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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, often known as Cactus Corals due to their resemblance to cacti, are fast-growing SPS (small-polyp stony) corals that can easily form large colonies from a single frag. The Neon Green Encrusting Pavona variety stands out with its encrusting growth form and vibrant green coloration. Care should be taken when placing this coral due to its sweeper tentacles that can potentially damage neighboring corals.
Demands and Hardiness
Pavona corals are considered one of the easier SPS corals to care for. They heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but may also feed on zooplankton, Mysis, and powdered or pellet food within a specific size range. Strong water movement is recommended for Pavona corals to enhance food distribution and prevent detritus buildup, which can lead to coral stress or death. Pavona's fast growth makes it a suitable candidate for aquaculture, with the potential for sustainable harvest over time.
Lighting
Pavona corals thrive best under moderate lighting conditions. They do not exhibit color changes as dramatically as other SPS corals and do not benefit from excessively high lighting, which can result in coral bleaching. Acclimating Pavona colonies to intense lighting, such as metal halides or high-wattage LEDs, may be necessary if transitioning from lower light conditions.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is essential for Pavona corals, as it aids in delivering food efficiently to the colony and prevents detritus accumulation, which can be detrimental to coral health. Aesthetically, a strong current can create a visually pleasing effect by causing the coral's tentacles to sway, adding movement to the aquarium environment and preventing dead flow areas that could affect growth.
Feeding
Pavona corals predominantly rely on their zooxanthellae for sustenance but can also consume rotifers and other microfauna present in the water column. Care should be taken during feeding to avoid overfeeding and potential water quality issues. Additionally, Pavona's sweeper tentacles should be considered when placing the coral to prevent them from damaging nearby corals.
Propagation
Propagating Pavona corals in captivity has been successful, making them an excellent choice for aquaculture. Their fast growth rate enables sustainable harvesting practices, contributing to the conservation of wild coral populations. With proper care and suitable conditions, Pavona corals can thrive and proliferate in dedicated reef aquariums.
Localization & Habitat
Pavona corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found on islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat includes shallow tropical waters with moderate to strong water movement and ample sunlight, providing insights into their optimal care requirements for aquarium enthusiasts.