Underrated SPS Corals For Saltwater Aquariums

The reef aquarium hobby has a major hype problem, let's face it. Everyone is spending hundreds of dollars on a half-inch frag that looks eerily similar to something selling for twenty dollars under a different label after a coral is featured on Instagram with imaginative Photoshop work and a catchy name.

As hobbyists chase the newest "limited edition" acropora, some truly beautiful SPS corals are neglected in frag tanks. While beginner reefers may be tempted to blow their budgets on expensive and ‘rare’ corals, more common and underrated SPS corals can equally make any saltwater aquarium pop.

Psammocora

This coral is like an undercover spy, since most hobbyists hardly notice it. Both branching and encrusting Psammocora species develop a furry, densely packed polyp extension that gives your tank a texture that is unmatched by anything else available.

These epic corals have an almost velvety appearance when they are healthy, with thousands of tiny polyps forming complex branching structures or a living carpet. While encrusting types disperse throughout rockwork with the same fuzzy texture, branching types grow into tree-like formations. Think "coral carpet" instead of "sleek acropora".

In situations where many expensive acros would completely brown out, these corals flourish in moderate lighting. Compared to their temperamental cousins, Psammocora species can withstand greater parameter ranges, making them truly hardy. Without having to constantly worry about maintaining extremely low nutrient levels and intense light, you get distinctive visual interest.

The best part is that frags are extremely inexpensive because no one is hyping these corals (yet). You're creating a distinctive reef section for pocket change while someone else spends $200 on the newest "rainbow explosion" acro.

Yellow Branching Porites

I understand your thoughts. "Porites that are yellow? Really? Remain with me.

There are no striking growth patterns or seventeen color morphs in this coral. It's simply consistently, dependably, and exquisitely yellow. And that's exactly what makes it unique in a hobby that is fixated on blues, purples, and photoshopped reds.

Predictability is a feature of yellow branching porites that is becoming more and more uncommon. When phosphate levels rise, it doesn't bleach at random. In moderate lighting, it doesn't pout. It just grows, spreads those amazing fuzzy polyps, and keeps its color under remarkably different circumstances.

The secret is that because it's unique, it becomes a focal point. Genuine vibrant yellow stands out in a reef where everyone is chasing the same blues and purples. Everything else is enhanced by the visual anchor. Additionally, under the correct conditions, the polyp extension is truly impressive.

Seriatopora

Seriatopora is frequently mistaken for Stylophora and written off as "just another birdsnest." That is sadly harming this coral in the hobbyist world.

Compared to typical Stylophora, the branching pattern of Seriatopora corals is more delicate and complex, giving mature colonies an almost lace-like appearance. Deep purples with pink tips, greens with contrasting polyps, and golden varieties that develop amazing depth under the right lighting are examples of striking color combinations. 

Toughness and beauty are what make Seriatopora truly underappreciated. It grows at a good rate, can tolerate moderate lighting, and doesn't require strict, perfect conditions. The polyp extension adds layers of detail that take stunning pictures, producing remarkable texture that is distinct and visible rather than fuzzy like porites.

It's a perfect fit for the middle sections of the aquarium where you want visual interest without the high-maintenance of acros. 

Turbinaria

Because of their striking horizontal growth and structural presence, table corals are desired by all. Naturally, the majority of hobbyists choose pricey Acropora species and then worry for months about whether the parameters are ideal. Turbinaria, on the other hand, quietly sits in the corner and provides comparable aesthetic advantages with much less commotion.

Similar to acropora tables like acropora clathrata, turbinaria produces striking table-like or bowl-shaped formations that offer aquascaping opportunities. Turbinaria are also much more tolerant than overestimated acros. Lighting that is moderate works well, and a death spiral won't be set off by slight variations in nutrients. They simply... function.

During feeding, polyps can extend significantly, giving entire colonies an almost fluffy appearance. What we love about turbinaria corals is their plate-like growth, which breaks up vertical space in the aquascape, providing opportunities for corals that thrive in lower light.

Pocillopora damicornis

One of the best-kept secrets in the SPS world is Pocillopora damicornis, or more commonly known as the lace coral or cauliflower coral. Most fast-growing acros cannot match the remarkable speed at which these corals grow while retaining their vivid colouration.

In contrast to branching or plating corals, the bumpy, cauliflower-like texture adds visual interest. Vibrant pinks, purples, greens, and browns are just a few of the colour variations, and often a single colony frequently has several colours. On top of the already intriguing base structure, extended polyps produce a fuzzy overlay.

Pocillopora is truly unique because it appears to be challenging. The hue screams "high maintenance." In reality, these corals manage moderate nutrients better than most acros, tolerate surprisingly large parameter ranges, and adjust well to varying lighting levels.

For enthusiasts looking to occupy space in newer SPS systems, these corals offer rapid results without needing perfection immediately. 

Montipora undata 

Plating montipora corals are not given enough credit, but Montipora undata merits particular attention. This coral forms extremely complex, three-dimensional structures with overlapping plates, ridges, and occasionally cup-like formations, rather than just flat plates. They create awesome architectural designs, almost like slow-motion coral origami forming inside your tank. 

Greens, oranges, purples, and reds are just a few of the colour variations, which frequently have contrasting polyps. The fluorescence under actinic lighting produces a glow and depth that can rival any expensive Acropora. The growth rate is steady without being intrusive, and it requires minimal maintenance because it can adjust to various lighting conditions and generally keeps to itself, making it a great choice for novice reefers. 

Conclusion

The next time you're searching for new frags, avoid highly advertised items with expensive price tags, and look at the fuzzy Psammocora in the corner. Think about the yellow Porites that have been there for weeks. Take another look at Seriatopora.

Not only will your pocketbook appreciate it, but you will be surprised how they improve your reef. Remember, the most successful tanks aren't always the ones with the priciest corals; rather, they are the ones where each component has been carefully chosen for long-term success rather than short-term hype. And sometimes, the coral that will truly make your reef unique is the one that no one is talking about.

Want to expand your collection to include some of these underappreciated species? The staff at Reefco Aquariums can assist you in finding high-quality frags and offer advice on how to incorporate them into your current setup. Contact the Reefco Aquariums team today or browse our corals here.