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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 stunning corals with various color variants, with the popular Meteor Shower Cyphastrea exhibiting a blue base and red polyps. These corals prefer low light conditions and are best kept in dimly lit aquarium setups.
Demands and Hardiness
Cyphastrea thrives in stable low light environments and struggles when exposed to high light intensities. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with the dimmest locations in the aquarium to ensure their well-being. These corals are generally hardy when kept in optimal conditions.
Lighting
Cyphastrea corals do not require high levels of light and actually fare better in extremely low light settings. Medium to high light conditions are not suitable for these corals, as they tend to perform poorly under such intensities.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is ideal for Cyphastrea corals, ensuring that they receive adequate flow without being subjected to strong currents that may stress them.
Feeding
Cyphastrea primarily feed on microorganisms produced by their zooxanthellae, with a diet consisting of phytoplankton and zooplankton particles ranging from 20um to 1mm. Additionally, they may benefit from the supplementation of phytoplankton to promote the growth of rotifers, which serve as a food source for the coral. Alternatively, finely ground meaty foods can be offered in a paste-like consistency.
Propagation
Cyphastrea species are well-suited for propagation in captivity and are commonly propagated through aquaculture methods, making them an excellent choice for sustainable aquarists.
Localization & Habitat
Cyphastrea corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found in the islands of Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in the clear waters of these locations, adding to the beauty and biodiversity of their natural habitat.