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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Caryophylliidae (Stony Corals)
Habitat: They are uncommon on reefs, found on slopes in dense colonies
Light: Medium Water Flow: Medium Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: These corals have zooxanthellae which provide much of their nutrition. It is believed they also feed on microzooplankton and directly absorb some nutrients from the water.
Natural History: The Euphyllia form wavy and ridged skeletons with long polyps that are completely retractable. Many species can be differentiated by their polyps rather than their skeleton. This genus is not hermatypic, but does possess zooxanthellae. This genus is generally observed in deeper reef zones than other stony corals.
Husbandry: Frogspawn Coral are hardy in captivity and their decline usually indicates poor water quality. They may decline in the presence of some soft corals such as Sinularia. They prefer gentle water flow and moderate light best. They can produce long sweeper tentacles daily which can inflict a painful sting and damage other corals. Feeding can be observed when suspended food is offered. Colonies can reach 1 meter across.
AKA: Branching Hammer Coral, Branching Anchor Coral, Pom-Pom Coral