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Datasheet
| Care Description | Pavona are commonly referred to as Cactus Corals as several of their growth forms resemble cacti. They are a fast growing SPS Coral and can quickly form a large colony from a single frag. They are considered one of the easiest SPS corals to care for. Please see below for more care tips for Pavona. |
| Water Flow | Strong |
| 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
Pavona corals, commonly known as Cactus Corals due to their resemblance to cacti, are fast-growing SPS corals that can rapidly form large colonies from a single frag. They are considered one of the easiest SPS corals to care for and are known for their unique growth forms.
Demands and Hardiness
Pavona corals rely heavily on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but can also feed on zooplankton, mysis, powdered, and pellet food within a size range of 0.1mm to around 13mm. Placement of Pavona colonies requires foresight as they have sweeper tentacles that can potentially damage neighboring corals. They are generally hardy and fast-growing, making them suitable for aquaculture and sustainable harvesting.
Lighting
Pavona corals thrive in medium lighting conditions. They do not exhibit significant color changes compared to other SPS corals and may be bleached by excessively bright lighting. If acclimating Pavona to intense lighting such as metal halides or high-wattage LEDs, a gradual process is recommended to prevent stress or bleaching.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is essential for Pavona corals as it aids in food distribution to the colony and prevents detritus build-up. Detritus accumulation can lead to coral tissue death, especially in areas with low water flow. Additionally, a strong current enhances the aesthetic appeal of Pavona corals, particularly those with furry growth forms, by creating movement and adding visual interest to the aquarium.
Feeding
Pavona corals predominantly rely on zooxanthellae for nutrition but can supplement their diet with zooplankton, mysis, and microfauna in the water column. Care should be taken to provide appropriate-sized food particles within the recommended range to ensure efficient feeding and coral health.
Propagation
Pavona corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are excellent candidates for aquaculture. With their rapid growth rate, Pavona species offer the potential for sustainable harvests over time. Extensive propagation efforts have contributed to the availability of Pavona corals in the aquarium trade.
Localization & Habitat
Pavona corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found in the islands of Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in the vibrant reef ecosystems of these areas, showcasing their unique growth forms and contributing to the biodiversity of coral reefs.