Herpolitha
Herpolitha limaxSpecies
An elongated tongue-to-boomerang-shaped free-living coral. Placed freely on sand, hardy and often colorful; an easy fungiid.
Names & Synonyms
- CommonHerpolitha
- Commonヘルポリサ
- CommonTongue Coral
- Commonクサビライシ（舌状）
- Commonトングコーラル
Overview
Herpolitha is a plate-coral (fungiid) relative, an elongated tongue-to-boomerang free-living coral. Its skeleton is not attached to rock, so it is kept resting on sand. It prefers moderate light and gentle-to-moderate flow and responds to feeding. It extends tentacles at night, so allow a little clearance. Hardy and beginner-friendly, with popular fluorescent specimens.
Related corals of the same type
AcanthastreaアカンサストレアlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with metallic colors in large polyps. Australian specimens are popular as premium pieces.
Acan CoralアカンソフィリアlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with rich colorful variations. Highly popular among collectors with many high-value specimens.
Acanthophyllia (Meat Coral)アカントフィリアlpsIntermediateLPS coral with single massive polyp. Vivid red, green, blue colors earn it the 'Meat Coral' nickname. Impressive when fleshy tissue inflates fully.
Acan LordアカンロードlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with vivid multicolor patterns beautiful as jewels. Premium species popular among collectors.
AlveoporaアルベオポラlpsIntermediateAn LPS coral with long tentacles similar to Goniopora. Hardier and easier to keep than Goniopora.
War CoralウォーコーラルlpsBeginnerAn LPS coral with distinctive rugged appearance. Also called Favia, beautiful with fluorescent colors.Related care articles
Natural Spawning and Breeding in LPS Corals | Key Points for Juvenile Coral Rearing and Parental Stock Selection
Natural spawning in LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals is a biological event triggered by multiple interacting environmental factors. The primary driver is photoperiod: as day length extends from spring into early summer, gonadal development in individual colonies accelerates. Most LPS species reach their spawning season between April and July, with decreasing nighttime illumination and lunar cycles serving as the final spawning triggers...
Trachyphyllia (Open Brain Coral) Care | Managing a Unique Species That Dwells on Sand Substrate
Trachyphyllia is an LPS coral that does not cement to rock, instead resting on sandy substrate or in rock crevices by its own weight. This guide explains how to choose placement based on its distinct ecology and how to maintain proper spacing from neighboring corals.
Cardinal Fish and LPS Coral Symbiosis | How to Select and Maintain Symbiotic Fishes
Most LPS corals host small symbiotic fish. Understand the natural symbiotic relationship with cardinal fish and learn how to create an aquarium environment where both corals and symbiotic fish thrive comfortably.
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