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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, is a stunning coral species with various color variants, such as the popular Meteor Shower Cyphastrea with a blue base and red polyps. One striking variety is the Neon Green Cyphastrea, which features a neon green base with purple-rimmed polyps. These corals prefer low-light environments and are best kept in dimly lit locations within aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Cyphastrea thrives in low light and struggles when exposed to high light levels. They are known to survive best in extremely low light conditions and tend to perform poorly in medium to high light settings. Moderate water flow is recommended to maintain their health and growth, making them relatively easy to care for in terms of lighting and water movement requirements.
Lighting
Cyphastrea does not require intense lighting like some other coral species. They typically do very well in low light conditions, making them ideal for aquariums with minimal lighting setups. It is crucial to avoid subjecting them to medium to high light levels, as this can negatively impact their health and overall well-being.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is essential for Cyphastrea corals. Maintaining a moderate water flow in the aquarium helps ensure that essential nutrients reach the coral and prevent the buildup of detritus. Adequate water movement also promotes gas exchange and waste removal, contributing to the overall health of the coral.
Feeding
Cyphastrea heavily relies on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition. They feed on small particles, such as Phytoplankton and Zooplankton ranging from 20um to 1mm in size. Feeding them liquid and powdery foods that contain these small particles is recommended. Additionally, supplementing their diet with phytoplankton can benefit Cyphastrea by promoting the growth of rotifers, which serve as a food source for the coral.
Propagation
Cyphastrea is a genus that has been successfully propagated in captivity, making it an excellent candidate for aquaculture. Through proper propagation techniques, aquarists can contribute to the conservation and sustainability of this beautiful coral species, reducing the reliance on wild harvesting.
Localization & Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Cyphastrea is found in the islands of Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These corals inhabit reef environments in shallow waters, where they can benefit from the limited light conditions characteristic of their natural habitat. By replicating these conditions in aquarium settings, aquarists can provide an environment that closely resembles the natural habitat of Cyphastrea, promoting their health and well-being.