John Deer Leptastrea

Leptastrea is an encrusting stony coral known for its uniquely textured surface and vibrant colour combinations. The John Deer morph is a well-known variation, easily recognised by its bright green base and contrasting yellow-gold centres. It has earned a solid place in the hobby as a rewarding and visually distinct LPS.

In a home reef, this coral grows by encrusting over the rockwork, gradually covering the surface with a colony of tightly packed, individual polyps. Its surface has a textured, bumpy appearance. The tissue is a deep green, while the oral disc of each polyp is a bright, contrasting yellow, giving the entire colony a speckled, eye-catching look. At night or when feeding, it may extend very short, clear tentacles.

This is a hardy coral, well-suited to established reef systems. Find a spot for it on the rockwork in the lower to middle regions of the tank where it will receive moderate light, typically in the 75-150 PAR range. A moderate, indirect water flow is ideal to keep its surface clean without stressing the polyps. While it is photosynthetic, its growth and coloration will improve with occasional spot-feeding of mysis shrimp or other LPS foods. Like many encrusting corals, Leptastrea is semi-aggressive and will compete for space, so leave a buffer zone between it and its neighbours. For best results, maintain stable water parameters with calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium at 1300-1400 ppm. A slow drip acclimation is recommended.

The steady, encrusting growth habit of this coral makes it a satisfying piece to watch as it colonises the reef structure. The animal pictured is the exact specimen you will receive.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.