{"product_id":"jack-o-lantern-leptoseris","title":"Jack-o-Lantern Leptoseris","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLeptoseris (0.5-1\" Frag)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f6f8f9; border:1px solid #dde4e7; border-left:4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius:8px; padding:8px 12px; font-size:13px; color:#607078; line-height:1.5; margin: 10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#46545b;\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a general description of the species — the specific specimen you receive may vary in color, size, and appearance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Leptoseris (\u003cem\u003eLeptoseris sp.\u003c\/em\u003e) — commonly called \"Lepto\" throughout the reef community — is one of the most dramatically colored, uniquely-textured, and coveted plating collector's corals available anywhere in the entire saltwater hobby. \u003cstrong\u003eAn encrusting plate-growing coral with fine polyp texture across the plate surface, Leptoseris displays an extraordinary range of natural color expressions including brilliant blue, vibrant green, electric orange, deep yellow, red, purple, and premium multi-color rainbow morphs — many with distinctive spotted \"meteor shower\" patterns that make each specimen a genuinely unique addition to any collector's coral display\u003c\/strong\u003e. When fully colored under quality reef lighting, a Leptoseris plate delivers one of the most photogenic and immediately impactful visual displays available in the entire plating coral category — dramatic saturated colors across an expanding encrusting structure that grows into substantial plate specimens over months to years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the Leptoseris such a coveted collector's coral is the combination of extraordinary natural color intensity, unique encrusting plate growth pattern, and the moderate-care requirements that make premium visual impact accessible to reefers with established stable reef systems. \u003cstrong\u003eLeptoseris are deep-water species naturally adapted to low-to-moderate light environments, giving them a unique combination of intense fluorescent coloration and low-PAR compatibility that separates them from most other collector-tier corals — an ideal choice for reefers with mixed-light reef displays who want dramatic centerpiece color impact without high-intensity SPS lighting requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e. At the 0.5 to 1 inch frag size, buyers acquire an accessible entry-tier specimen that will grow into a substantial encrusting plate colony over 6 to 12+ months, delivering long-term display value and satisfying collector's tier growth results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eAvailable Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex; gap:18px; padding:14px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8e9; background:#f7f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width:155px; flex:0 0 155px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block; font-weight:700; color:#173f4b; background:#eef5f5; padding:4px 8px; border-radius:4px;\"\u003e1 Leptoseris Frag — 0.5 to 1 Inch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"color:#536369; line-height:1.55;\"\u003e\u003cul style=\"margin:0; padding-left:18px; line-height:1.55;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOne healthy Leptoseris frag (\u003cem\u003eLeptoseris sp.\u003c\/em\u003e) — hand-selected from current inventory, approximately 0.5 to 1 inch on frag plug or disc\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEncrusting plate-growth coral with fine polyp texture across plate surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAssorted color — may include blue, green, orange, yellow, red, purple, or multi-color rainbow expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eModerate-care collector's plating coral with premium color potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px; color:#607078; margin-top:10px; font-style:italic;\"\u003eGeneral stock Leptoseris frag — specific color and morph is determined at packing time from current inventory. For specific named color morphs (Rainbow, Blue, Orange, Meteor Shower, JF Meteor Shower, Superman, and other premium Leptoseris expressions), see our WYSIWYG Leptoseris listings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #dce4e6; font-size:14px;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eLOW to Moderate (PAR 50-150) — sensitive to high light, gradual acclimation essential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eModerate indirect — avoid direct high-flow blast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003ePlacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eMid to lower rockwork — allow space for encrusting plate growth outward\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eModerate — established stable systems, gradual light acclimation required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003ePeaceful — minor sweeper tentacles possible, allow 3-4\" from other corals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003ePhotosynthetic + occasional target feeding with fine coral foods enhances color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#faf8ee; border:1px solid #e6e1c9; border-left:4px solid #b7ad78; border-radius:10px; padding:13px 15px; color:#22323a;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ CRITICAL — Light sensitivity and gradual acclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leptoseris are deep-water species naturally adapted to low-to-moderate light environments and are notably sensitive to high-intensity reef lighting. New Leptoseris specimens will bleach, brown out, or suffer tissue loss if placed directly under high-PAR reef LED, T5, or metal halide lighting without gradual acclimation. Start placement in a low-light area of the tank (lower rockwork or shaded location) for 2 to 4 weeks after introduction, then gradually move to preferred placement over additional weeks. If existing tank lighting is above PAR 150 at desired placement location, consider shading with mesh screen or maintaining lower-light placement long-term. Ideal PAR range is 50-150 — this is significantly lower than typical SPS lighting requirements.\n  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eEncrusting plate growth pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leptoseris are plating\/encrusting corals that grow outward from the original frag base, gradually expanding into thin plates that cover rockwork surfaces over months to years. Place the frag on a stable rock surface with adequate open surrounding area for horizontal plate expansion — the coral will encrust across the rockwork rather than growing vertically. Provide 3-4 inches of buffer space around the placement location to allow for natural encrusting growth without competing with neighboring corals. Growth rate is slow-to-moderate — expect visible plate expansion over 3-6 months and substantial plate coverage over 12+ months.\n  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eTank environment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an established mature reef aquarium with stable water parameters including consistent calcium (400-450 ppm), alkalinity (8-11 dKH), and magnesium (1250-1350 ppm) levels for reliable skeletal growth. Standard reef temperature (72-78°F) and salinity (1.023-1.026) with stable parameters over weeks support healthy Leptoseris development. Moderate indirect water flow works best — avoid direct powerhead blast which can cause tissue damage on the delicate plate surface.\n  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leptoseris are generally peaceful and reef-safe with most neighbors, though some specimens may extend minor sweeper tentacles at night — allow approximately 3 to 4 inches of buffer space from neighboring corals to prevent contact damage. Compatible with most LPS, soft corals, mushrooms, zoanthids, and other plating\/encrusting corals in mixed reef displays. Maintain distance from aggressive Euphyllia species (Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn) with extending long sweeper tentacles.\n  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eFeeding for premium coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e While Leptoseris are photosynthetic through zooxanthellae, occasional target feeding with fine-particle coral foods (Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy, Polyplab Reef-Roids, or similar prepared coral feeds) 1 to 2 times per week accelerates growth, deepens coloration, and enhances the fluorescent intensity that makes premium Leptoseris morphs so distinctive. Feed by broadcasting fine-particle foods over the coral during evening hours, or by target-applying with a coral feeding tube. Quality reef lighting with strong blue and actinic spectrum coverage brings out the full fluorescent intensity of the coral's natural coloration.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e🔍 Aquarium Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Leptoseris is one of the most dramatically colored and uniquely-shaped plating collector's corals available to reef keepers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExtraordinary color variation across the genus — brilliant blues, greens, oranges, yellows, reds, purples, and premium multi-color rainbow morphs including distinctive \"meteor shower\" spotted patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEncrusting plate-growth pattern that expands into substantial plate colonies over months — unique architectural addition to any mixed reef display\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA moderate-care collector's plating coral with unique low-light adaptation and premium color potential — one of the best entry-tier collector's corals for reefers with mixed-light reef systems seeking dramatic centerpiece color impact without high-intensity SPS lighting requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:0;\"\u003eFor detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/pages\/species-library\" style=\"color:#1d5c78;\"\u003eSpecies Library\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f6f8f9; border:1px solid #dde4e7; border-left:4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius:10px; padding:13px 15px; font-size:13px; color:#607078; line-height:1.65;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong style=\"color:#46545b;\"\u003eLivestock Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 10px;\"\u003eDue to natural variation, the Leptoseris frag you receive will be hand-selected from current inventory (approximately 0.5 to 1 inch on frag plug or disc) and may vary in exact size, plate shape, and color expression — including blue, green, orange, yellow, red, purple, or multi-color rainbow morphs with variable pattern intensity. Specific color, morph, and exact size within the frag range cannot be guaranteed and are determined at packing time. For guaranteed specific color specimens including premium named morphs (Rainbow, Blue, Meteor Shower, JF Meteor Shower, Superman), see our WYSIWYG Leptoseris listings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003ePhotographs are representative examples of the range of colors available in this species. Individual frags may vary significantly in color intensity, pattern, and morph type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Leptoseris are LIGHT-SENSITIVE deep-water species — gradual light acclimation is essential. Start new frags in low-light placement for 2-4 weeks before gradual movement to preferred location. Direct high-PAR reef lighting without acclimation will cause bleaching or tissue loss. Encrusting plate growth requires 3-4\" open surrounding space for natural expansion.\u003c\/strong\u003e As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macroalgae Farms","offers":[{"title":"0.5-1\"","offer_id":49679400501507,"sku":"T4-","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/7151\/7699\/files\/hf_20260922_041803_c5524d4f-cbc5-4d80-8560-f670efe62698.jpg?v=1790113457","url":"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/products\/jack-o-lantern-leptoseris","provider":"Macroalgae Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}