Red Cyphastrea

Cyphastrea corals, often called Meteor Corals, are a popular choice for reef aquarists looking to add a colorful encrusting species to their tank. This coral grows by spreading across rockwork, creating a living topography dotted with many small, distinct polyps. Its steady growth pattern and unique appearance make it an interesting addition for both new and experienced reef keepers.

This encrusting coral is characterized by its bumpy surface and contrasting colors between the base tissue and the polyps. A Red Cyphastrea typically displays a rich red or orange base coloration. The polyps themselves are often a different, contrasting color, which gives the coral its signature "meteor shower" appearance, especially when the polyps are fully extended to feed.

For best care, Cyphastrea should be placed in the lower to middle sections of the aquarium where it will receive low to moderate lighting, ideally in the 75-150 PAR range. It prefers moderate, indirect water flow, which is enough to keep it clean without preventing the polyps from extending. While it can derive some energy from its zooxanthellae, this coral benefits significantly from regular feeding. We recommend target feeding small, meaty foods like frozen cyclops or specialized LPS pellets a couple of times per week. Maintain stable water parameters, with calcium between 400-450 ppm, alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and magnesium between 1300-1450 ppm. Cyphastrea is considered semi-aggressive and can extend short sweeper tentacles at night, so provide a few inches of space between it and its neighbors. Acclimate carefully using a drip method over 30-60 minutes and start the coral in a lower-light area to prevent shock.

Cyphastrea is a rewarding coral that brings unique color and texture to the surfaces of a reef aquarium. Its active feeding response and encrusting growth make it a fascinating species to observe as it establishes itself in the system.

This is a not WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) item.

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.