy coloration is usually a sign of stability.
- Healing status: Corals that are freshly cut may not be fully encrusted or healed. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we only list LPS once they’ve recovered and are well-adjusted to captive conditions.
-Frag vs. colony: Smaller frags are great for growing into shape over time, while larger colonies offer instant impact but may require more stable parameters.
- Compatibility: Make sure the species fits your tank size, lighting, and livestock mix. Some LPS corals have long sweeper tentacles and can sting nearby neighbors.

If you're unsure, look for product pages that offer clear care recommendations—or reach out to our team for guidance based on your specific tank setup.

Yes, most LPS corals benefit from supplemental feeding. While they get some of their energy through photosynthesis via their zooxanthellae, many species have large mouths and actively capture food—especially at night or when flow is reduced.

Feeding helps boost growth, coloration, and tissue expansion. At TSA, we regularly feed our LPS a mix of amino acids, fine particulate foods, and meatier options like mysis shrimp for species with larger polyp structures (e.g., Scolies, Wellsos, Trachys, and Acanthophyllia).

For best results:
- Target feed 2–3 times a week using a turkey baster or pipette
- Turn off flow temporarily to allow corals to feed without interference
- Feed after lights have dimmed, when tentacles are typically extended

Overfeeding can affect water quality, so be sure to monitor nutrient levels and only feed what your system can handle.