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| 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 comprising nearly 100 species, now primarily consist of Favia fragum and Favia gravida due to reclassification by coral taxonomists. They are known for their visually diverse growth forms, colors, and patterns, with Caribbean species exhibiting hues ranging from emerald green to bright tangerine.
Demands and Hardiness:Favia corals thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions, typically requiring around 50 to 100 PAR. They are sensitive to high light intensities, which can lead to bleaching. Water flow preferences for Favia range from low to moderate, with a balance needed to prevent detritus accumulation or coral damage. Feeding Favia involves offering small, meaty foods such as shrimp and fish, with Favites having smaller mouths compared to Favia.
Lighting:Favia corals prefer low to moderate lighting conditions, around 50 to 100 PAR. Higher light levels may cause stress and bleaching, necessitating relocation to a shadier area if needed to prevent damage. While they can survive in dim lighting, overly bright conditions should be avoided.
Water Flow:Favia corals can tolerate a variety of water flow patterns, but a medium flow level is generally suitable to prevent detritus accumulation and physical damage. Adjusting flow specifically for Favia may not be crucial, but providing a moderate flow helps maintain their health and prevents dead spots on the colonies.
Feeding:Favia corals depend on products from their symbiotic zooxanthellae but also benefit from direct feeding with small-sized zooplankton, Mysis, and powdered or pellet foods. Suitable food items for Favia include a mix of meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). Feeding sessions should involve a temporary shutdown of water flow to allow coral consumption.
Propagation:Aquaculture potential for Favia corals varies depending on the genus, with some varieties like Favites growing rapidly while others like Coelastrea exhibit slower growth rates. Despite differences, Favia corals generally heal well from cutting, making them suitable for propagation through fragmentation methods.
Localization & Habitat:Found in the Indo-Pacific islands such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, Favia corals contribute to the rich coral reef ecosystems with their diverse growth forms and vibrant colors, adding to the visual appeal and biodiversity of marine environments.