Gold Cyphastrea

Cyphastrea are a diverse and adaptable group of small polyp stony corals. They have become a standby in the reef aquarium hobby for their interesting textures and forgiving nature. This gold variety develops a deep, rich yellow base colour that stands out, especially in lower-tech systems that might not be geared for other high-light SPS.

In a home reef, this coral grows as an encrusting plate, conforming to the shape of the rockwork underneath it. The surface has a lumpy, bumpy texture with small, evenly spaced corallites. The base tissue is a solid gold to yellow colour, while the polyps themselves are often a contrasting green or cream, making the whole colony quite striking when polyps are extended.

For best results, provide low to moderate lighting, in the range of 75 to 150 PAR. Cyphastrea is one of the few SPS corals that does well in the lower half of the aquarium. It prefers moderate, indirect water flow—enough to keep it clean, but not so much that the polyps stay retracted. While photosynthetic, it feeds actively and will grow faster with regular offerings of powdered coral food or similar small-particle foods, especially after lights out when its feeding tentacles are most visible. At night, it can produce sweeper tentacles, so it's wise to give it a few inches of space from its neighbours. Maintain stable water parameters, with calcium around 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium between 1300-1400 ppm.

Once established, Gold Cyphastrea is a steady grower. Its ability to thrive in less intensely lit areas of the tank makes it an excellent choice for adding colour and texture to the mid and lower rockwork, spots where more demanding Acropora or Montipora species might not get the light they need.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.