How to Feed LPS Corals: Portions, Frequency and Common Mistakes
An LPS coral opens its polyp, and it can be tempting to offer a generous portion of food. Target feeding works better with small amounts and careful observation. Many LPS corals obtain much of their energy from light through their symbiotic algae. Extra food can be useful, but it cannot replace a suitable position or stable water parameters.
Which LPS corals accept food?
“LPS” covers many different large-polyp stony corals; it is not a single feeding instruction. Some catch fine particles, while others take a small piece of mysis or suitable coral food. The food must fit the mouth, and the coral must actually hold on to it. With Trachyphyllia, Acanthophyllia and Cynarina, the response of a large individual polyp is often easy to observe. Smaller polyps need correspondingly finer food.
A simple approach to target feeding
- Check the coral first: Feed only when it sits securely and shows no obvious tissue damage. Give a newly arrived coral time to acclimate.
- Prepare a small portion: Thaw frozen food completely if needed and use only what the polyp can take in. Follow the manufacturer's dosage for prepared foods.
- Briefly reduce the flow: This keeps the food from drifting away immediately. Do not leave water movement off longer than needed, and turn every pump back on afterwards.
- Offer food gently: Place it on the open polyp with a pipette or feeding tongs without damaging the tissue or mouth. Watch whether the coral grasps it.
- Remove leftovers: Uneaten food can pollute the water. Remove pieces left behind and monitor nitrate and phosphate if you feed regularly.
How often should you feed?
As a cautious starting point, one or two small target feedings a week can suit many LPS corals. This is not a required schedule for every species. The coral's response, food already entering the tank for fish and water quality determine whether extra feeding is useful and how often to do it. If food regularly goes uneaten or nutrient levels rise too far, reduce the amount first. Frequent feeding does not replace light, appropriate flow or steady alkalinity, calcium and magnesium.
Common mistakes
- Pieces that are too large: The coral cannot swallow them or releases them later.
- Pushing food into the mouth: This can injure delicate tissue.
- Adding too much to the whole tank: Uneaten food breaks down and affects water quality.
- Trying to force a stressed coral to eat: If expansion is poor, check placement, flow and water parameters first.
- Leaving pumps switched off: Restore normal circulation after the short feeding period.
Consider feeding and care together
A coral that responds to food can still be in the wrong position. A gentle surface, indirect flow and space from neighbours are especially important for fleshy individual polyps. Our care guide for Trachyphyllia, Acanthophyllia and Cynarina explains what to look for. If a coral remains closed after shipping, start with acclimation and observe it before offering food.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to feed every LPS coral directly?
No. Many corals use light and also take food already present in the aquarium. Whether target feeding makes sense depends on the animal and your system.
When is the best time?
Feed when the polyp is open and shows a feeding response. This varies between corals and with their daily rhythm.
What if fish steal the food?
Offer a smaller portion directly and watch whether the coral takes it. Do not simply add more food to the tank to outpace the fish.
Unsure about food size or quantity? Send us a photo of your coral and your current water parameters at info@coralprime.de.
