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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, known for their visually diverse appearance, exhibit multiple growth forms and come in various colors and patterns. Once comprising nearly 100 species, the Favia group has now dwindled down to only two Caribbean species: Favia fragum and Favia gravida. Coral taxonomists reclassified many Favia corals into other genera such as Dipsastraea, Goniastrea, Coelastrea, or Favites.
Demands and Hardiness
Favia corals require low to moderate water flow within the aquarium setup. They are relatively tolerant of a wide range of flow patterns, with low to medium flow being optimal to prevent detritus buildup and coral damage. Feeding-wise, Favia benefit from direct feeding in addition to products of their zooxanthellae. They feed on zooplankton, mysis, and powdered or pellet food ranging from 0.1mm to around 13mm in size.
Lighting
Favia corals thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions, typically ranging from 50 to 100 PAR. Higher lighting levels can cause stress and potential bleaching in Favia colonies. It is essential to monitor light intensity closely and adjust as needed to prevent adverse effects on the corals.
Water Flow
Maintaining a low to moderate water flow is crucial for Favia coral health. Providing a balanced flow helps prevent detritus buildup and avoids potential damage to the coral. Briefly shutting off the water flow during feeding sessions allows the colony to consume food efficiently without waste.
Feeding
Favia corals benefit from a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids. It is important to feed them appropriately sized food that the polyps can fully ingest. Spot feeding with a brief pause in water flow facilitates efficient feeding and digestion for Favia colonies.
Propagation
Aquaculture prospects for Favia corals vary among different genera. While Favia corals can heal well from cutting and are generally suitable for propagation, their growth rates differ significantly. Some varieties, like Favites, exhibit rapid growth, while others, like Coelastrea, grow slower, posing challenges for long-term commercial aquaculture efforts.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are found in the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including locales such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of clear tropical waters with specific temperature, pH, salinity, and alkalinity parameters that are crucial for their survival and growth.