Klepto Lepto

Leptoseris sp

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Leptoseris Family: Agariciidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Klepto Lepto

General information

In general, corals from the genus Leptoseris usually take the form of encrusting, foliose or plate type. Their colonies are laminar in nature which forms whorls, folds or tiers. Their corallites are arranged in an irregular pattern that usually runs parallel to the margins.

For the Klepto Lepto, they are predominatly colored violet with blue mouth. This are the water parameters for cultivating Klepto Lepto:

  • Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 3.93 MEQ/L (8 – 11 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
  • Strontium: 8 -10
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° 26° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4

Diet & nutrition

The Klepto Lepto get its primary nourishment from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within their tissues. But despite this, we still recommend you do supplemental feeding by adding brine shrimp and mysis.

Determining sex

A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Klepto Lepto. They need to be set at the bottom portion of the tank where lighting and flow rate are in moderation.

Breeding & spawning

Klepto Leptorequires moderate lighting and moderate waterflow.

Origination

Klepto Lepto can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and usually thrive in vertical reef ledges and overhang wall that is free from strong current. They are now a vulnerable species and has been listed under Appendix II of the CITES list, which means that their international trade is monitored.

Cautions

Klepto Lepto is not aggressive an aggressive species. However, we still recommend you give them ample space with other corals. This is due to fact that they grow fast and may overshadow corals underneath it.

Acclimation process

Since Klepto Lepto is a marine species, salinity must be entirely maintained at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

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