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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 are visually diverse with multiple growth forms and a wide range of colors and patterns. Formerly one of the largest categories of large polyp stony corals, the number of Favia species has diminished to two Caribbean species due to reclassification by coral taxonomists.
Demands and Hardiness
These corals prefer low to moderate lighting conditions, typically around 50 to 100 PAR, as higher lighting can lead to bleaching. Favia can survive in dim lighting but are intolerant of excessively bright conditions. They thrive in a low to medium water flow setup, with a preference for a middle-of-the-road flow rate to avoid damage or settling detritus.
Lighting
Favia corals are best kept under low to medium lighting, with a PAR range of 50 to 100. High-intensity lighting may lead to bleaching, so it is advised to monitor and adjust lighting levels accordingly to prevent any adverse effects on the corals.
Water Flow
Favia corals are tolerant of a wide range of water flow patterns, but they generally prefer low to moderate flow. Maintaining a balanced water flow is crucial to prevent detritus settlement and coral damage. Temporarily shutting off the flow during feeding sessions can help the coral consume food efficiently.
Feeding
While Favia corals largely depend on the products of their zooxanthellae, they can also benefit from direct feeding with a variety of frozen fish foods. Feeding options include shrimp, fish, and squid with vitamin additives and highly unsaturated fatty acids. It is essential to ensure that the food size is small enough for the polyp to ingest properly.
Propagation
Propagation of Favia corals varies among different genera within the Favia family. While they can heal well from cutting, the growth rates differ significantly. Some varieties, like Favites, grow rapidly, while others, like Coelastrea, have slower growth rates, which can pose challenges for long-term commercial aquaculture.
Localization & Habitat
Favia corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. These corals inhabit diverse marine environments and contribute to the reef ecosystem's biodiversity.