Staghorn Coral, Branching Coral, Formosa Acropora
The Staghorn Acropora is not only fast growing, it's easy to frag and one of the 'beginner' Acropora!
Staghorn Acropora
Acropora formosa
The Staghorn Acropora Acropora formosa is what is considered as a beginner's Acropora. They are easy to propagate once they are established. Because no two aquariums are exactly alike, this intriguing coral will grow in a slightly different pattern in each individual tank. This is due to different water flow and lighting. Aquarist will find a little tidy profit from fragging this fast grower if they are so inclined!
Acropora formosa is a branching or arborescent acropora. It is a staghorn type of branching acropora, hence its most popular common name. Those found in shallow water have short and compact branches and specimens found in deep water have more open branches.
The Staghorn Acroporas have been propagated in captivity, thus helping to spare wild populations in the world's reefs. It is considered a favorite of reef aquarists (per Eric H. Borneman in Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History). Buying captive propagated A. formosahelps the aquarist, since they are a little more hardy than their wild siblings, but they can still succumb to diseases typical to Acros.
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Acropora formosa
- The Acropora formosa is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Near Threatened (NT)
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Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Acro does not have enough calcium, it will not grow. There will be no tissue recession, but the polyps will be extended.
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Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
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Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
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Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
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Strontium: 10
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 100 gallons (380 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: Moderate to high/intense, metal halides are suggested.
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Temperature: 72° - 78° F (22.2° - 25.5° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.024 to 1.025
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Water Movement: Moderate to strong. According to Eric H. Borneman inAquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History, "... all Acropora seem to prefer a strong, random, mixing-type current ..." therefore a rotating powerhead or wavemaker setup is recommended.
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Water Region: Bottom of the aquarium
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No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Here is a brief .. For more information click on the primary name ..
A primary reef-building coral, the Staghorn Coral holds the most important job in the Western Atlantic reefs!
Although the Acropora genus has close to 400 nominal species, only three are found in the Atlantic Ocean. The Staghorn Coral Acropora cervicornis is one of these. They are dominant, of the two species of Caribbean Acroporas.
The Staghorn Coral offers a variance on shape and structure in the Acropora genus. With branches that are more loosely spaced, they have a more "laid back" look to them. This is a big plus with Acros because they need that good water flow between their branches to stay healthy. This in turn makes it easier to care for, with less worry about debris build up.
Being a primary reef building hard coral, the Staghorn Coral has a lot of work to do. They are currently listed as critically endangered as there has been a population reduction exceeding 80% over the past 30 years. This is due mostly to the effects of disease, but climate change and human-related factors are also suggested. The current populations today appear stable, and reefs are being rebuilt. But the progress is slowed by increased populations of urchins and other creatures that hinder growth.
The A. cervicornis have been propagated in captivity, thus helping to spare the wild populations in the Atlantic reefs. It is illegal to harvest corals for commercial purposes In US waters. Buying captive propagated A. cervicornisalso helps the aquarist, since they are a little more hardy than their wild siblings, but they can still succumb to diseases typical to Acros.
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Acropora cervicornis
The Acropora cervicornis is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Critically Endangered (CR).
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Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Acro does not have enough calcium, it will not grow. There will be no tissue recession, but the polyps will be extended.
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Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
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Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
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Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
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Strontium: 10
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 100 gallons (380 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: High, metal halides are suggested.
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Temperature: 68° - 83° F (20° - 28° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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Water Movement: Moderate and surge-like. They prefer a strong, random, mixing-type current, therefore a rotating powerhead or wavemaker setup is recommended. Tunze stream pumps, though they have a comparatively high initial purchase price, are popular with Acro keepers.
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Water Region: Top or middle of the aquarium
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No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Family: Acroporidae - Montipora Corals
Scrolling Montipora Coral, Porous Lettuce Coral, Plated Coral
The very attractive, non-branching Cabbage Coral is easy to care for and comes in a variety of attractive colors!
Montipora foliosa
The Cabbage Coral Montipora foliosa is a plate Montipora. It typically grows in colonies of thin plates without upright branches forming on the surface. But it does have rows of ridges run perpendicular to the edge, or margin of the coral, which is a good identifying characteristic. It is described by various common names including Scrolling Montipora Coral, Porous Lettuce Coral, Plated Coral, and Pore Coral.
In its natural colors the Cabbage Coral can be pink, green, brown, cream, blue, lavender or gray. The polyps are typically contrasting in color to the main fleshy part of the coral, typically white or shades of blues and purples. Some also have a contrasting edge or margin color, in a pale cream pink or purple. Captive varieties can have even more color variation due to cultivators bringing out these desirable hues. It's a very attractive small polyp stony (SPS) coral that makes a great showpiece in a reef tank.
The M. foliosa is a fast growing Montipora and it has been bred in captivity. They're easy to moderate to care for, accepting a wide range of lighting. They are less likely to bleach or get the diseases that the Acropora corals tend to get, but it needs a roomy tank in which to expand. Keeping this coral trimmed back is necessary, yet this can be positive thing. Selling the pieces to other aquarists helps to preserve the wild population. These Montipora can be quite dominating in a tank, yet their beauty makes it easy for one to make allowances for the rapid growth of connecting plates.
Scientific name
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Montipora foliosa
Distribution / Background
Montipora Coral Information: The Cabbage Coral Montipora foliosa was described by Pallas in 1766. Some common names they are known for are Scrolling Montipora Coral, Porous Lettuce Coral, Plated Coral, and Pore Coral.
Where Montipora Corals Are Found: M. foliosa are found in the waters of Australia in the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, and Houtman Abrolhos Islands. They are also found from the Red Sea to New Hebrides and then to Fiji.
Montipora Coral Habitat: M. foliosa are generally found on protected upper reef slopes and shallow warm waters, such as lagoons, at depth that ranges from 0 to 9 feet (0 - 3 m). The water movement within their habitat is usually calm yet turbulent, a nonlinear water movement. At times, entire reefs can be made up of just this particular Montipora species, thus underscoring the need for a larger tank in captivity.
Montipora, as a species, are found from deep water (greater than 10 meters / 33 feet) to the reef crest and from clear oceanic reefs to turbid (not clear because of stirred-up sediment, etc.) lagoons. Even though their range is large, Montipora are more likely to be found in quiet water at mid-depths.
Status
The Montipora foliosa is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.
Description
What do Montipora Corals look like: The Montipora Spp. corals have very porous and lightweight skeletons. TheMontipora foliosa are a plating species of small polyp stony (SPS) corals. It grows in colonies of thin plates without upright branches forming on the surface. The corallites grow between the many thin and short spaced walls or reticulum. These rows of ridges run perpendicular to the edge, or margin of the coral, which is a good identifying characteristic.
The colors the Cabbage Coral come in pink, green, brown, cream, blue, lavender or gray. The polyps are typically contrasting in color to the main fleshy part of the coral. These polyps can be white, turquoise, dark pink, dark blue, or purple. The margins or edges of the M. foliosa can be a contrasting pale cream pink or purple. Captive varieties can have even more color variation due to cultivators bringing out these desirable hues.
Difficulty of Care:
Montipora Coral Care: The M. foliosa is easy to moderate to care for, accepting a wide range of lighting. They must be placed so they have room to grow because, under the right lighting, they are a fast-growing species. Unlike Acropora, which are in the same family, Montipora corals do not stress as easily and are more resistant to bleaching and disease. Some credit this resistance to their deep-set polyps.They are easy to propagate as well. Wild caught specimens do not do as well in captivity as aquacultured ones.
Foods / Feeding:
Montipora Coral Feeding: In the wild, Montipora corals have developed several feeding strategies. Through a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive the majority of their nutrients. They also capture planktonic organisms and microscopic food particles from the water column and can absorb dissolved organic matter.
In captivity, they do well in well-feed reef tanks, accepting very fine particulate foods. Zooplankton and tiny plankton can be fed once a week. Copepods, Artemia, and nauplii are too large for them to ingest. Most online vendors recommend adding filter feeder food. New forms of prey are also being developed, such as invert larvae and new strains of rotifers.
Aquarium Care :
Pristine tank conditions are needed to keep all Montipora spp. corals. Doing water changes of 10% every 2 weeks is needed, although it is suggested that doing 5% water changes once a week will bring about amazing results. Keep the nitrate levels low. Maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels are important.
Suggested levels for Montipora species are:
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Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Monti does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
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Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
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Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
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Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
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Strontium: 10
Aquarium Parameters:
A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Cabbage Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. These corals are usually hardy and fast-growing, however a mature tank is recommended.
For tanks with metal halides, position your Monti in the mid levels. With other lighting, position your Monti at the upper to mid levels depending on the watts used. Your Monti will show whether it is happy or not by the coloring. Do not keep lights on for more than 7 hours, or the risk of developing algae on the M. foliosawill become greater. Make sure that no other corals or even algae can come in contact with your Montipora. Monti's are mild mannered and will end up loosing any chemical warfare.
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: All, (within reef lighting parameters)
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Temperature: 72° - 80° F (22° - 27° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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Water Movement: Moderate and turbid
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Water Region: Middle to top of the aquarium
Compatibility and Social Behaviors :
Montipora are not aggressive corals, nor do they posses strong defenses. Because of this, they must be placed away from any aggressive or defensive coral. Although not as touchy as Acroporas, the Montipora genus should still do best kept in a small polyp stony (SPS) tank. It will tolerate a mixed coral tank better than Acros, but plenty of room should be around your Montipora, even distancing it from another Montipora species. Oddly, colors can at times determine hierarchy in a tank. For instance, a brown Montipora digitata will usually loose to attacks by their colored up sisters and brothers.
The Montipora genus are peaceful, but watch out for crabs. Many experienced aquarists do not believe in any crab should be kept in a closed system. Crabs are opportunistic predators, with the exception some of the symbiotic crabs like commensal crabs, and gall crabs.
Sex - Sexual differences
No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Breeding and Reproduction
The Montipora Sp. are male and female and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild they reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm at the same time, resulting in a fertilized egg which then forms into a free-swimming planula larva. Eventually the planula larvae settles onto the substrate, becoming plankters. This then forms a tiny polyp which begins to excrete calcium carbonate and develops into a coral. Planula larvae are extremely vulnerable to predation, and very few survive. Montiporas reproduce asexually as well. In the wild Montiporas spread from breakage due to storms and fragmentation.
Propagation is rather simple for Montipora corals. First you need to choose a healthy coral that is not showing any signs of distress. Then, simply cut a branch at least 2" long and glue the frag to a plug or rock. You can use the 2-part epoxy or underwater putties. A little tip, don't glue frags upright since they will grow faster on their sides.The slime that the coral will exude should not come in contact with any other corals and gloves are suggested. Give the frag ample water flow.
Potential Problems :
The Montipora spp. are generally disease resistant, but can still get the same illnesses that any other small polyp stony (SPS) coral can get under poor conditions. An ailment on some Montipora's are tumor like growths, but these tumors are not harmful, just ugly. Caution is recommended if you plan to add Limpet snails to your tank as they have been known to eat Montipora corals (as well as Acropora). Magilopsis (a gastropod) and Prosthiostomum (a flatworm) are common Montipora pests.
In general, if your M. foliosa has any kind of tissue recession, just cut off the healthy part. Just make sure you cut into some of the healthy part also, to be sure there is no disease encroaching on the healthy tissue. Also, keep out the cyanobacteria and algae with good water movement, and your Monti will stay happy.
Availability :
Montipora Corals for Sale: The Cabbage Coral M. foliosa is moderately easy to find at pet shops and on line. Online they can run about $79.00 USD or more depending on size. Many reef clubs have these corals and can they can also be obtained for a fair price from an aquarist who may have this coral.
References
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Animal-World References: Marine and Reef
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Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History , TFH Publications, 2001
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Anthony Calfo, Book of Coral Propagation, Volume 1 Edition 2: Reef Gardening for Aquarists, Reading Trees; 2nd edition, 2007
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Ronald L. Shimek, Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species, Microcosm, 2005
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J.E.N. Veron, Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific , University of Hawaii Press; 2 Rev Ed edition, 1993
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Blane Perun, Montipora Foliosa, Blane Perun's TheSea.org, Copyright 1999.
Very pretty purple with contrasting polyps, the Idaho Grape Montipora is a highly sought after, and pricey coral!
The Idaho Grape Montipora Montipora undata is a beautifully colored small polyp stony (SPS) coral. Although there has not been an official common name for it, it is generally known for its purple shading as "Idaho Grape". It can also be pink, pale green, or brown with pale margins. The contrasting polyps are white, pink, brown, and rust. More colors may develop as this coral is aquacultured.
The M. undata is typically branching or in digitata form. Colonies have horizontal to vertical plates or tubes, and these columns and branches are generally thick. The wide variations in growth are more apparent in mature colonies.
This Montipora is easy to moderate to care for, and is less likely to bleach or get the diseases that the Acropora corals tend to get. It is not demanding as far as light and water movement, but temperature is a consideration. Interestingly, the skeletons of the Idaho Grape Montipora, like other corals of this type, hold heat. Consequently they do not tolerate temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit very well.
The Montipora undata has been bred in captivity and has been known to double in size within a few months under the right conditions. The Idaho Grape Montipora is often confused with M. danae, consequently some may inadvertently sell an M. danae as the M. undata. You will want to identify it correctly before paying its high price. Once acquired and established, they are easy to propagate and can provide you with ample opportunities to frag.
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Montipora undata
- The Montipora undata is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Near Threatened (NT)
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Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Monti does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
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Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
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Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
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Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
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Strontium: 10
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: All (within reef light parameters)
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Temperature: 72° - 80° F (22° - 27° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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Water Movement: Moderate/turbulent
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Water Region: Middle to top of the aquarium
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No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Here is a brief .. For more information click on the primary name ..
Whorl Bowl Coral, Vase Coral, Leaf Plate Coral, Cup Coral
Montipora Plate Coral will grow quite large, and give you ample opportunity to frag as well!
The Montipora Plate Coral Montipora capricornus is also known as the Whorl Bowl Coral. This is a very attractive small polyp stony (SPS) coral, and a favorite of reef aquarists. In its natural colors it can be purple, blue, brown or green and some have a contrasting edge color under stronger lighting. Captive grown colors include purple, intense green with purple edges, light green, red and orange.
The M. capricornus is an encrusting growth form that can be flat when small/young, then turning to a whorled cup shape as the size increases. It works great for filling the area in your tank that does not have a heavy water flow. With its coloring and a swirling, cupped, plate growth, it quickly becomes a prized center piece coral.
The Montipora Plate Coral makes a great starter SPS coral for new reefers. Like some of the other Montipora's, the M. capricornus doesn't need excessive lighting. They're easy to moderate to care for and less likely to bleach or get the diseases that the Acropora corals tend to get. Unlike the finicky Aroproras, once established they are quite hardy and fast growing. The Montipora Plate Coral is the perfect specimen for a captive reef environment.
This Montipora has been bred in captivity. The Montipora Plate Coral has a big following due to its unique growth pattern and being very easy to frag.
Scientific name Family: Acroporidae
Species: Montipora capricornus (Often found misspelled as capricornis)
The Montipora capricornus is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.
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Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Monti does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
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Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
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Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
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Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
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Strontium: 10
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: All, high lighting levels are best as these corals have zooxanthellae
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Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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Water Movement: Moderate to high. Research indicates that water flow has a great impact on the M. capricornusgrowth form.
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Water Region: Middle to bottom of the aquarium
- No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Scrolling Montipora, Rice Coral, Plate Montipora, Plated Coral
Montipora peltiformis
The Plating Montipora Coral, is great looking and easy to care, but it can get big!
The Plating Montipora Coral Montipora peltiformis is an attractive plate Montipora. It typically grows in colonies of thin plates or scrolling shapes, while attaching an encrusting base on rock. Rather than forming upright branches it has upright nodules on the surface, giving it a textured appearance. Hence one of its common names is Rice Coral. Like other plating varieties of Montiporas, it is fast growing but with its light weigh skeletal structure it easy to frag.
The M. peltiformis is usually gold or green topped with purple or blue polyps. The edge or margin will sometimes be a lighter pink or purple. In the wild this species of coral has different growth forms at different water depths. Deep water colonies can have massive plates or whorl shapes that overlap in tiers, with individuals being up to a 3 feet (1 m) across. Those from shallower more turbid waters have extensive horizontal plates with a rougher surface. Colonies can form large continuous coral beds.
A very attractive small polyp stony (SPS) coral, the Plating Montipora Coral makes a great showpiece in a reef tank. It is moderate to easy to care for, accepts a wide range of lighting, and is very peaceful. They are also less likely to bleach or get the diseases that the Acropora corals tend to get.
The Plating Montipora Coral is a fast growing Montipora, so it does need a roomy tank in which to expand. It's a great variety to fill in those areas where a branching coral may not work. Keeping this coral trimmed back is necessary. Yet this can be positive thing as selling the pieces to other aquarists helps to preserve the wild population. These Montipora can be quite dominating in a tank, yet their beauty makes it easy for one to make allowances for the rapid growth of connecting plates.
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Montipora peltiformis
-Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Monti does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
-Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
-Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
-Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
-Strontium: 10
-Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger
-Marine Lighting: All, (within reef lighting parameters)
-Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
-Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
-Water Movement: Moderate and turbid
-Water Region: Middle to top of the aquarium
- No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Velvet Coral, Velvet Finger Coral, Velvet Branch Coral
Montipora digitata
A long time favorite, the Velvet Finger Montipora is easy to keep and a great coral for beginners!
The Velvet Finger Montipora Montipora digitata looks smooth and fuzzy on its surfaces. The polyps of Montipora corals are tiny and uniform, and on many species including the M. digitata they are fuzzy. 'Velvet' is a name given to a number of the large types of Montipora corals. Some other names they are is known by are Velvet Coral and Velvet Branch Coral.
The M. digitata is an encrusting, yet mostly branch formation that can be brown, green, and even purple and peach in captive raised varieties.The Velvet Finger Montipora has a combination of growths; encrusting on surfaces, and then multiple upward growth, with thin branches that fork in multiple directions. The "surface" is smooth looking and the polyps are small and fuzzy. The little tiny polyps make this look like velvet, thus its common name..
The Velvet Finger Montipora is not only attractive, it is easy to find and moderately easy to care for. One of the easiest of the small polyp stony (SPS) corals, it makes a great beginners stony coral. Even if you do not have enough light, it will turn brown or tan, but will not die. They actually exchange the type of zooxanthellae they need to adapt to the level of light. Once established, it will provide you with ample opportunities to frag.
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Montipora digitata
The Montipora digitata is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.
-Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Monti does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
-Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
-Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
-Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
-Strontium: 10
-Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger
-Marine Lighting: Moderate to high
-Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
-Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
-Water Movement: Moderate to strong
-Water Region: All, depending on the light
-No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Velvet Coral, Velvet Finger Coral, Velvet Branch Coral
Montipora spongodes
The plates and branches of the Velvet Stone Coral make it a great haven of refuge for smaller fish!
Family: Acroporidae
Species: Montipora spongodes
-Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm (closer to 450). If the Monti does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
-Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.5 MEQ/L (8 to 10 dKh - 10 is recommended)
-Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
-Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
-Strontium: 10
-Minimum Tank Size / Length: 10 gallons (38 L) or larger
-Marine Lighting: Moderate to high
-Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
-Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
-Water Movement: Moderate to strong
-Water Region: All, depending on the light
-No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Family: Agariciidae
1- Elephant Skin Coral
Corduroy Coral, Castle Coral, Groove Coral
Pachyseris rugosa
The Elephant Skin Coral is a curious looking stony coral, with an attractive ruffled surface!
The Elephant Skin Coral Pachyseris rugosa gets its name from the "wrinkled" look of its surface that is similar to an elephant's skin. The coral has an uneven skeletal surface that looks like it is almost ruffled with deep grooves and valleys that twist and turn. They have a very thin tissue that covers the skeleton, which can be bluish-gray to brown. Under bright lighting they can be a fluorescent greenish brown. It is also known as Corduroy Coral, Castle Coral, and Groove Coral.
In the wild, the Elephant Skin Coral lives in large colonies that form mounds over 26 feet (8 m) across in shallow areas with turbid water. They grow in bifacial plates that are generally upright, contorted, and irregular. These corals are unique, in that they have no discernible polyps. They use the nutrients in the water as well as the zooxanthellae in their bodies to nourish themselves, and can also use a mucous net to capture small particles.
The Pachyseris genus are for advanced aquarists due to their stringent requirements. They need a lot of nutrients, yet at the same time need pristine water conditions. They appreciate high light and a strong water movement. They are slow growing and If not kept in pristine conditions, will quickly deteriorate. They are susceptible to white-band disease and other afflictions, and don't tolerate the typical treatments used for other stony corals. Captive reared specimens may be slightly easier to care for.
The Elephant Skin Coral has been reproduced in captivity, though in a limited capacity. Propagation has been slow. There has been limited success because this coral heals slowly and stresses easily.
Scientific name :
Family: Agariciidae
Species: Pachyseris rugosa
Distribution / Background :
Pachyseris Coral Information: The Elephant Skin Coral Pachyseris rugosa was described by Lamarck in 1801. Some common names they are known for are Elephant Skin Coral, Corduroy Coral, Castle Coral, and Groove Coral. They have reproduced in captivity, and limited captive propagation has been practiced. Currently the Pachyserisgenus and the Pavona genus are the only 2 genera regularly offered to aquarists from this family, Agariciidae.
Where Pachyseris Corals Are Found: The Pachyseris rugosa are found from the Red Sea to the Marshal Islands, Samoa, and Micronesia, as well as the Great Barrier Reef to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands of Australia.
Status :
The Pachyseris rugosa is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.
Description :
What do Pachyseris Corals look like: The Elephant Skin Coral Pachyseris rugosa growth form is in bifacial plates that are generally upright, contorted, and irregular. It has an uneven skeletal surface that looks like it is almost ruffled with deep grooves and valleys that twist and turn. They have a very thin tissue that covers the skeleton, which can be bluish-gray to brown. In bright lighting, they can be a fluorescent greenish brown. It is unknown how long they live.
Difficulty of Care :
Pachyseris Coral Care: The P. rugosa is a very difficult coral to care for. This is a coral for advanced aquarists. They need a lot of nutrients, yet at the same time need pristine water conditions. They need high light and a strong water movement. They are slow growing and If not kept in pristine conditions, will quickly deteriorate. Captive reared may be slightly easier to care for.
Foods / Feeding :
Pachyseris Coral Feeding: In the wild, small polyp stony (SPS) corals have developed several feeding strategies. Through a symbiotic relationship with a marine algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive the majority of their nutrients. They also capture planktonic organisms, food particles from the water column, and can absorb dissolved organic matter.
In captivity, the Pachyseris corals primarily use their zooxanthellae for nutrition, and can also use mucosal capture techniques. Direct feeding will not benefit this coral, but proper water flow will help it to feed.
Aquarium Care :
Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, and maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. Typically you can do water changes of 20% to 30% a month, 15% every 2 weeks, or 5% a week for SPS corals. The 5% a week also seems to really make a big difference in the corals health.
The following water supplements are suggested for Pachyseris species:
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Calcium: 385 to 425 ppm. If a small poly stony (SPS) coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
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Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.8 MEQ/L (8 to 12 dKh)
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Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
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Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
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Strontium: Strontium (10 for most SPS Corals), and trace Elements are also suggested.
Aquarium Parameters :
A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Elephant Skin Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. These corals are slow-growing and can succumb to disease, a mature tank is recommended.
When positioning your Pachyseris, keep in mind that lighting rather than food is more important to them. Strong water movement is also needed for a healthy Pachyseris. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your specimen. Pachyseris spp. are generally peaceful but will loose any chemical warfare with other species.
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 50 to 100 gallons (190 - 380 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: High, but not direct metal halide
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Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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Water Movement: Strong
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Water Region: Middle of the aquarium
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Compatibility and Social Behaviors :
The Pachyseris genus are generally peaceful since they do not have tentacles that extend. It does well in a typical small polyp stony (SPS) coral tank, but will suffer in crowded tanks. It should be kept well away from other corals. They are fine with fish that are considered reef safe.
Sex - Sexual differences :
No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Breeding and Reproduction :
The small polyp stony (SPS) corals are male and female and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In the wild they reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm at the same time, resulting in a fertilized egg which then forms into a free-swimming planula larva. Eventually the planula larvae settles onto the substrate, becoming plankters. This then forms a tiny polyp which begins to excrete calcium carbonate and develops into a coral. Planula larvae are extremely vulnerable to predation, and very few survive. The Pachyseris genus reproduce asexually as well. In the wild Pachyseris spread from breakage due to storms and fragmentation. The P. rugosa has been known to use asexual fragmentation, yet this takes many weeks.
Propagation for the P. rugosa has been slow and with limited success, since this coral heals slowly and stresses easily. It can easily be cut off of a mother colony that is healthy and has had a chance to grow itself out for many months. Keeping the water in the tank very clean and pristine will help this coral heal if fragging is in its future. Bone cutting implements or scoring can be used to get fragments. Allow the frags to heal before moving them to a new tank. Give the frags ample water flow.
Potential Problems :
The Pachyseris spp. tend to be the first to bleach out in the ocean, indicating their sensitivity to water conditions. They tend to get white-band disease and treating the water is not suggested, yet putting the antibiotic directly on the coral is the best choice. If not kept in pristine conditions, they will quickly deteriorate.
The Elephant Skin Corals do grow very slow, and do not have polyps that can warn you of illness. The only way to tell if it is healthy is if there is no tissue degeneration. If your P. rugosa has any kind of tissue recession, you may be able to get ahead of it by cutting off some of the healthy tissue just beyond the deteriorating tissue This will ensure if any deterioration is starting on visibly healthy tissue, it will not spread. If you have problems with cyanobacteria or algae, keeping strong water movement will prevent them from attaching to your Pachyseris.
Availability :
Pachyseris Corals for Sale: The Elephant Skin Coral P. rugosa is moderately hard to find at pet shops, but can be found online at times. Online they can run about $49.00 USD or more depending on size and/or color.
References
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Animal-World References: Marine and Reef
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Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History , TFH Publications, 2001
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Anthony Calfo, Book of Coral Propagation, Volume 1 Edition 2: Reef Gardening for Aquarists, Reading Trees; 2nd edition, 2007
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Bob Goemans, Elephant Skin/Corduroy/Castle Coral, Pachyseris rugosa, Animal Library, Saltwatercorner.com
Lettuce Coral, Frilly Coral, Cactus Coral
The hardy Leaf Coral is easy to care for and fast growing, and makes a great first coral for the beginner!
The Leaf Coral Pavona decussata has an attractive ruffled or frilly appearance. It grows with flat, upright fronds, similar to those of the Cactus Coral P. cactus, but its fronds are much thicker and less convoluted. It can also form horizontal plates. The spiky looking surface is from being covered with spindly pointed tentacles. The colors can be green, creamy yellow, or brown. It is also known as Lettuce Coral, Frilly Coral, and Cactus Coral. Aquacultured specimens can be found with names like Green Decussata, Green Pavona Decussata, or sometimes just Pavona sp.
The Pavona genus are hardy small polyps stony (SPS) corals, and make excellent starter corals. They appreciate high light and a strong turbulent current, but tend to be tolerant of most adequate aquarium reef habitats. They can still thrive under less intense lighting. They are fairly disease resistant due to deeply embedded corallites that help protect their polyps from many environmental stresses and pathogens. From its family, Agariciidae, only the Pavona genus and Pachyseris genus are currently offered regularly to aquarists.
Unique to the Pavona genus are a couple of interesting attributes. They contain some of the most autotrophic species known to science. Autotrophic is the ability to take simple inorganic substances (ie. carbon dioxide) and turn them into nutritional organic substances that they can then use for food. In environments with less light they will absorb more nutrients, yet under bright light they do well without direct feedings. Povona corals can also form buds on their surface that look like little prickly balloons. These uncalcified tissue growths are decorative, but their purpose is unknown. They are not a form of asexual reproduction.
A number of Pavona species are being reproduced in captivity. They have proven hardy and easy to propagate. They respond well to fragmentation, having a very low mortality rate and the mother colony regrows quickly.
Scientific name :
Family: Agariciidae
Species: Pavona decussata
Status:
The Pavona decussata is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.
Description :
What do Pavona Corals look like: The Pavona genus are described as leafy and non-leafy grouping formations. These species have various shapes that can at times be affected by water flow and light. They can often be confused with each other in the wild. The leafy Pavona are also similar in appearance to the Leptoseris genus, but are distinguished from them by having corallites on both sides of their upward projecting fronds or 'leaves', while theLeptoseris species only have corallites on one side.
Description of the Leaf Coral and some additional familiar Pavona Spp.:
-Leaf Coral P. decussata has flat, upright fronds that are much thicker and less convoluted than P. cactus. They are often what is usually sold under just Pavona sp.. The colors can be green, creamy yellow, or brown.
-Maldive Coral P. maldivensis has a column growth form that looks like stubby fingers, yet it can also form thin horizontal plates. This coral can be bright orange, green, pale grayish brown or dark grayish brown.
-Cactus Coral or Lettuce Coral P. cactus has thin convoluted fronds that are flat and look like the tops of Romaine lettuce heads, thus the name lettuce coral. This species comes in brown, brownish-green, or green. They do not do as well with strong water movement, but do appreciate moderately a turbid water movement for their thin structure.
-Star Column Coral P. clavus is known as the star column coral due to the almost perfect star shape pattern in the skeletal structure. The structure is usually columnar or laminar or a combination of the two. The colors can be cream, brown or pale gray, and they are monochromatic.
Aquarium Care :
The following water supplements are suggested for Pavona species:
-Calcium: 385 to 425 ppm. If a small poly stony (SPS) coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
-Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.8 MEQ/L (8 to 12 dKh)
-Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
-Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
-Strontium: Strontium (10 for most SPS Corals), and trace Elements are also suggested.
Aquarium Parameters :
A well-feed live rock/reef environment is what is needed for your Leaf Coral, along with some fish for organic matter production. These corals are usually hardy and fast-growing, however a mature tank is recommended.
When positioning your Pavona, keep in mind that lighting rather than food is more important to them. Surging water movement is also needed for a healthy Pavona. Make sure that no other corals can come in contact with your specimen.Pavona spp. are very aggressive and can extend sweeper polyps, stinging other corals.
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Minimum Tank Size / Length: 50 to 100 gallons (190 - 380 L) or larger
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Marine Lighting: Moderate to high
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Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
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Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
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Water Movement: Strong, intermediate current
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Water Region: Bottom of the aquarium
Sex - Sexual differences No sexual difference in appearance is known.
Maldive's Coral, Pavona Coral, Pavona Maldive, Leaf Coral
Pavona maldivensis
The Maldive Coral is a fast growing SPS that is not only easy to care for, but is one of the best beginner stony corals!
The Pavona genus make excellent starter stony corals. They are hardier than most other small polyps stony (SPS) corals. They tend to be tolerant of most adequate aquarium reef habitats, thriving under less intense lighting and are fairly disease resistant. They have deeply embedded corallites that help protect their polyps from many environmental stresses and pathogens. The Pavona genus and Pachyseris genus are currently the only two genera regularly offered to aquarists from its family, Agariciidae.
The Maldive Coral Pavona maldivensis is very handsome. It usually has a column growth form that looks like stubby fingers, yet it can also form thin horizontal plates. This coral can be bright orange, green, pale grayish brown or dark grayish brown. It is also known as Maldive's Coral, Pavona Coral, Pavona Maldive, and Leaf Coral.
There are a couple unique characteristics found in the Pavona genus. One is that it contains some of the most autotrophic species known to science. Autotrophic is the ability to take simple inorganic substances (ie. carbon dioxide) and turn them into nutritional organic substances that they can then use for food. Pavona species make up for environments with less light by absorbing more nutrients, yet under bright light, they do well without direct feedings. Another characteristic is that they can form uncalcified tissue buds on the surface that look like prickly little balloons. Though these growths are decorative, their purpose is unknown. It is known that these buds are not a form of asexual reproduction.
Numerous Pavona species are being propagated in captivity. They are hardy and easily fragmented for asexually propagation. They respond well to fragmentation with a very low mortality rate, and the mother colony regrows quickly.
Scientific name Family: Agariciidae
Species: Pavona maldivensis
Status :
The Pavona maldivensis is not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.
Description:
What do Pavona Corals look like: The Pavona genus are described as leafy and non-leafy as far as groupings and their different formations. These species have various shapes that can at times be affected by water flow and light. They can often be confused with each other in the wild.The leafy Pavona are also similar in appearance to theLeptoseris genus, but are distinguished from them by having corallites on both sides of their upward projecting fronds or 'leaves', while the Leptoseris species only have them on one side.
Description of the Maldive Coral and some additional familiar Pavona Spp.:
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Maldive Coral P. maldivensis has a column growth form that looks like stubby fingers, yet it can also form thin horizontal plates. This coral can be bright orange, green, pale grayish brown or dark grayish brown.
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Cactus Coral or Lettuce Coral P. cactus has thin convoluted fronds that are flat and look like the tops of Romaine lettuce heads, thus the name lettuce coral. This species comes in brown, brownish-green, or green. They do not do as well with strong water movement, but do appreciate moderately a turbid water movement for their thin structure.
-
Leaf Coral P. decussata has flat, upright fronds that are much thicker and less convoluted than P. cactus. They are often what is usually sold under just Pavona sp.. The colors can be green, creamy yellow, or brown.
-
Star Column Coral P. clavus is known as the star column coral due to the almost perfect star shape pattern in the skeletal structure. The structure is usually columnar or laminar or a combination of the two. The colors can be cream, brown or pale gray, and they are monochromatic.
Aquarium Care :
Pristine tank conditions are typically needed to keep all SPS corals. Keep the nitrate levels low, and maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels. Typically you can do water changes of 20% to 30% a month, 15% every 2 weeks, or 5% a week for SPS corals. The 5% a week also seems to really make a big difference in other SPS corals health.
The following water supplements are suggested for Pavona species:
-
Calcium: 385 to 425 ppm. If a small poly stony (SPS) coral does not have enough calcium, it will not grow.
-
Alkalinity: 3.2 TO 4.8 MEQ/L (8 to 12 dKh)
-
Phosphates: 0, zero. Phosphates are the worst of all and all corals hate them.
-
Magnesium: 1350-1500. Magnesium makes calcium available, so if your calcium is low, check your magnesium levels before adding any more calcium.
-
Strontium: Strontium (10 for most SPS Corals), and trace Elements are also suggested.
Aquarium Parameters:
-
Minimum Tank Size / Length: 50 to 100 gallons (190 - 380 L) or larger
-
Marine Lighting: Moderate to high
-
Temperature: 74° - 83° F (23° - 28° C)
-
Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
-
Water Movement: Strong, intermediate current
-
Water Region: Bottom of the aquarium
Sex - Sexual differences No sexual difference in appearance is known.
SPS Propagation - Pavona