Animal-World > Coral Reef > Small Polyped Stony Corals

Small Polyped Stony Corals

Acropora humilis Photo courtesy: Keith Berkelhamer

   The Small-Polyp Stony (SPS) corals have small polyps on a calcerous skeleton. They are usually either branching or plated. For the most part they enjoy bright light and strong currents. They are often fragile and are propagated by breaking off pieces.

Click on the small images below to access more info on each type of coral:

Family: Acroporidae
Acropora Corals	Acropora humilis
Acropora sp.	Acropora humilis
Acropora tenuis	Montipora Plate Coral
Acropora tenuis	Montipora capricornus
Staghorn Coral	Velvet Stone Coral
Acropora formosa	Montipora spongades

Family: Merulinidae
Acropora Plate Coral	Horn Coral
Merulina amphiata	Hydnophora sp.

Family: Milleporidae
Encrusting Fire Coral
Millepora sp.

Family: Pocilliporidae
Bird's Nest Coral
Seriatopora hystrix

Care and feeding:
  SPS corals used to be considered very challenging. A few discoveries in the last decade or so have brought them into the realm of the average aquarist. Nowadays it is not uncommon to see aquariums with various species of acropora, hydnophora, and other species of SPS corals growing and thriving.
   Since SPS corals usually occupy the reef flats in turbulent water, they require high light levels produced by VHO fluorescent or metal halide (see Mini-reef: Lighting) and strong water currents or turbulence. They also require very stable temperatures and excellent water quality (low organic nutrient levels) to thrive.
   Levels of calcium, strontium, and trace elements must be maintained. Sources vary on whether they need feeding or not. Probably some can be fed but it is not required to do so.

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