LPS

Introduction

The term LPS is an abbreviation for Large Polyp Stony, Large Polyped Stony, Large Polyp Scleractinian or some variation of those. So it only applies to the stony corals, members of the Scleractinia order. It is a construct entirely from within the marine aquarium hobby, you will not find the term discussed or mentioned by any scientist that studies corals. The classification is simply based on the size of the coral polyp, it has nothing to do with the care or requirements of the coral themselves. The generalisation that is typically heard is that LPS corals require low to medium light intensity and low to medium water movement. Why this may be true for some of the species of corals that have large polyps, it is definitely not of all.

Typical corals grouped into LPS are:

• Euphyllia
• Catalaphyllia
• Lobophyllia
• Cynarina

See also SPS, which is an abbreviation for Small Polyp Stony.

Gallery

• 
  Catalaphyllia jardinei
• 
  Cynarina lacrymalis
• 
  Euphyllia ancora
• 
  Lobophyllia sp.