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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, also known as Meteor Coral, are captivating marine corals characterized by a blue base with vibrant red polyps, with various rare color variants adding to their allure. These corals thrive in low-light environments and are best kept away from high light exposure.
Demands and Hardiness
Cyphastrea are ideally placed in dimly lit areas within reef aquariums, as they have shown poor performance under medium to high light conditions. They are considered low maintenance corals, making them suitable for aquarists of varying experience levels.
Lighting
Cyphastrea corals thrive in low light settings, displaying their vivid colors under actinic lighting. High light levels should be avoided, as they can negatively impact the health and vibrancy of the coral.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is recommended for Cyphastrea corals to ensure proper nutrient distribution and waste removal within the aquarium environment. Excessive water flow should be avoided to prevent stress on the coral.
Feeding
Cyphastrea primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition. They benefit from phytoplankton additions, as they promote the growth of rotifers that serve as a food source for the coral. Liquid and powdery foods rich in Phytoplankton and Zooplankton particles can also be provided to supplement their diet.
Propagation
Cyphastrea species have been successfully propagated in captivity, making them an excellent candidate for aquaculture efforts. Their ability to adapt to controlled environments has facilitated widespread propagation initiatives within the reefkeeping community.
Localization & Habitat
Cyphastrea corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found in islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are typically located in shallow marine habitats with low light conditions, thriving in nutrient-rich waters with moderate water flow.