John Deer Orange Leptastrea

Leptastrea is a genus of encrusting stony corals appreciated by reef aquarists for its unique texture and hardy nature. This coral grows by spreading across rockwork, gradually covering surfaces with its tightly packed, individual polyps. Its steady growth and interesting appearance make it a popular choice for adding color and dimension to the lower and middle regions of a reef aquarium. Unlike branching or plating corals, Leptastrea creates a living skin over the rock, contributing to a mature and established look in the tank.

The appearance of Leptastrea is characterized by its small, cerioid polyps, each with a distinct oral disc, or "eye." These corals are known for displaying a wide range of colors, often with the polyp eye being a different, contrasting color from the surrounding tissue. This specimen commonly exhibits vibrant orange coloration, sometimes paired with green or yellow highlights, creating a truly captivating mosaic effect as the colony expands. The surface has a bumpy or mottled texture that adds to its visual appeal.

For successful husbandry, Leptastrea requires stable reef conditions. It prefers low to moderate lighting, in the range of 75-150 PAR, making it suitable for placement on the sandbed or lower half of the rockwork. Water flow should be moderate and indirect; strong, direct flow can damage the coral's tissue. While photosynthetic, this coral benefits from regular feedings. Target feeding with small, meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized LPS pellets once or twice a week will promote better health and growth. Maintain standard water parameters, with calcium between 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium around 1300-1450 ppm. It is a relatively peaceful coral with no long sweeper tentacles, but should be given a few inches of space to prevent it from encrusting over its neighbors.

Leptastrea is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking for a hardy and colorful encrusting coral. Its manageable care requirements and steady growth pattern allow it to become a beautiful and permanent feature of the aquascape. It offers a different kind of beauty than branching corals, focusing on color and texture across the rockwork.

This is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) item. The coral you will receive is the exact specimen shown in the photograph. There is no guesswork involved; you are purchasing this specific piece for your collection.

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.