Why is my Leptoseris coral turning white?

Turning white, or bleaching, is usually a sign of light shock. Leptoseris is a deep-water coral that prefers low to moderate light; move it immediately to a more shaded area of the tank to allow it to recover.

Do I need to feed my Leptoseris?

While they obtain most of their nutrition through the symbiotic zooxanthellae in their tissues, target feeding them with microscopic coral foods or zooplankton once a week will significantly improve their growth rate and colour saturation.

Where is the best place to put Leptoseris in a reef tank?

The lower third of the aquarium, resting on the substrate, or tucked beneath an overhang are ideal placements. They thrive in dimly lit areas with moderate, indirect water flow.

Will Leptoseris sting my other corals?

Leptoseris has a very mild sting and lacks long sweeper tentacles. However, because it grows by encrusting over surfaces, it can physically overgrow and smother adjacent corals if not given enough space.

Is Leptoseris considered an SPS or LPS coral?

Biologically, it is classified as a small polyp stony (SPS) coral. However, due to its fleshy appearance, encrusting nature, and preference for lower light and flow, many hobbyists treat it similarly to large polyp stony (LPS) corals.

MarineCoralsIntermediate

Leptoseris

Leptoseris spp.

Leptoseris, often affectionately called 'Lepto', is a stunning and adaptable encrusting coral renowned for its intense fluorescence and ability to thrive in the shadowed, lower-light areas of a reef aquarium.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 5 – 30 cm
Standard nano or larger reef: 75 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Photosynthetic, supplements with micro-plankton
Water flow: Low to moderate, indirect
Preferred setup: Stable marine reef with mature live rock and shaded zones

About the Leptoseris

Belonging to the family Agariciidae, Leptoseris species are widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, frequently inhabiting deep reef slopes. In the home aquarium, they are prized for their unique encrusting or plating growth forms, characterised by deep valleys and prominent ridges speckled with tiny polyps. They are available in a spectacular array of colour morphs, with the bright orange and green 'Jack-O-Lantern' being one of the most highly sought after. Because they lack long sweeper tentacles, they are relatively peaceful neighbours that add dramatic texture to the lower reaches of a reefscape.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Leptoseris against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Leptoseris comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Fiji

Habitat

Deep reef slopes and mesophotic zones, often found in heavily shaded areas or at extreme depths where sunlight is scarce.

Adapted to survive at depths exceeding 100 metres, making it one of the deepest-dwelling photosynthetic corals.

Similar species

Pavona Coral
Pavona spp.
Cyphastrea Coral
Cyphastrea spp.
Chalice Coral
Echinophyllia spp.

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Completely reef-safe and will not bother the coral's polyps.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
An excellent herbivore that keeps surrounding rockwork free of algae without harming the coral.
Great
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Dwarf angelfish can be unpredictable and may occasionally nip at the fleshy polyps of encrusting corals.
Compatible with caution
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
A known corallivore that will rapidly consume the polyps of a Leptoseris colony.
Not recommended
Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni
While useful for pest control, they are opportunistic and sometimes pick at the delicate tissue of fleshy corals.
Not recommended

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