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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 remarkable visual diversity, exhibit multiple growth forms and come in a wide array of colors and patterns, making them a visually captivating addition to any reef aquarium. Despite this diversity, the term "Favia" once encompassed numerous coral species; however, currently, only two species, Favia fragum and Favia gravida, both native to the Caribbean, remain within the reef aquarium hobby due to legal restrictions on collecting Caribbean stony corals. Taxonomic revisions over the years have seen many former Favia species reclassified under different genera such as Dipsastraea, Goniastrea, Coelastrea, or Favites.
Demands and Hardiness
Favia corals thrive within low to medium light conditions, typically requiring around 50 to 100 PAR. Though they can endure higher lighting, they may be prone to bleaching, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and adjusting light intensity to prevent stress. Maintaining a balanced water flow, ranging from low to moderate, is crucial for Favia health, as excessive flow can damage the coral while insufficient flow risks detritus accumulation, creating dead spots. Being tolerant to a range of flow patterns, Favia generally benefit from a moderate, middle-of-the-road water flow setting.
Lighting
Favia corals prefer low to moderate lighting conditions, ideally around 50 to 100 PAR, to thrive in reef aquariums. Higher light intensity may lead to bleaching and stress, necessitating careful adjustment or relocation to shadier areas if needed to prevent adverse effects on the coral's health and appearance. While Favia can survive in dim lighting, they do not tolerate excessively bright lighting.
Water Flow
Maintaining a low to moderate water flow is essential for the well-being of Favia corals, ensuring adequate circulation without subjecting the coral to excessive turbulence that could result in damage. While water flow is crucial for coral health, Favia is relatively tolerant to different flow patterns, benefiting from a balance of flow strength to prevent detritus buildup and physical harm to the coral.
Feeding
Favia corals predominantly rely on the products of their zooxanthellae for sustenance, but supplemental feeding can enhance their health and coloration. Offering a variety of frozen fish foods rich in nutrients like shrimp, fish, and squid, along with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), can be beneficial for Favia corals. It's essential to ensure that the food size is manageable for the coral's polyps to ingest fully, with Favites typically possessing smaller mouths than Favia.
Propagation
Aquaculture prospects for Favia corals vary based on the specific genus, with some varieties, like Favites, exhibiting rapid growth rates, while others, such as Coelastrea, grow more slowly. While Favia corals can be easily cut and heal well from fragmentation, the variations in growth rates among different species pose challenges for long-term commercial aquaculture efforts. Despite the ease of propagation through cutting, considerations about the growth characteristics of individual coral varieties are crucial for successful cultivation.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are indigenous to the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, including locations like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, where they contribute to the diverse coral ecosystems prevalent in these areas. In the wild, Favia corals can be found in a variety of habitats within reef environments, showcasing their adaptability to different ecological niches within their natural range.