High End LPS Corals

Most reefers are aware of the high end SPS corals that are available in the hobby.  Acroporas such as Walt Disney and Homewrecker have become legendary and small frags can easily cost into the hundreds of dollars.  But what about LPS corals?  What high end LPS corals are available to the discerning reefer.

Aussie Gold Torch

High End Euphyllia

One of the most common types of high end LPS corals are designer Torch Corals.  Torches with names such as Hellfire, Indo-Gold, Holy Grail and Dragon Soul are truly stunning and command premium prices.  Torches are regarded by many hobbyists as the most difficult Euphyllia to keep so it might be a good idea for reefers to try their hand at keeping a more common Green Torch Coral before dropping a few hundred dollars (or more) on a Holy Grail Torch.  Hammer corals are also available in colour morphs that could be considered designer as well.  Wall Hammer Corals, in particular, are often available as “Ultra” or “Splatter” specimens that are more expensive than standard varieties.

Scolymia Corals

Scolymia Corals, or Scolys, are also generally considered to be a high end LPS coral.  This is especially true of varieties such as Rainbow, Bleeding Apple and Warpaint Scolys.  They are among the most colourful corals that a hobbyist can add to their aquarium, but because they are almost always wild collected their prices reflect their rarity.  Thankfully, they are a fairly easy coral to keep and will instantly brighten up any tank.

 

Other High End LPS Corals

There are a number of other LPS corals or specific morphs that are highly desirable and considered by many reefers to be worth the price premium that comes with high end corals.  Rainbow varieties of open and closed Brain Corals and Bowerbanki Corals, a type of Acan, would also fit in this category.

For reefers who want their tank to stand out, or who have a desire to display unique corals, have many options.  While most of these corals are no more difficult to keep than their less expensive and more common cousins, it is still probably a good idea to practice with less costly options first in order to ensure that the tank parameters are suitable.  Whether it is a single showpiece coral, or a tank brimming with designer corals, high end LPS corals can make any reef tank a showstopper.