Introduction to Cyphastrea Corals
Cyphastrea corals are a unique and hardy addition to reef tanks, known for their encrusting or plating growth patterns and delicate, star-shaped polyps. These Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals are available in a wide range of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making them a popular choice for hobbyists who want to add texture and subtle beauty to their aquascapes.
Unlike many SPS corals, Cyphastrea are relatively forgiving and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, making them suitable for both beginner and advanced reef keepers. Their ability to thrive in low light and lower flow areas makes them versatile and easy to place within a reef tank setup.
Location
Cyphastreas are native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in reef environments around Indonesia, Fiji, and the Red Sea. They typically inhabit shaded or low-light areas on reef slopes and lagoonal zones, where water flow is gentle to moderate.
In their natural habitat, Cyphastrea colonies encrust rockwork, rubble, or dead coral structures, forming expansive mats or plates over time. These corals are often found in areas with nutrient-rich waters, where their unique growth patterns and vibrant colors add to the biodiversity of the reef.
Water Chemistry
Cyphastrea corals are more tolerant of parameter fluctuations compared to other SPS corals, making them an excellent choice for reef tanks that may experience minor inconsistencies. However, stable water conditions are always recommended for optimal growth and coloration:
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
- Nitrates: 5-15 ppm
- Phosphates: <0.10 ppm
- Temperature: 75-80°F
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026
Cyphastrea corals thrive in nutrient-rich systems and can handle slightly elevated nutrient levels better than some other SPS corals. Regular testing and minor adjustments will ensure these encrusting corals remain healthy and colorful in your reef tank.
Lighting
Cyphastrea corals thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions, with an ideal PAR range of 50-150. Their adaptability to lower light makes them an excellent choice for shaded areas of the tank or spots that receive indirect lighting.
While Cyphastrea can grow under various lighting setups, too much intensity can stress them or cause bleaching. Gradual acclimation to new lighting conditions is essential to avoid potential issues. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a mix of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides to provide balanced lighting that promotes steady growth and vibrant coloration.
Water Flow
Cyphastrea prefer gentle to moderate water flow, which allows their star-shaped polyps to extend fully without being subjected to intense currents. This level of flow helps remove waste and debris from their surface while ensuring that nutrients are delivered effectively.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine MP’s, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream wave makers to create dynamic flow patterns that replicate their natural reef environment. Proper placement in areas with indirect, steady flow will help Cyphastrea colonies thrive and maintain their stunning growth patterns.
What We Feed
Cyphastrea corals primarily rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy but also benefit from supplemental feeding to enhance growth and coloration. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we feed our Cyphastrea a blend of fine-particle foods, including our Royal Flush blend, which contains:
- Tisochrysis
- Rhodomonas
- Tetraselmis
These encrusting SPS corals can also capture dissolved nutrients and small particles from the water column. Products like Reef Roids and Benepets, offered a few times a week, provide additional nutrition that supports their vibrant colors and steady growth.
For optimal results, broadcast feed or use a turkey baster to target-feed Cyphastrea colonies, pausing water flow for approximately 10-15 minutes to give the coral time to absorb the nutrients.
Coloration and Tank Maturity
These SPS are renowned for their vibrant coloration, featuring rainbow hues such as neon greens, deep reds, blues, and intricate multi-color combinations. Their encrusting growth patterns and textured appearance make them a standout addition to reef tanks. Proper lighting, water quality, and supplemental feeding are key factors in maintaining their stunning colors.
Trace elements like iodine and iron, along with a nutrient-rich diet, contribute significantly to their pigmentation. Stable parameters also ensure that their growth remains steady and consistent.
They adapt well to established reef systems, often settling quickly and growing in shaded or indirect light areas. With their forgiving nature and striking colors, they are an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add dynamic patterns to their aquascape.
Common Challenges
While Cyphastrea are hardy and beginner-friendly, they can encounter challenges if conditions aren’t optimal:
- Bleaching: Exposure to poor water quality, excessive light, or sudden changes in tank conditions can lead to bleaching. Maintaining stable water parameters and gradual acclimation to new lighting is crucial.
- Debris Accumulation: Due to their encrusting growth pattern, Cyphastrea can collect debris on their surface. Gentle, indirect flow helps keep their surface clean and prevents polyp stress.
- Pest Infestation: Like other SPS corals, Cyphastrea may be susceptible to pests such as flatworms or algae overgrowth. Regular tank maintenance and inspections can mitigate these risks.
- Sensitivity to Light Shifts: While tolerant of lower light, sudden increases in intensity can cause stress or bleaching. Gradual acclimation to new lighting conditions is essential.
How We Farm/Propagate This
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we carefully cultivate and propagate Cyphastrea corals to ensure they thrive in home aquariums. Our team of marine biologists monitors water parameters across over 30,000 gallons of farmable water volume, maintaining ideal conditions for these encrusting SPS corals to flourish.
Propagation begins with selecting healthy mother colonies, which are then precisely cut using a coral band saw to minimize stress and ensure clean, accurate frags. Each frag is securely mounted on plugs using reef-safe glue or epoxy and placed in grow-out tanks with optimal lighting and flow conditions. These tanks feature balanced lighting provided by Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides, as well as dynamic flow patterns created by Ecotech Marine MP’s, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream wave makers.
Cyphastrea frags are closely monitored for growth, coloration, and adaptability. Our aquaculture practices ensure sustainable propagation while delivering high-quality corals ready to thrive in a variety of reef setups.
Acclimation Guide
Proper acclimation is essential for ensuring a smooth transition for Cyphastrea corals into your reef system. These corals can experience stress from shipping or environmental changes, so following these steps will help them settle in successfully:
- Temperature Acclimation: Float the bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature.
- Drip Acclimation (Optional): While not required, drip acclimation can be a good precautionary measure to gradually introduce your tank water to the coral. However, keep in mind that Cyphastrea corals may not adapt to the system as quickly with this method.
- Lighting Acclimation: Place the Cyphastrea coral in a lower-light area of the tank or reduce your light intensity initially. Gradually increase lighting over the next 2-3 weeks to avoid bleaching.
- Placement: Mount the coral securely using glue or epoxy on rockwork or ledges with gentle, indirect water flow. Monitor its behavior and coloration during the adjustment period.
