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Datasheet
| Care Description | Catalaphyllia jardinei are commonly known in the reef aquarium hobby as Elegance Coral. They are found throughout the Pacific however we have had the best success with the specimens from Australia. For this reason, we carry exclusively Aussie Elegances. As a side note, Elegances happen to be one of the corals that got me into the hobby into the first place. People often ask what is my favorite coral, and I can never pick out just one, however the Elegance Coral is always on my short list. Please see below for additional care tips for Elegance Coral. |
| Water Flow | Low - Strong |
| 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
The Catalaphyllia jardinei, commonly known as Elegance Coral, is a stunning coral species found throughout the Pacific region, with specimens from Australia being particularly favored in the reef aquarium hobby. Elegance Coral's vibrant and large fleshy polyps make it a captivating addition to any aquarium, with smaller skeletons often allowing for surprisingly large polyp extensions.
Demands and Hardiness
Elegance Corals have varied demands but generally do well under low to medium lighting conditions. They can adapt to different flow strengths, showcasing resilience to a wide range of flow conditions. While they primarily rely on photosynthesis for sustenance, direct feeding with meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and squid can significantly benefit their health and vibrancy.
Lighting
Catalaphyllia thrives under low to moderate lighting levels, and acclimation may be necessary when introducing them to intense lighting sources like metal halides. Interestingly, Elegance Corals maintain consistent coloration regardless of lighting variations, making them visually reliable in reef aquariums.
Water Flow
Elegance Corals can tolerate a broad spectrum of water flow conditions, from low to strong currents. It's observed that stronger flow can aid in bringing more food to the coral's tentacles, contributing to their overall well-being and feeding efficiency.
Feeding
While being photosynthetic, Catalaphyllia benefits from direct feeding with Mysis, Krill, small fish, and appropriately-sized pellets. Their predatory nature extends to being efficient snail assassins, potentially impacting snail populations in the tank significantly.
Propagation
Aquaculture of Catalaphyllia is currently deemed challenging, with propagation techniques involving cutting with a band saw posing risks of losing parts. Alternatively, allowing colonies to grow large and develop buds at the base for separation and remounting offers a slower yet potentially more successful propagation method.
Localization & Habitat
Elegance Corals are commonly found on reefs across the Pacific, harvested mainly from the Indopacific islands such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the renowned Great Barrier Reef. The exclusively Australian specimens are particularly favored for their robustness and visual appeal in reef aquariums.