Purple & Gold Cyphastrea

Cyphastrea is a popular encrusting small polyp stony (SPS) coral that is well-regarded for its hardiness and distinctive appearance. It adds texture and color to the lower and middle regions of a reef aquarium, growing over rocks to create a living topography. Its forgiving nature makes it an excellent choice for those new to keeping SPS corals, while its unique beauty is appreciated by seasoned hobbyists alike.

This coral grows in a bumpy, irregular, encrusting pattern. The surface tissue, which can be found in a wide range of colors, is dotted with many small, raised corallites that house the individual polyps. These polyps are often a different, contrasting color from the base tissue, giving the coral a speckled or starry appearance, especially when the polyps are extended to feed.

For best results, Cyphastrea should be provided with low to moderate lighting, in the range of 75-150 PAR. It prefers low to moderate, indirect water flow, which is enough to keep it clean but not so strong that the polyps remain retracted. Ideal placement is on the rockwork in the lower to middle third of the tank. While photosynthetic, it benefits greatly from regular broadcast or target feeding of small meaty foods like plankton and other coral preparations. Maintain stable water parameters with calcium between 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium between 1250-1350 ppm. Cyphastrea is known to be semi-aggressive and can encrust over its neighbors, so provide a few inches of space between it and other corals. Proper drip acclimation is recommended for a smooth transition into your aquarium.

With its unique texture and engaging color combinations, Cyphastrea is a very rewarding coral to grow. Its steady encrusting growth provides a visible sense of progress and adds a mature look to any reef scape, making it a worthwhile addition for anyone looking to add a hardy and interesting SPS coral.

This is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) item. You will receive the exact coral specimen shown in the product photo. This is not a "stock" photo or a representative frag. The photograph shows the specific piece of coral that will be shipped to you.

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.