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Leptastrea is a genus of massively growing large polyp stony corals. They are mainly found in the Indo-Pacific, and 7 species have been described. The frags of of the stony corals common seen in marine aquaristics are probably Leptastrea purpurea, however, the classification based on mere pictures is rather uncertain, as with all corals. Earlier the genus was assigned to the brain corals (Favidae), but new phylogenetic studies have come to the conclusion that this assignment is not correct with certainty (incerta sedes - "uncertain seat").Leptastrea
The corals have polyps receded into the skeleton, each of which has a rim of tentacles on the outer edge which separates them to adjacent polyps. The absolute standard coloration is orange and thus Leptastrea are the best way to get this color into the aquarium. There are also green or blue color morphs, most popular in the "John Deere", which like the tractor manufacturer, has a green base tissue and orange polyps. They are zooxanthellate and like all LPS easy to care for. They can cope with medium low light, the current should be moderate and prevent sediment settling on the coral. In too strong light the tissue burns, which is especially noticeable between the polyps, where it fades first - in this case the frag should be placed in more shade.
