SPS, LPS, and soft corals are three main types of corals commonly found in reef aquariums. The main differences between these types of corals are in their anatomy, growth rate, and care requirements.
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SPS (Small Polyp Stony) Corals: SPS corals have a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton and small polyps. They are usually found in deeper waters and require intense lighting and strong water movement to thrive. SPS corals tend to grow quickly, but they are also sensitive to changes in water quality, temperature, and lighting. Examples of SPS corals include Acropora, Montipora, and Pocillopora.
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LPS (Large Polyp Stony) Corals: LPS corals also have a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton, but they have larger polyps than SPS corals. They are typically found in shallower waters and require moderate lighting and water movement. LPS corals tend to grow more slowly than SPS corals, but they are generally more tolerant of changes in water quality and temperature. Examples of LPS corals include brain corals, trumpet corals, and torch corals.
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Soft Corals (Softies): Soft corals do not have a hard skeleton like SPS and LPS corals. Instead, they have a soft, fleshy body and polyps that are usually larger than those of SPS and LPS corals. Soft corals require less intense lighting and water movement than SPS and LPS corals and are generally easier to care for. Examples of soft corals include mushrooms, leather corals, and zoanthids.
In summary, SPS corals have small polyps, require intense lighting and water movement, and have a fast growth rate, while LPS corals have larger polyps, require moderate lighting and water movement, and have a slower growth rate. Soft corals have a soft, fleshy body, require less intense lighting and water movement, and are generally easier to care for than SPS and LPS corals.