Leptoseris coral (Leptoseris mycetoseroides) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Leptoseris, Wrinkle coral
Family
Agariciidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific, often on reef walls and overhangs and in deeper, shaded water
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
yes
Lighting
Low to moderate; it tolerates shaded spots
Flow
Moderate to strong, varied

Care

A thin, plating or encrusting stony coral with wavy ridges, often forming tiers. Hobby forms are green, orange, tan or brown and are sought after for their fluorescent edges. Placement: anywhere on the rockwork, angled so that detritus does not settle on the plates. In the wild Leptoseris often grows on walls and overhangs. Light and flow: LiveAquaria lists moderate light and strong, varied flow. It is one of the better SPS corals for lower light. Water: fairly hardy once established. Keep calcium around 400–450 ppm, alkalinity at dKH 8–12 and magnesium around 1250–1350 ppm, and keep them steady; regular dosing of calcium, alkalinity and trace elements (or a calcium reactor in a busy reef) is needed as the coral grows. Growth: LiveAquaria says it grows quickly in good conditions. LiveAquaria gives figures for a related species (L. foliosa) rather than this one. Selling: this is a CITES Appendix II coral. Frags grown in the UK can be sold freely; wild-collected or imported pieces must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/wrinkle-leptoseris-coral). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae). LiveAquaria suggests micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp in the evening when the tentacles are out.

Breeding

Frag by snapping or cutting pieces off the plate edge and gluing them flat to plugs or rock. Fragile, so handle gently.

Compatibility and tank mates

Semi-aggressive: its tentacles are short but can sting neighbours that touch it. Leave a few centimetres around it and keep it away from LPS sweepers.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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