WYSIWYG Corals: A Buyer’s Guide to Getting the Exact Coral Shown

When you buy a WYSIWYG coral, the coral in the listing photo is the coral you receive. WYSIWYG means “what you see is what you get,” and it removes much of the uncertainty from buying live coral online.

Why WYSIWYG matters

Corals of the same species can vary dramatically in color, pattern, size, growth form, and health. A stock photo can show what a coral variety may look like, but a WYSIWYG listing lets you evaluate the actual specimen before purchasing.

What to examine in the product photo

• Tissue coverage: Look for healthy tissue without obvious recession or exposed skeleton.
• Polyp extension: Extension varies by species and time of day, but the coral should appear responsive and intact.
• Color balance: Reef lighting influences photographs. Compare the coral’s overall pattern and structure instead of judging one bright highlight.
• Frag size: Review the plug, disk, or surrounding structure for a practical sense of scale.

Plan for the coral’s needs

Before ordering, confirm that your aquarium can provide the appropriate lighting, flow, stability, and space. LPS corals may need room for sweeper tentacles, while SPS corals generally demand greater stability and stronger flow.

Receiving your order

Inspect the package promptly, follow the seller’s acclimation instructions, and document any concern immediately. Temperature and appearance can change temporarily during shipping, so give the coral time to settle under appropriate conditions.

Browse the WYSIWYG coral collection to shop the exact corals currently available. Review the Gem State Corals store policy before ordering for shipping and guarantee details.