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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
The Fighting Irish Favia coral boasts a striking contrast of gold and green colors with a sparkling appearance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal under LED lighting where it may develop a lighter blue growth rim. This coral typically comes in frag form with sizes ranging around 2-3 eyes at approximately 1".
Demands and Hardiness
Favia corals have shown resilience and adaptability within reef aquarium setups. They thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions, preferring light intensities between 50 to 100 PAR. High light exposure may lead to bleaching and should be moderated. Regarding water flow, Favia corals can tolerate a broad range of flow patterns, favoring a low to medium water flow to prevent detritus accumulation and physical damage to the coral.
Lighting
These corals prefer low to medium light intensity, ideally around 50 to 100 PAR. Experimentation with higher lighting levels should be approached cautiously, as Favia may display signs of stress or bleaching. Shading the coral or adjusting lighting levels can help maintain their health and vitality within the aquarium environment.
Water Flow
Maintaining a low to moderate water flow is beneficial for Favia corals' health. While some coral species are highly sensitive to water flow, Favia corals exhibit tolerance to a diverse range of flow patterns. Providing a balanced flow can prevent detritus accumulation and physical harm to the coral structure, ensuring optimal conditions for growth.
Feeding
Favia corals primarily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but can also benefit from direct feeding. Offering a variety of small-sized frozen fish foods rich in vitamins, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids can enhance their dietary intake. Spot feeding sessions with temporarily reduced water flow allow colonies to efficiently consume food without wastage.
Propagation
Aquaculture of Favia corals varies depending on the specific genus. While some varieties like Favites demonstrate rapid growth and ease of propagation through cutting, others such as Coelastrea exhibit slower growth rates, posing challenges for long-term commercial aquaculture. Despite variations in growth speed, Favia corals generally respond well to fragmentation and exhibit good healing properties post-cutting.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are typically found in the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including locations such as Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Renowned for their vibrant colors and diverse growth forms, Favia corals contribute to the intricate marine ecosystems of these tropical regions, adding visual interest and biodiversity to the coral reefs.