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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 brain corals exhibit a remarkable visual diversity, showcasing multiple growth forms and a wide array of colors and patterns. Once encompassing nearly 100 species, today only two species remain in the Caribbean region, Favia fragum and Favia gravida. Taxonomic revisions have reclassified many Favia corals into other genera such as Dipsastraea, Goniastrea, Coelastrea, or Favites.
Demands and Hardiness
Favia corals in reef aquariums require a setup with low to moderate lighting, maintained at around 50 to 100 PAR. While they can tolerate a range of flow patterns, providing a balanced low to medium water flow is advisable to prevent detritus buildup or physical damage to the coral. Feeding Favia a mix of small-sized zooplankton, Mysis, and powdered or pellet food enriched with vitamins and fatty acids is beneficial for their health and growth.
Lighting
Favia corals thrive best under low to moderate lighting conditions, typically within the intensity range of 50 to 100 PAR. Exposing them to higher light levels may lead to stress and bleaching, necessitating relocation to shadier areas if signs of distress appear. These corals can adapt to dim lighting but should be protected from excessive brightness to prevent harm.
Water Flow
Maintaining a low to moderate water flow is recommended for Favia corals, although they are tolerant to various flow patterns. Avoiding extremes like stagnant water (which can lead to detritus accumulation) or excessively strong currents (which can damage the coral) is crucial for their well-being. Temporarily reducing flow during feeding sessions allows the coral to capture and consume food efficiently.
Feeding
Favia corals primarily rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition but also benefit from direct feeding. Offering a variety of small meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids can enhance their health. Ensuring that the food size is appropriate for the coral's polyps is essential for effective feeding, with Favites typically having smaller mouths compared to Favia.
Propagation
Propagation of Favia corals varies among different genera, with some varieties growing rapidly while others, like Coelastrea, exhibit slower growth rates. While these corals can be easily cut and heal well from fragmentation, long-term commercial aquaculture efforts may face challenges due to variations in growth rates across different Favia species.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are native to the Indo-Pacific islands, including regions like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat consists of diverse marine environments where they contribute to the ecosystem diversity and overall reef health.