Blue Pavona

Datasheet

General Description

Pavona, commonly known as Cactus Corals due to their resemblance to cacti in certain growth forms, are a fast-growing SPS Coral that can rapidly expand into large colonies from a single frag. They are considered one of the easiest SPS corals to care for, making them a popular choice among reef enthusiasts. This particular Blue Pavona species showcases a stunning powder blue color with green tentacles developing around the growth edges.

Demands and Hardiness

Pavona thrives in a moderate lighting environment, preferably under medium lighting conditions. They do not require intense lighting and can be adversely affected by excessive brightness, which may lead to bleaching. When introducing a Pavona colony, it is essential to plan carefully as they possess sweeper tentacles that can potentially harm neighboring corals. Strong water flow is recommended for Pavona, as it aids in delivering food to the colony efficiently and prevents detritus from accumulating on the coral, which could cause die-back.

Lighting

Pavona corals do best under medium lighting conditions. They do not exhibit significant color changes compared to other SPS corals and do not benefit from excessively bright lighting. If transitioning Pavona to stronger lighting sources such as metal halides or high wattage LEDs, a gradual acclimation process is advised to prevent stress and potential damage to the coral.

Water Flow

Strong water movement is crucial for Pavona corals. It helps in distributing food effectively throughout the colony and prevents detritus build-up, which can be detrimental to coral health. Additionally, strong water flow enhances the aesthetic appeal of Pavona colonies by creating natural movement, particularly in the furry examples of Pavona, adding visual interest to SPS dominant aquariums that may lack coral movement.

Feeding

Pavona primarily relies on the products of their zooxanthellae for nutrition but can also feed on zooplankton, mysis, and powdered or pellet food ranging from 0.1mm to about 13mm in size. They may also consume rotifers and similarly sized microfauna present in the water column. Care should be taken to avoid overfeeding and monitor the coral's response to different food sources to ensure optimal health.

Propagation

Pavona corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are considered excellent candidates for aquaculture. Their fast growth rate suggests the possibility of achieving sustainable harvests over time, contributing to conservation efforts and reducing pressure on wild populations.

Localization & Habitat

Pavona corals are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit diverse reef environments in these locations, showcasing their adaptability to varying conditions within the Indo-Pacific marine ecosystem.