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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 distinguished by their vibrant color variants, with the popular Meteor Shower Cyphastrea showcasing a blue base and red polyps. Beyond this, there are numerous rare color variations that captivate observers. These corals thrive in low light settings and struggle in high light environments, making them ideal for dimly lit aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Cyphastrea, such as the Purple People Eater variant, prefer stable low light conditions for optimal survival. In reef systems like those at Tidal Gardens, efforts are made to locate the dimmest spots to accommodate these light-sensitive corals. Their frag sizes typically range between 3/4" to 1".
Lighting
Requiring minimal light compared to other coral species, Cyphastrea flourishes in extremely low light conditions. Medium to high light levels are unsuitable and often result in poor health for these corals.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is recommended for Cyphastrea to thrive, providing them with the ideal flow dynamics necessary for growth and sustenance.
Feeding
Cyphastrea predominantly rely on the products produced by their zooxanthellae for sustenance. Feeding this coral liquid and powdery foods containing Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles ranging from 20um to 1mm is essential for their nutrition. Additionally, providing phytoplankton as a food source can bolster populations of rotifers, which serve as a nutritious meal for the coral. In the absence of phytoplankton, finely ground meaty foods can also be offered in a paste-like consistency.
Propagation
Cyphastrea has seen substantial success in captive propagation and is considered an excellent candidate for aquaculture efforts, indicating its adaptability to artificial breeding programs.
Localization & Habitat
Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, Cyphastrea can be found in various island locales such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the renowned Great Barrier Reef.