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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 exhibit a wide array of growth forms, colors, and patterns, making them visually diverse. Previously, there were nearly 100 species of Favia, but currently, only two species, Favia fragum and Favia gravida, native to the Caribbean, remain prominent. Due to laws against collecting Caribbean stony corals, Favia species are rare in the reef aquarium trade. Taxonomists have reclassified many former Favia corals into genera such as Dipsastraea, Goniastrea, Coelastrea, or Favites.
Demands and Hardiness
Christmas Favia, known for its mint green base with purple and red coralites, is remarkably robust, easily fragmenting and healing swiftly. Favia corals are hardy but benefit from direct feeding in aquarium settings. They consume zooplankton, Mysis, and various powdered and pellet foods ranging from 0.1mm to 13mm in size.
Lighting
Favia corals thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions, ideally between 50 to 100 PAR. High-intensity lighting may lead to bleaching, so it is crucial to monitor and adjust lighting levels based on the coral's response. While Favia can survive in dim lighting, excessively bright conditions should be avoided.
Water Flow
Maintaining a low to moderate water flow is essential for Favia corals. While some believe water flow significantly impacts coral health, Favia are tolerant of various flow patterns. Providing a moderate flow helps prevent detritus buildup and damage to the coral. Temporarily shutting off flow during feeding sessions allows the colony to consume food efficiently.
Feeding
Favia corals primarily rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition but benefit from direct feeding. Offering a mix of small meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and HUFA supports their health. Feed sizes should be small enough for the polyps to ingest fully, considering Favites may have smaller mouths than Favia.
Propagation
Propagating Favia corals varies by genus, with some, like Favites, growing rapidly, while others, like Coelastrea, exhibit slower growth. Although Favia corals can heal well from cutting, their growth rates pose challenges for long-term aquaculture. While they can be easily fragmented, some varieties may not be suitable for commercial aquaculture in the long run.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are indigenous to the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat involves diverse reef ecosystems, contributing to the overall biodiversity of coral species in these regions.