Toxic Clepto Leptoseris

Toxic Clepto Leptoseris, Leptoseris sp., is an encrusting to plating stony coral known for its thin skeletal growth, finely textured surface, and intensely fluorescent coloration. This specimen displays a striking combination of bright neon green and warm orange-red tissue arranged across a highly sculpted colony surface. The vivid green coloration is especially prominent along the outer margins, raised ridges, and numerous small corallite centers, while orange-red tissue fills much of the intervening surface. The result is a dramatic high-contrast pattern that gives this coral a glowing appearance under reef aquarium lighting. Leptoseris species contain symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that provide much of their nutritional energy. Their small polyps can also capture fine suspended plankton and organic particles. Because species-level identification within Leptoseris cannot be established reliably from a photograph and external coloration alone, Leptoseris sp. is the most scientifically appropriate designation for this specimen. Care Guide: Scientific Name: Leptoseris sp. Care Level: Moderate Lighting: Low to Moderate Water Flow: Moderate, indirect and variable flow Placement: Lower to middle areas of the aquarium depending on lighting intensity Temperament: Semi-aggressive; provide adequate space from neighboring corals Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; may also benefit from fine suspended plankton and appropriately sized coral foods Growth Form: Encrusting to plating growth with thin, sculpted skeletal structure Water Parameters: Maintain stable reef aquarium temperature and salinity along with consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Keep nitrate and phosphate measurable and reasonably stable rather than excessively low. Special Considerations: Avoid abrupt exposure to intense lighting. Gradually acclimate to brighter conditions and provide steady indirect flow that keeps the colony surface free of debris without causing tissue irritation.