Collection: Other

Trachyphyllia Coral

Trachyphyllia corals are magnificent large polyp stony (LPS) corals belonging to the family Merulinidae. What makes these corals truly exceptional is their stunning array of vibrant colors and the remarkable way multiple hues blend together within a single specimen, creating natural masterpieces that serve as centerpiece attractions in any saltwater reef tank.

 

The visual appeal of Trachyphyllia corals is unmatched, with specimens displaying incredible color combinations ranging from electric greens and brilliant blues to deep purples and fiery reds. Many specimens feature intricate patterns and color gradients that make each individual coral a unique work of art.

 

These corals are considered challenging to maintain and are best suited for experienced reef keepers who understand their specific requirements for water quality, lighting, and feeding. The investment in proper care is well worth it, as healthy Trachyphyllia corals become the crown jewels of any reef aquarium collection.

Hammer Coral

The Hammer coral stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved large polyp stony corals in the saltwater reef aquarium hobby. These stunning specimens have earned their common name from their distinctive hammer-shaped tentacles, which create a mesmerizing display as they sway gently in the current. The tentacles themselves are a sight to behold, available in a beautiful spectrum of colors including various shades of green, warm tans, and rich browns, often accented with contrasting colored tips that add an extra dimension of visual interest.

 

In the aquarium setting, Hammer corals are prized not only for their striking appearance but also for their relatively moderate care requirements, making them accessible to intermediate reef keepers. Their gentle swaying motion and vibrant colors create a dynamic focal point that brings life and movement to any reef display.

Scolymia Coral

Scolymia corals, affectionately known as "Scolys" in the reef keeping community, are exceptional large polyp stony (LPS) corals that command attention with their perfectly round, geometric forms.

 

These remarkable specimens can present in either flat, plate-like configurations or more three-dimensional cup shapes, each form offering its own unique aesthetic appeal. What truly sets Scolymia corals apart is their incredible diversity of colors and intricate patterns – from subtle earth tones to electric neons, often featuring complex designs that rival the most sophisticated artwork.

 

The beauty of Scolymia corals lies not only in their stunning appearance but also in their individual uniqueness. Each specimen displays its own combination of colors, patterns, and fluorescent properties, making every Scolys a one-of-a-kind addition to your reef. While they are generally considered manageable in terms of care requirements, Scolymia corals cannot be fragmented like many other coral species, which adds to their value.

 

The most spectacular specimens, featuring multiple bright colors and intricate patterns, can command premium prices, reflecting their status as living gems in the reef aquarium world.

Duncan Coral

Duncan corals represent an excellent entry point into the world of large polyp stony (LPS) corals, belonging to the diverse Dendrophyllidae family. These charming corals feature distinctive disc-shaped bodies adorned with short, elegant tentacles that display beautiful purple or green coloration. One of their most fascinating characteristics is their ability to fully retract their tentacles into their protective skeletal structure when threatened or during feeding, creating an almost magical transformation as they expand and contract throughout the day.

 

The appeal of Duncan corals extends far beyond their visual charm – they are widely regarded as one of the best beginner corals available to new reef keepers. Their forgiving nature and moderate care requirements make them an ideal choice for aquarists developing their reef keeping skills.

 

Duncan corals are relatively undemanding in terms of lighting and water flow, and they respond well to regular feeding, making them both rewarding and educational for those learning the art of coral husbandry. Their peaceful temperament and steady growth rate make them excellent long-term additions to reef aquarium communities.

Pagoda Cup (Turbinaria) Coral

The Pagoda Cup coral, scientifically known as Turbinaria, is a remarkable large polyp stony (LPS) coral that perfectly combines visual appeal with ease of care. These distinctive corals earned their common name from their unique tiered, pagoda-like growth structure that creates fascinating architectural forms within the reef aquarium. Their relatively simple care requirements make them an outstanding choice for beginner reef keepers who want to experience success with LPS corals while building their confidence and skills.

 

Pagoda Cup corals thrive under moderate lighting conditions, specifically preferring PAR levels between 150-250, which makes them compatible with a wide range of reef aquarium lighting systems. They also appreciate moderate water flow that provides gentle circulation without causing stress to their delicate polyps. While these corals don't require specialized feeding regimens, they do benefit significantly from occasional supplemental feeding with small particles such as oysters, rotifers, or mysis shrimp, which can enhance their coloration and growth rates.

 

Despite their peaceful nature, it's advisable to provide Pagoda Cup corals with adequate space around their base, as this prevents potential conflicts with neighboring corals and allows room for their natural growth patterns. Their hardy constitution and forgiving nature make them ideal specimens for reef keepers at any experience level.

Leptastrea Coral

Leptastrea corals represent an interesting taxonomic puzzle in the coral world – these large polyp stony (LPS) corals were traditionally classified within the family Favidae, but recent scientific research has reclassified them as having "uncertain placement" in coral taxonomy. Despite this scientific uncertainty, there's no question about their value in the reef aquarium hobby, where they've earned a reputation as reliable, fast-growing corals that reward proper care with impressive growth and vibrant coloration.

 

One of the most appealing aspects of Leptastrea corals is their combination of hardiness and growth potential. Under optimal conditions, these corals can exhibit remarkably fast growth rates, allowing reef keepers to witness dramatic changes in their reefscape over relatively short periods. This rapid growth, combined with their generally forgiving care requirements, makes them excellent choices for beginning reef keepers who want to experience the satisfaction of successfully growing corals.

 

The ease of care associated with Leptastrea corals shouldn't be mistaken for lack of beauty – these specimens can display attractive colors and interesting growth patterns that add diversity and visual interest to reef aquarium displays. Their reliable nature and growth potential make them valuable additions to both new and established reef systems.

Stylocoeniella Coral

Stylocoeniella corals break the pattern of the other specimens in this collection, as they are actually small polyp stony (SPS) corals belonging to the Astrocoeniidae family. These unique corals are characterized by their encrusting growth habit, spreading across rock surfaces to create colorful, living carpets that add texture and vibrancy to reef aquarium landscapes. Their encrusting nature allows them to fill spaces between other corals and create natural-looking transitions between different coral species.

 

The color palette available in Stylocoeniella corals is truly spectacular, encompassing a wonderful range of hues and color combinations that can complement virtually any reef aquarium design. Common colors include vibrant reds, bright oranges, lush greens, and various shades of red-brown, often appearing in striking combinations that create natural works of art. Some specimens display multiple colors within a single colony, creating beautiful gradients and patterns that evolve as the coral grows and spreads.

 

Despite being classified as SPS corals, Stylocoeniella are surprisingly easy to maintain and are considered excellent beginner corals. Their hardy nature and relatively simple care requirements make them ideal for reef keepers who want to experience SPS coral keeping without the challenges typically associated with more demanding small polyp stony species. Their encrusting growth habit also makes them excellent for creating natural-looking reef foundations and filling gaps in established reef structures.

Contact Sanctuary Aquatics

Ready to add these stunning coral specimens to your reef aquarium? Our knowledgeable team at Sanctuary Aquatics is here to help you select the perfect corals for your system and provide expert guidance on their care and placement. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first LPS coral or an experienced reef keeper seeking that perfect specimen to complete your collection, we're committed to helping you succeed.

 

For personalized advice, current availability, or to schedule a visit to see our coral collection in person, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our experienced staff can provide detailed care instructions, compatibility advice, and ongoing support to ensure your new coral additions thrive in their new home. Contact Sanctuary Aquatics online or by phone at 920-385-4802 today and let us help you create the reef aquarium of your dreams with these exceptional coral specimens.