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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 characterized by their stunning color variations, with the popular Meteor Shower Cyphastrea featuring a blue base and red polyps. This coral species is revered for its beauty, with rare color variants that are equally impressive. Cyphastrea thrives in low light conditions, making them ideal for dimly lit aquarium environments.
Demands and Hardiness
Cyphastrea exhibits a preference for low light levels and tends to struggle in high-intensity lighting. It is recommended to place them in the dimmest locations within the aquarium to ensure their well-being. This coral species can adapt well to captive environments and is considered hardy under appropriate care.
Lighting
Cyphastrea requires minimal lighting compared to other coral species, excelling in extremely low-light conditions. Medium to high light settings may adversely affect the health of Cyphastrea, making low light levels essential for its thriving growth.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is advisable for Cyphastrea, with consistent, gentle flow promoting optimal health and growth. Maintaining moderate water flow within the aquarium helps in replicating the natural conditions that Cyphastrea prefers.
Feeding
Cyphastrea heavily relies on its zooxanthellae for nutrition, benefiting from phytoplankton additions to the tank. The coral's diet mainly consists of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton, with liquid and powdery foods being suitable options. Additionally, finely ground meaty foods can be fed to Cyphastrea to supplement its nutritional intake.
Propagation
Cyphastrea has been successfully propagated in captivity, making it an excellent candidate for aquaculture initiatives. The genus has been extensively propagated, contributing to the conservation and sustainability of Cyphastrea populations in the aquarium trade.
Localization & Habitat
In the wild, Cyphastrea can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, including islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These coral colonies thrive in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, where they contribute to the diverse marine ecosystems of the region.