More info
Datasheet
| Care Description | When it comes to diversity, it is hard to think of a more visually diverse group of corals than Favia. These brain corals develop multiple growth forms and come in just about every color and pattern imaginable. The diversity however is a little bit deceptive. Have you ever got the feeling that the term Favia covered a lot of corals that looked somewhat different? You are not alone.Favia brain corals were one of the largest categories of large polyp stony corals in the reef aquarium hobby. At one time there were nearly 100 species of Favia but now that number dwindled down to only two, Favia fragum, and Favia gravida, both of which are Caribbean species. That means that there are essentially zero Favia brains in the reef aquarium hobby because stony corals from the Caribbean are illegal to collect. So what happened to all these species of Favia? Coral taxonomists over the years reclassified them into other genera as more information was uncovered. Most of the corals that were once classified as Favia are now Dipsastraea, Goniastrea, Coelastrea, or Favites. |
| Water Flow | Low to 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
Favia corals, once a diverse group, now primarily consist of Caribbean species like Favia fragum and Favia gravida. Formerly classified under various genera, such as Dipsastraea and Favites, these brain corals display a wide array of growth forms, colors, and patterns.
Demands and Hardiness (Setup)
Favia corals thrive in reef aquariums with stable water conditions, preferring a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026, and a dKH of 8-12. They are relatively hardy once acclimated and can adapt to a range of water flow conditions, from low to moderate.
Lighting
For optimal health, Favia corals require low to moderate lighting, typically around 50 to 100 PAR. High-intensity lighting may cause stress and potential bleaching in these corals, necessitating relocation to shadier areas if necessary. Dim lighting is preferable over excessively bright conditions.
Water Flow
While water flow is important for overall coral health, Favia corals are relatively tolerant and can thrive in a variety of flow patterns. Maintaining a moderate flow is ideal to prevent detritus buildup and avoid damaging the coral. Spot feeding sessions benefit from temporarily shutting off flow to allow the colony to consume food effectively.
Feeding
Favia corals primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but also benefit from direct feeding. Offering a mix of small, meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and squid enriched with vitamins and fatty acids is recommended. Sizes of food particles should range from 0.1mm to around 13mm for easy ingestion, particularly as Favites species generally have smaller mouths than Favia.
Propagation
Propagation of Favia corals varies among different genera. While some, like Favites, exhibit rapid growth suitable for aquaculture, others such as Coelastrea grow more slowly. Despite the ease of cutting and healing from fragmentation, long-term commercial aquaculture may be challenging due to variations in growth rates among Favia corals.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are indigenous to the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their diverse habitats contribute to the wide range of colors and patterns seen in these brain corals.