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Datasheet
| Care Description | Cyphastrea are sometimes referred to as a Meteor Coral however most reef aquarists today simply refer to them by their scientific name. The most common color variant of Cyphastrea is a blue base with red polyps called a Meteor Shower Cyphastrea. It turns out though that there are many rare color variants of this beautiful coral that are every bit as spectacular. Cyphastrea are a very low light coral and do poorly when exposed to high light. In our systems at Tidal Gardens, we try to find the dimmest locations to keep them. Please see below for additional care tips for Cyphastrea. |
| Water Flow | Moderate |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Cyphastrea, commonly known as Meteor Coral, are exquisite corals that come in various color variants, with the most prevalent being the blue base with red polyps, known as Meteor Shower Cyphastrea. They are highly admired for their beauty, and there are numerous rare color variations that are equally stunning. These corals thrive in low-light environments and exhibit poor performance under high light conditions, making it crucial to place them in dimly lit areas within aquarium setups.
Demands and Hardiness
Cyphastrea are low light corals that necessitate a setup with minimal lighting levels, making them unsuitable for medium to high light reef aquariums. Their hardiness lies in their ability to adapt to moderate water flow, thriving best in setups with such conditions. These corals prefer a water temperature ranging between 22.2-25.6°C, a pH level of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026, and a dKH of 8-12.
Lighting
Being low light corals, Cyphastrea do not require intense lighting like some other coral species. They tend to flourish in extremely low light conditions, and exposure to medium to high light can be detrimental to their health and growth. Hence, it is advisable to maintain minimal lighting levels when caring for Cyphastrea in aquarium setups.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is recommended for Cyphastrea, as they tend to thrive under such conditions. Ensuring a moderate water flow within the aquarium setup can contribute to the overall health and well-being of these corals, promoting optimal growth and development.
Feeding
Cyphastrea primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition. Additionally, they feed on tiny organisms such as Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, with particle sizes ranging from 20um to 1mm. Feeding these corals powdered and liquid foods is essential, as they consume these small particles to meet their dietary requirements. Phytoplankton can be added as a food source, aiding in increasing the population of rotifers that serve as a nutritious meal for Cyphastrea.
Propagation
Cyphastrea have been extensively propagated in captivity, making them an excellent candidate for aquaculture. These corals can be propagated successfully, facilitating their conservation and proliferation within reef tank environments.
Localization & Habitat
Natively found in the Indo-Pacific region, Cyphastrea inhabits various islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of shallow waters with low light conditions, where they thrive amidst diverse marine ecosystems.