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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 remarkable visual diversity, showcasing various growth forms, colors, and patterns. Despite the extensive range of appearances, the Favia group has been consolidated over time, with only two remaining species in the reef aquarium hobby – Favia fragum and Favia gravida, both originating from the Caribbean. Taxonomic revisions have led to the reclassification of many former Favia species into genera like Dipsastraea, Goniastrea, Coelastrea, or Favites.
Demands and Hardiness
Favia corals require a moderate lighting environment, typically thriving in low to medium light intensities ranging from 50 to 100 PAR. While they can tolerate different water flow patterns, providing a balanced low to medium flow is advisable to prevent detritus accumulation or coral damage. These corals exhibit resilience to varying flow conditions but benefit from brief periods of minimal flow during feeding sessions to facilitate food consumption.
Lighting
Maintaining Favia corals under low to moderate lighting conditions is crucial, as exposure to excessive light levels can lead to bleaching and stress. It is recommended to keep the corals in shaded areas if experimenting with higher light intensities to prevent adverse effects.
Water Flow
Favia corals prefer low to moderate water flow, which helps prevent detritus buildup and potential coral damage. Providing a balanced flow regime aids in maintaining the health of the colonies without subjecting them to excessive physical stress.
Feeding
While Favia corals largely rely on photosynthesis by their zooxanthellae, direct feeding can be beneficial. Offering small-sized meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid with added vitamins and essential fatty acids enriches their diet. Ensuring that the food particles are adequately sized for the polyps to ingest is essential for their nutrition and overall well-being.
Propagation
Aquaculture prospects for Favia corals vary depending on the species within the genus. While some, like Favites, exhibit rapid growth suitable for commercial aquaculture, others such as Coelastrea have slower growth rates. Despite differences in growth speeds, Favia corals generally respond well to cutting and display efficient healing post-propagation procedures.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, including locales like Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat encompasses diverse marine environments, where they contribute to the vibrancy and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems.