Soft Corals vs LPS vs SPS — What Is the Difference?

Soft corals (zoanthids, mushrooms, leathers) have no rigid stony skeleton. They tend to be forgiving of minor parameter swings and moderate light — popular first corals.

LPS corals (hammer, torch, frogspawn, acans) build hard skeletons with large fleshy polyps. They need stable alkalinity and calcium but often thrive under moderate reef lighting.

SPS corals (montipora, acropora) have small polyps and dense skeletons. They demand stable chemistry, strong light, and strong flow. Most beginners grow into SPS after months of stable logs, not on day thirty.

Start with soft or easy LPS, watch how your tank consumes alkalinity, then add difficulty slowly. Tag coral types in ReefDiary so you remember which frags need more attention.