Reef Coral Database
The ReefExclusive Coral Database is a structured guide to common coral species used in reef aquariums. It includes coral difficulty levels, lighting requirements, water flow preferences and compatibility information to help reef aquarists choose the right coral species for their aquarium.
Coral Database
Scroll horizontally to view all coral parameters.
| Coral | Type | Difficulty | Lighting | Flow | Placement | Aggression | Growth | Beginner Friendly | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoanthus | Soft | Easy | Moderate | Low | Bottom / Middle | Low | Fast | Yes | View in store |
| Mushroom Coral | Soft | Easy | Low | Low | Bottom | Low | Fast | Yes | View in store |
| Ricordea | Soft | Easy | Moderate | Low | Bottom / Middle | Low | Moderate | Yes | View in store |
| Green Star Polyps | Soft | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Middle | Low | Very Fast | Yes | View in store |
| Xenia | Soft | Easy | Moderate | Low | Middle | Low | Fast | Yes | View in store |
| Kenya Tree Coral | Soft | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Middle | Low | Fast | Yes | View in store |
| Duncan Coral | LPS | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Middle | Low | Moderate | Yes | View in store |
| Hammer Coral | LPS | Medium | Moderate | Moderate | Middle | Medium | Moderate | No | View in store |
| Torch Coral | LPS | Medium | Moderate | Moderate | Middle | High | Moderate | No | View in store |
| Frogspawn Coral | LPS | Medium | Moderate | Moderate | Middle | Medium | Moderate | No | View in store |
| Candy Cane Coral | LPS | Easy | Moderate | Low | Middle | Low | Moderate | Yes | View in store |
| Acanthastrea | LPS | Medium | Moderate | Low | Middle | Medium | Slow | No | View in store |
| Montipora | SPS | Medium | High | Strong | Top | Low | Moderate | No | View in store |
| Birdsnest Coral | SPS | Medium | High | Strong | Top | Low | Fast | No | View in store |
| Acropora | SPS | Advanced | High | Strong | Top | Medium | Moderate | No | View in store |
How to Choose Beginner Corals
If you are starting your first reef aquarium, it is best to begin with hardy coral species that tolerate moderate fluctuations in water parameters.
Recommended beginner corals include Zoanthus, Mushroom corals, Green Star Polyps and Kenya Tree corals.
Read more: Beginner Reef Coral Guide
Coral Placement Guide
- Top of the tank: strong lighting and strong flow (SPS corals)
- Middle zone: moderate lighting and moderate flow (LPS corals)
- Bottom zone: lower lighting and gentle flow (soft corals)
Full guide: Coral Placement Guide
Coral Compatibility
Some corals compete for space using sweeper tentacles or chemical defenses. Peaceful corals such as Zoanthus and Mushroom corals can be placed closer together. Aggressive species like Euphyllia require additional spacing.
Full guide: Coral Compatibility Guide
Explore Reef Coral Guides
- Beginner Reef Coral Guide
- Nano Reef Coral Guide
- Coral Placement Guide
- Coral Compatibility Guide
- Coral Acclimation Guide
- Coral Frag Guide
Last updated: 2026
Coral database maintained by ReefExclusive.
Return to the main knowledge center: Reef Knowledge
