What is the Difference Between LPS and SPS Corals

The main difference between LPS and SPS corals is that polyps are larger in LPS corals, whereas the polyps are smaller in SPS corals.

LPS and SPS corals are marine invertebrates that belong to the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria. They are compact colonies containing many identical individual polyps. They have a hard skeleton that is left behind when they die. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Corals
– Definition, Anatomy, Importance
2. What are LPS Corals
– Definition, Anatomy, Importance
3. What are SPS Corals
– Definition, Anatomy, Importance
4. Similarities Between LPS and SPS Corals
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between LPS and SPS Corals
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms  

Corals, LPS Corals, SPS Corals

What are Corals

Corals are marine invertebrates that belong to the class Anthozoa. Typically, they form compact colonies containing many identical individual polyps. They occur in tropical oceans. Calcium carbonate forms its hard skeleton. Polyps in the coral are genetically identical. A sac-like animal occurs in each polyp. Its diameter is a few millimeters, and its height is a few centimeters. The central mouth opening contains a set of tentacles. Each polyp excretes an exoskeleton at the base. The skeleton of corals is generated over the years, and the shape of it is characteristic of the species. Corals can grow up to a few meters in diameter. 

Moreover, the walls of the corals contain two cell layers; the outer layer is the ectoderm, and the inner layer is the endoderm. A gelatinous layer occurs in the middle of the two layers, termed mesoglea. It serves as a supportive layer. Additionally, it contains skeletal elements migrated from the ectoderm.  

Furthermore, the growth of colonies occurs by the asexual reproduction of polyps. Also, spawning is the sexual reproduction method of corals. They release gametes overnight. Additionally, corals catch plankton and small fish using stinging cells that occur on their tentacles. Corals are sessile animals. There are two types of corals: hard corals and soft corals. Hard corals are stony corals that contain a skeleton made up of calcium carbonate. Also, there are two types of hard corals: LPS and SPS corals. In comparison, soft corals contain jelly-like mesoglea and sclerites that are rigid, spiny structures. Further, hard corals form a six-fold symmetry, while soft corals form an eight-fold symmetry. Also, soft corals produce a broad range of chemicals that repel predators. However, the calcium carbonate skeleton of the hard corals serves as a defense system for hard corals. 

What is LPS Corals

LPS (large polyp corals) are large calcareous corals with large fleshy polyps.

Figure 1: LPS Corals 

What is SPS Corals

SPS (small polyp corals) corals are corals with small polyps.

Figure 2: SPS Corals

Similarities Between LPS and SPS Corals

• LPS and SPS corals are two types of corals that occur in the sea.
• They belong to the class Anthozoa.
• Also, they are hard corals.
• The other type of coral is the soft coral. 

Difference Between LPS and SPS Corals

Definition

LPS corals refer to large polyp stony corals, generally larger calcareous corals with large fleshy polyps. In contrast, SPS corals refer to small polyp stony corals that are much smaller. 

The Size of the Polyp

LPS corals have large polyps, while SPS corals have small polyps.  

Demand

LPS corals have less demand, while SPS corals have a high demand. 

Conclusion

In brief, LPS and SPS corals are two types of corals that occur in the sea. They left a hard skeleton when they died. LPS corals are large polyp stony corals. They have less demand. In comparison, SPS corals are small polyp stony corals with high demand. Therefore, the main difference between LPS and SPS corals is the size of the polyps.       

References:

1. Larsen, J. (2019, May 13). The 3 main types of Coral. World Wide Corals. https://worldwidecorals.com/blogs/news/the-3-main-types-of-coral

Image Courtesy:

1. “Alveopora sp, Koh Phangan” By Chaloklum Diving – Own Work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Hertshoon” By Albert Kok at Dutch Wikipedia – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia