LPS Corals
Focus on fleshy polyps, branch shape, and tentacle tips for common LPS groups such as torch, hammer, and frogspawn.
Open category guide →Coral Guide Hub
Coral identification guides for reef tank hobbyists
Use this hub to learn practical coral ID methods by category. Start broad, narrow likely matches, and verify with real-world morphology.
Core Categories
Navigate coral identification by major reef groups
SPS Corals
Use growth structure, corallite arrangement, and branch spacing to separate common SPS families and lookalikes.
Open category guide →Zoanthids
Compare oral disc pattern, skirt length, and colony spread to reduce confusion between similar zoa morphs.
Open category guide →Beginner Coral Identification
Build a repeatable ID workflow before focusing on rare named varieties or species-level edge cases.
Open category guide →Featured Guides
Deep-dive guides for common coral ID scenarios
General
Best Way to Identify Coral
A practical step-by-step method reef hobbyists can use to identify corals from photos with higher confidence.
10 min readGeneral
How to Identify Coral Species
A practical framework for evaluating shape, polyp structure, growth pattern, and coloration before naming a likely coral.
9 min readLPS
Hammer Coral vs Frogspawn
A side-by-side look at tentacle tips, branch structure, and common mislabels in coral shop photos.
7 min readLPS
Torch Coral Identification Guide
How to distinguish common torch varieties by tentacle form, tip contrast, and colony behavior.
8 min readZoanthids
How to Identify Zoanthids
An organized approach to skirt shape, oral disc patterns, and visual differences between similar-looking polyps.
8 min readLPS
LPS Coral Identification Guide
A clear overview of fleshy-polyp corals, skeleton clues, and beginner-safe ID signals for common LPS groups.
10 min readSPS
SPS Coral Identification Guide
A structure-focused method for separating branching, plating, and encrusting SPS corals in reef aquariums.
11 min readBeginner
Coral Identification for Beginners
Start here if you are new to coral ID and want a repeatable process that avoids common mistakes.
8 min readGeneral
Best Coral Identification Apps
A practical checklist for evaluating coral ID apps, including model confidence, transparency, and workflow fit.
7 min readBeginner Resources
If you are new to coral ID, begin here
These placeholder modules are structured for future expansion and long-form educational content.
First 5 things to check in a coral photo
A quick scan checklist to prevent misidentification before digging into advanced details.
Common naming pitfalls in reef stores
How marketing names, vendor preferences, and regional naming habits can create confusion.
When to ask the reef community
Signs that a photo-based suggestion needs a second opinion from experienced keepers.
Coral Identifier App
Use Coral Identifier as your coral research companion
Get likely photo-based matches, reduce mislabels, and keep your coral notes organized while your reef matures.