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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, commonly known as Cactus Corals due to their resemblance to cacti, are fast-growing SPS corals that can quickly form large colonies from a single frag. The Purple Pavona, a member of the Pavona family, is particularly hardy with a lovely grape coloration.
Demands and Hardiness
Pavona corals are considered one of the easiest SPS corals to care for, being very tolerant of lighting and water flow. They are fast-growing and thrive in moderate lighting conditions. Strong water movement is recommended to carry food to the colony and prevent detritus build-up, which can harm the coral.
Lighting
Pavona corals do best in medium lighting conditions. They do not change color significantly compared to other SPS corals and do not benefit from excessively high lighting, which can lead to bleaching. Acclimation to intense lighting sources like metal halides and high-wattage LEDs may be necessary.
Water Flow
Strong water movement is essential for Pavona corals. It helps in food distribution and prevents detritus accumulation, which can cause coral die-back. Additionally, strong currents create aesthetic appeal by gently moving the coral tentacles, adding visual interest to the aquarium.
Feeding
Pavona corals rely heavily on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but can also feed on zooplankton, mysis shrimp, and powdered or pellet food ranging from 0.1mm to approximately 13mm in size. They may also consume rotifers and similarly sized microfauna present in the water column.
Propagation
Pavona corals have been successfully propagated in captivity and are suitable candidates for aquaculture. Their fast growth rate suggests the potential for a sustainable harvest over time, contributing to conservation efforts and reducing pressure on wild populations.
Localization & Habitat
Pavona corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically on islands such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat includes diverse reef environments with varying water flow dynamics and lighting conditions.