Common Coral Species and Their Requirements 常見珊瑚種類與養護需求

Understanding different coral types helps reef keepers choose species that match their tank setup and experience level. Corals are generally divided into three main groups — SPS (Small Polyp Stony), LPS (Large Polyp Stony), and Soft Corals — each with distinct care requirements and visual appeal.
了解不同種類的珊瑚，能幫助飼主根據缸體環境與經驗等級挑選合適的品種。珊瑚大致分為三類：SPS硬骨珊瑚、LPS大型觸手硬骨珊瑚，以及軟體珊瑚，每一類都有不同的需求與特色。

1. SPS Corals｜SPS硬骨珊瑚
SPS corals, such as Acropora, Montipora, and Stylophora, have small polyps and grow rigid skeletons. They thrive under strong light, strong turbulent flow, and stable water chemistry. These corals are sensitive to fluctuations but reward experienced aquarists with intense coloration and fast growth.
SPS珊瑚（如鹿角珊瑚、孔雀珊瑚與鳥巢珊瑚）擁有細小的觸手與堅硬的骨架。牠們需要強光、強水流及穩定的水質。雖然對變化非常敏感，但只要條件維持良好，便能展現絢麗色彩與快速生長。

2. LPS Corals｜LPS大型觸手珊瑚
LPS corals, like Euphyllia (hammer, frogspawn, torch), Acanthastrea, and Favites, feature fleshy, visible polyps that sway gently in the current. They prefer moderate light, gentle to moderate flow, and slightly higher nutrient levels than SPS.
LPS珊瑚如鐵鎚珊瑚、青蛙卵珊瑚、火炬珊瑚、腦珊瑚等，擁有柔軟的觸手，隨水流搖曳生姿。牠們喜歡中等光照、柔和水流，以及略高的營養鹽濃度，比SPS更容易維護。

3. Soft Corals｜軟體珊瑚
Soft corals — including Zoanthids, Xenia, Sinularia, and Sarcophyton — lack a rigid skeleton, making them flexible and resilient. They tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are great for beginners. However, they can release chemicals that inhibit nearby corals, so spacing is important.
軟體珊瑚（如鈕扣珊瑚、海葵珊瑚、柳珊瑚與皮革珊瑚）沒有骨骼，外型柔軟而富有彈性。牠們對水質變化的適應力強，非常適合新手入門。不過要注意，部分軟體珊瑚會釋放抑制性化學物質，因此保持間距相當重要。

4. Specialty Corals｜特色珊瑚
Certain corals, like Sun Corals (Tubastraea) and Goniopora, have unique care requirements. Sun corals are non-photosynthetic and need direct feeding, while Goniopora (flowerpot coral) prefers stable but nutrient-rich environments.
有些特殊品種如太陽珊瑚與花盤珊瑚，需要額外照顧。太陽珊瑚無法進行光合作用，必須定期人工餵食；花盤珊瑚則偏好穩定但富含營養的水質。

5. Choosing the Right Mix｜挑選合適的組合
When planning your reef, consider the compatibility of coral species. SPS often prefer lower nutrient levels, while LPS and soft corals may thrive in slightly richer water. Mixing species is possible — just balance lighting, flow, and nutrient inputs carefully.
在規劃珊瑚缸時，要考慮不同品種間的相容性。SPS偏好低營養環境，而LPS與軟體珊瑚則能在略高營養下成長良好。混養是可行的，但要仔細控制光線、水流與營養鹽濃度的平衡。