If you’re looking for some soft corals to add to your beginner reef aquarium, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 11 different soft corals that are easy to care for and make a great addition to any reef tank. Soft corals are a great way to add color and interest to your aquarium, and they are relatively easy to care for compared to other types of corals. So, if you’re ready to add some soft corals to your reef tank, read on for more information.
1. Mushroom Corals
Mushroom corals can be propagated by breaking off a piece of the coral and attaching it to a rock or piece of live coral. These corals do not require a lot of light or water flow and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Mushroom corals are a type of soft coral that is easy to care for and great for beginners.
2. Moon Polyp
Moon polyps are a great addition to any reef tank, and they will add a lot of color and interest. They are easy to care for and maintain, and they are very hardy. Moon polyps are one of the most popular soft corals for beginners.
3. Anthelia
This coral is a great choice for beginners, as it is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. If you’re looking for an easy soft coral to care for, consider the Anthelia.
It is typically a deep green or brown color, with large, fleshy polyps that extend from the skeleton. The Anthelia is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral, meaning that it has a hard skeleton covered in fleshy tissue.
This coral is a slow-grower, so it won’t require frequent trimming or fragging. It is also tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, making it a good choice for beginner reef aquariums.
It should be placed towards the bottom of the aquarium, as it does not require direct light to thrive. The Anthelia does best in moderate to high lighting and moderate to high water flow.
When cared for properly, the Anthelia can provide a beautiful addition to any reef aquarium.
4. Pulsing Xenia
Pulsing Xenia is a very hardy coral and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Pulsing Xenia will spread quickly and can become very large in the aquarium. Pulsing Xenia is a beautiful and easy to care for soft coral. This coral is a great choice for beginners because it is very easy to maintain. This coral can be propagated by breaking off a piece and attaching it to a rock or piece of live coral. This coral does best in well-lit areas of the aquarium.
5. Kenya Tree Coral
Kenya tree coral (Capnella sp.) Kenya tree coral can be found in the wild in the Indo-Pacific region. Kenya tree coral has a branching structure and is typically a light brown or green color. Kenya tree coral is a fast-growing coral and can quickly reach over a foot in height. is a type of soft coral that is easy to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
6. Green Star Polyps (GSP)
These soft corals are easy to care for and add a splash of color to your reef tank. GSP are available in a variety of colors, including green, pink, and purple. These corals are found in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. Green Star Polyps (GSP) are a great choice for beginner reefkeepers.
These corals do not need to be fed, as they get their nutrients from the water column. GSP are easy to care for and do not require special attention. They can be placed in a low or high light environment and will do well in either. GSP are also tolerant of a wide range of water parameters.
If you are looking for an easy to care for coral that will add some color to your reef tank, then Green Star Polyps are a great choice.
7. Colt Coral
In the wild, Colt coral can grow to be over a foot in diameter, but in the home aquarium, it will typically stay much smaller. This coral is found in the Indo-Pacific region, and its natural habitat is on reefs and in lagoons. Colt coral (Pachyclavularia viridis) is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for soft coral that is perfect for beginner reef aquarium hobbyists. Colt coral is a member of the Phylum Cnidaria, which includes corals, anemones, and hydroids.
Colt coral is a slow-growing coral, but it can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild, Colt coral is often found in large colonies, but in the home aquarium, it can be kept as a single specimen or in a small group. This coral gets its name from its long, thin, finger-like tentacles, which are a beautiful green color.
This coral does not require special lighting or water conditions, and it is very tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. Colt coral is a very easy coral to care for, and it is a great choice for beginner reef aquarium hobbyists. Colt coral can be propagated easily, and it is a very hardy coral. If you are looking for a beautiful, easy-to-care-for soft coral for your reef aquarium, Colt coral is a great choice!
8. Sinularia
Sinularia is a fast grower and can quickly spread throughout your aquarium. It is a hardy coral that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Sinularia is a soft coral that is great for beginners. It comes in a variety of colors and can add a beautiful splash of color to your tank.
9. Toadstool Coral
Toadstool coral is a slow-growing coral that does not require much maintenance. It is a hardy coral that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Toadstool coral can be found in a variety of colors, including green, pink, purple, and red. Toadstool coral, also known as mushroom coral, is a type of soft coral that is easy to care for and great for beginners.
10. Finger Leather
This coral is found in a variety of colors, including green, pink, and orange. Finger leather is a fast-growing coral and can quickly spread throughout the aquarium. Finger leather is a hardy coral and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Finger leather is a type of soft coral that is easy to care for and great for beginners. This coral does best in well-lit areas of the aquarium and requires moderate to high water flow.
11. Clove Polyp Coral
Clove polyp coral is a fast grower and can quickly spread across the aquarium glass. Clove polyp coral is a great choice for beginner reef aquarium hobbyists. This coral does best in medium to high light conditions and needs moderate to high water flow to thrive. This coral is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are soft corals?
Soft corals are a type of coral that is composed of a soft, rubbery material. They are often brightly colored and have a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
2. What are the benefits of keeping soft corals?
Soft corals are relatively easy to care for and are a great way to add color and interest to your aquarium. They are also known to be very effective at filtering water and helping to maintain water quality.
3. What are some of the most common soft corals?
Some of the most common soft corals include the following:
-Button polyps (Palythoa sp.)
-Leather coral (Sarcophyton sp.)
-Mushroom coral (Actinodiscus sp.)
-Zoanthids (Zoanthus sp.)
4. What do I need to do to care for soft corals?
In general, soft corals need moderate lighting and water flow. They also benefit from regular water changes and the addition of supplemental nutrients.
5. Are there any special considerations I need to keep in mind when keeping soft corals?
Some soft corals, such as zoanthids, can be very aggressive and may need to be kept in their own aquarium or with other aggressive corals. It is also important to research the specific care requirements of each type of soft coral before adding it to your aquarium.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to add some color and life to your home aquarium, soft corals are a great option. They are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Here are 11 soft corals that are great for beginners.