Mr. Sparkle Leptoseris: The Metallic Gold and Green Encruster

The Mr. Sparkle Leptoseris (Leptoseris species) is a dazzling and highly valued collector strain of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral known for its brilliant, metallic shimmer. Leptoseris species are famous for their strong fluorescence and their ability to thrive in shaded or deeper parts of the reef.

This specific strain is named "Mr. Sparkle" due to its intense, iridescent glow, featuring a metallic gold, chartreuse, or yellowish-green base that encrusts the rockwork. This base is punctuated by prominent corallites (polyps) in a contrasting neon green or deep blue. The coral often displays strong, directional fluorescence, appearing to "sparkle" when viewed under blue-spectrum lighting.

The Mr. Sparkle Leptoseris grows in a thin, encrusting, and plating morphology. It is considered a relatively Hardy SPS coral, especially regarding light demands, as it prefers lower PAR levels than Acropora or Montipora. This makes it ideal for adding color to the bottom or shaded areas of an established reef tank.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This coral is primarily Photosynthetic but is also an opportunistic Carnivore. Its unique, specialized zooxanthellae allow it to perform photosynthesis efficiently even in low light.
• Feeding: Supplemental feeding is recommended to support rapid growth and high coloration. Its polyps are small but will extend at night. Target feed 2-3 times per week with fine particulate foods, such as cyclops, rotifers, or commercial coral powders and amino acid solutions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and generally Passive. Leptoseris is non-aggressive and lacks potent sweeper tentacles. However, because it is an encrusting coral that prefers lower light, it must be protected from aggressive LPS corals (like Chalices or Galaxea) that extend sweepers and from faster-growing, shading corals like softies or large Montipora caps.
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and motile invertebrates, and Passive toward other corals. It should be positioned on lower rockwork, vertical faces, or shaded areas where it receives Low to Moderate PAR lighting (50-150 PAR) and moderate, non-turbulent water flow to keep its surface clean.
• Water Requirements: Requires stable parameters. The tank should be mature with low to moderate nutrient levels (Nitrate < 10 ppm, Phosphate < 0.1 ppm). Critical parameters: Alkalinity (dKH 8.0-10.0), Calcium (400-450 ppm), and Magnesium (1300-1450 ppm).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Leptoseris sp. (Specific Strain)
• Primary Common Name: Mr. Sparkle Leptoseris
• Other Common Names: Metallic Gold Leptoseris, Deepwater SPS
• Origin: Cultured/Maricultured (Originals from the Indo-Pacific, often deeper waters)
• Max Size: Can encrust indefinitely; forms large plates.
• Temperament: Peaceful (Passive toward other corals)
• Diet: Photosynthetic and Carnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (Established reef)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent for lower light zones)
• Care Level: Moderate