John Deere Leptastrea

1"-2" Frag - Stock Photo your frag will not appear exactly as the image. From the Seahorse Aquarium Supply Farm. The John Deere Leptastrea is a hardy, encrusting LPS coral known for its unmistakable neon green polyps and dark contrasting base — a color combo that instantly explains the “John Deere” nickname. It’s beginner‑friendly, fast‑growing, and one of the most forgiving LPS options for mixed reefs. Identity & Appearance This morph of Leptastrea stands out because of its high‑contrast palette: • Bright, tractor‑green polyps • Golden to yellow centers • Deep brown or charcoal base • Tightly packed, round polyps that give it a textured, “button‑field” look Under blues, the green polyps glow intensely, making it a favorite for frag racks and display tanks alike. Growth Pattern John Deere Leptastrea grows as a tight encruster, spreading across rock, frag plugs, and even shaded surfaces. It forms a low, bumpy mat rather than branching or plating. Growth traits: • Fast for an LPS • Excellent at covering awkward rock shapes • Can be fragged easily once established It’s a great coral for filling in negative space or adding color to shaded areas. Lighting & Flow This coral is extremely adaptable. Lighting: • Thrives in low to moderate PAR (50–150) • Too much light can mute the green or cause recession Flow: • Moderate flow is ideal • Enough movement to keep detritus off the polyps • Avoid blasting it directly Its versatility makes placement easy in most reef layouts. Behavior & Hardiness Leptastrea are known for being: • Very hardy • Tolerant of parameter swings • Low‑maintenance • Peaceful — short sweepers, minimal aggression They’re excellent starter LPS for newer reefers and a reliable “set‑and‑forget” coral for experienced hobbyists. Feeding While they survive on light and dissolved nutrients, they respond well to occasional feeding: • Reef roids • Fine zooplankton • Small particulate foods Feeding boosts growth and deepens coloration. Reef Compatibility John Deere Leptastrea is fully reef‑safe and plays nicely with neighbors. Because it encrusts rather than reaches out aggressively, it’s easy to place near other corals without conflict. It’s also a great option for: • Lower‑light zones • Undersides of rock arches • Frag racks • Mixed LPS/SPS tanks Why It’s Popular This coral became a hobby staple because it combines: • Iconic coloration • High contrast under blues • Fast growth • Beginner‑friendly care • Strong visual impact even from a distance It’s one of those corals that looks good in any tank, from nano reefs to full‑scale displays.