What is coral aquaculture?

Coral aquaculture is the process of growing corals in controlled environments instead of collecting them from the wild. At coralSLover®, we propagate our corals in shore-based, recirculated saltwater systems to produce healthy, vibrant, and sustainable specimens for home aquariums.

Why choose aquacultured corals over wild-collected corals?

Choosing aquacultured corals is like choosing organic produce—quality and care are prioritized over cheap, mass-produced options. Aquaculture corals are grown in controlled systems, are already adapted to aquarium conditions, and help reduce pressure on natural reefs by avoiding wild harvesting.

How are aquaculture corals more eco-friendly?

Aquaculture corals are grown without removing colonies from natural reefs. Fragments are taken from established parent colonies and grown in indoor, recirculated systems. This protects wild reef structures, reduces collection impact, and supports long-term reef conservation.

Are aquacultured corals better adapted to home aquariums?

Yes. Tank-grown corals are raised under artificial lighting, filtration, and water flow similar to home reef systems. This makes them hardier, more stable, and generally easier to acclimate than wild corals, which come from very different natural conditions.

How does coralSLover® grow aquaculture corals?

coralSLover® uses shore-based, recirculated saltwater systems to grow coral fragments from parent colonies. These systems allow precise control over lighting, water chemistry, and flow, supporting sustainable growth and consistent quality for reef aquariums.

What are the main benefits of aquacultured corals?

Aquacultured corals are eco-friendly, tank-adapted, and sustainably grown. There is no wild harvesting, helping protect natural reefs. Corals are hardier and already accustomed to aquarium life, and fragments are farmed from parent colonies using nursery-style techniques similar to how plant nurseries propagate cuttings.

Purple Lord Acan Coral

from $44.95

Purple Lord Acan – coralSLover® Premium LPS Coral | coralSLover®

Scientific Name: Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Common Names: Lord Acan, Acan Lord
Family: Lobophylliidae
Type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral
Growth Form: Colonial; fleshy polyps with shared skeletal base
Skeleton: Aragonite with thick septa
Symbiosis: Hosts Symbiodiniaceae (zooxanthellae) for photosynthesis

The Purple Lord Acan (Micromussa lordhowensis) is a standout LPS coral prized by collectors for its bold coloration, thick fleshy tissue, and impressive polyp size. Featuring a deep royal-purple base, this coral is accented by bright orange striping across each head and finished with a neon green ring surrounding the mouth, creating a striking, high-contrast appearance that intensifies under reef lighting.

As the coral expands, its large, fleshy heads inflate dramatically, giving it a powerful visual presence and making it an ideal focal coral in both mixed and LPS-dominant reef systems. The layered coloration and defined striping remain consistent when maintained under stable parameters, making this morph especially desirable for long-term display.

All Purple Lord Acans offered by coralSLover® are fully aquacultured, grown in controlled systems to ensure strong tissue health, vibrant coloration, and reliable acclimation to home aquariums. Aquacultured specimens are well adapted to captive conditions and demonstrate excellent resilience when compared to wild-collected counterparts.

Great For

Reef keepers and collectors seeking a bold, high-impact LPS coral that combines intense color, substantial polyp size, and proven aquaculture stability. Excellent for LPS gardens, mixed reefs, and centerpiece placement.

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Purple Lord Acan – coralSLover® Premium LPS Coral | coralSLover®

Scientific Name: Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Common Names: Lord Acan, Acan Lord
Family: Lobophylliidae
Type: Large Polyp Stony (LPS) Coral
Growth Form: Colonial; fleshy polyps with shared skeletal base
Skeleton: Aragonite with thick septa
Symbiosis: Hosts Symbiodiniaceae (zooxanthellae) for photosynthesis

Great For

Free Shipping When Qualified

Ultra Orange-Red Lord Acan

from $44.95

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Soft Cotton Lord Acan Coral

from $37.95

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24K Gold Ring Lord Acan Coral

from $79.95

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Hulk Lord Acan Coral

from $28.95

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LPS Corals – Colorful, Hardy, and Easy to Enjoy

LPS corals, or Large Polyp Stony Corals, are one of the most popular types of corals for reef aquariums. Unlike SPS corals, which have tiny polyps, LPS corals have larger, fleshy polyps that expand and move with the water, giving them a lively, flowing appearance. Their solid calcium skeletons provide structure to your reef, while their soft, colorful polyps bring vibrant color and texture that can transform a tank into a dynamic underwater garden.

LPS corals are beloved by both beginners and experienced hobbyists because they are hardy and relatively easy to care for, yet still offer striking colors and patterns. Many species, like Acan, Blastomussa, Candy Cane, Chalice, Frogspawn, Galaxea, Hammer, Lobo/Brain, and Torch, can thrive under moderate lighting and medium water flow, making them versatile for most reef setups. Their large mouths allow them to feed effectively, and occasional target feeding can encourage faster growth and more intense coloration.

At coralSLover, all our LPS corals are aquacultured, meaning they are sustainably grown in controlled systems to ensure they adapt successfully to home aquariums. This gives your reef a better chance of thriving, with healthy, vibrant corals that are easier to maintain. Whether you’re starting your first reef or adding colorful accents to an established tank, LPS corals are a favorite choice for creating movement, beauty, and life in any marine display.

Care at a Glance – LPS Corals

Lighting: Moderate to moderately high lighting brings out vibrant coloration and supports steady growth. Many LPS prefer indirect or slightly shaded areas to avoid tissue stress.

Flow: Moderate, indirect water movement is ideal. Gentle but consistent flow keeps polyps clean and extended without damaging their fleshy tissue.

Placement: Mid to lower rockwork or sandbed is often best. Allow ample space between colonies, as many LPS have long sweeper tentacles and can sting neighbors.

Water Quality: Stable parameters are key — maintain balanced alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels with low to moderate nutrients. Sudden changes can stress fleshy polyps.

Feeding: LPS benefit from targeted or occasional broadcast feeding of meaty or particulate foods to support faster growth and vibrant coloration.

Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate friendly — many LPS are hardy but appreciate consistent conditions and occasional feeding for best results.

Sustainability: Fully aquacultured, zero wild collection — responsibly grown and well adapted to aquarium life.