Difference Between LPS and SPS Corals

The key difference between LPS and SPS corals is that LPS corals or large polyp stony corals are large calcareous corals with large fleshy polyps while SPS corals or small polyp stony corals are small calcareous corals that have small polyps.

Corals are marine invertebrates that belong to class Anthozoa of phylum Cnidaria. They are colonial forms of polyps. A polyp is an individual unit of the coral structure. Polyps are cylindrical in shape.  Each polyp is a separate animal. But they live as colonies. Reefs are colonies of coral polyps that are held together by calcium carbonate. Corals are living organisms. Hence, they grow, reproduce and build their own skeletons. There are two types of stony corals as LPS and SPS corals. Both LPS and SPS coral have a hard skeleton and soft tissues.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are LPS Corals
3. What are SPS Corals
4. Similarities Between LPS and SPS Corals
5. Side by Side Comparison – LPS vs SPS Corals in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What are LPS Corals?

LPS corals or large polyp stony corals are a type of calcareous corals that have large fleshy polyps. They appear large compared to SPS corals. LPS corals are generally easier to care for. These corals need comparatively medium or less light. Moreover, they require slower and clam water currents. They need good quality water. It’s also important to know that they have a strong stinging capability.

What are SPS Corals?

SPS corals consist of small polyps that are on a hard stony skeleton. There are flowery looking dots that cover the SPS corals. SPS corals need pristine water conditions and a strong water flow. Moreover, they require strong lighting.

Generally, SPS corals are difficult to care for. However, SPS corals are not the aggressive type and have a very little stinging capability.

What are the Similarities Between LPS and SPS Corals?

• LPS and SPS corals are found in aquariums or fish tanks.
• They consist of polyps.
• Both corals are able to remove calcium and other elements from water in order to form a hard skeleton.
• They have soft tissues.

What is the Difference Between LPS and SPS Corals?

LPS corals are large calcareous corals that have large fleshy polyps while SPS corals are small polyps that have flowery-looking dots that cover the coral. So, this is the key difference between LPS and SPS corals. LPS corals require less light while SPS corals require high light levels. Another difference between LPS and SPS corals is that LPS corals have a strong stinging capability while SPS corals have very little stinging capability. Furthermore, LPS corals require slower and calm water currents, while SPS corals require faster and turbulent water currents.

The following infographic summarizes the differences between LPS and SPS corals.

Summary – LPS vs SPS Corals

LPS and SPS corals are two types of calcareous corals having the colonies of polyps. LPS corals consist of large fleshy polyps while SPS corals consist of small polyps. LPS and SPS corals have a hard skeleton. LPS corals need good quality water, less light and slower and calm water currents. In contrast, SPS corals need excellent water, high light levels, and faster and turbulent water currents. Moreover, LSP corals are easier to care for while SPS corals are difficult to care for. Thus, this summarizes the difference between LPS and SPS corals.

Reference:

1. “Scleractinia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Apr. 2020, Available here.
2. “LPS Hard Corals.” Live Aquaria, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Brain coral” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Reef tank, sps, corals”  (CC0) via Pikist