Cyphastrea (Ultra)

• Indo-Pacific
• Moderate Care Level
• For Intermediate Hobbyists
• Moderate to High Placement in Reef Tank

Cyphastrea is a genus of small polyp stony (SPS) corals that are found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, including locations like the Great Barrier Reef, the Philippines, and Indonesia. These corals are known for their compact, encrusting growth and the distinctive, tightly packed corallites that often form intricate, honeycomb-like patterns across the surface. Depending on the species, Cyphastrea can display vibrant colors, ranging from bright greens, blues, purples, oranges, and even red, with some specimens showing fluorescent hues under actinic lighting. They are typically slow-growing but will eventually spread across rockwork, making them excellent additions to established reef tanks where space can be provided for their expansion. Cyphastrea is suitable for intermediate hobbyists, as it requires stable water conditions and careful attention to its lighting and flow needs.

Placement in the Tank

Cyphastrea is best placed in moderate to high light areas of the reef tank. These corals do well in middle to upper sections where they receive bright light but are not exposed to intense, direct lighting that could cause stress. Ideal light intensity for Cyphastrea ranges from 150-300 PAR. Too much light, especially from high-output LEDs, may lead to bleaching or tissue retraction.

In terms of water flow, Cyphastrea prefers moderate currents, but it should not be placed in areas of strong, direct flow, as this can cause its polyps to retract or damage the coral’s tissue. The best water flow is gentle to moderate, with an undulating, rhythmic movement that helps remove debris while still allowing the coral to feed. This coral thrives in areas with good, but not overwhelming, water movement.

Water Parameters

For optimal growth and coloration, it is essential to maintain stable water parameters for Cyphastrea. The following are the recommended water parameters for this coral species:

• Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), with 26°C (79°F) being the ideal temperature range.
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity (SG), with 1.024 being the sweet spot for stable health and growth.
• pH: 8.1 to 8.4, ideally around 8.2, as this range is critical for calcium carbonate deposition for skeletal growth.
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8-12 dKH, with 9-10 dKH being optimal for maintaining strong skeletons and promoting coral health.
• Calcium: Maintain 400-450 ppm of calcium, which is essential for skeleton development.
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm for ensuring proper calcium balance in the water and for preventing skeletal problems.
• Nitrate: Ideally below 5 ppm, as high nitrate levels can promote algae growth, which competes with corals for resources.
• Phosphate: Keep phosphate levels below 0.03 ppm to avoid algae outbreaks and competition for nutrients.

Feeding

While Cyphastrea is primarily photosynthetic, relying on the zooxanthellae algae within its tissue for most of its nutritional needs, it will also benefit from occasional supplemental feeding. In an aquarium with limited planktonic activity, feed the coral fine foods like mysis shrimp, zooplankton, or liquid coral foods to ensure optimal health. Cyphastrea can capture these small food particles with its tentacles, so feeding once or twice a week is typically sufficient. Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can negatively affect water quality by raising nutrient levels.

Maintenance and Care

For Cyphastrea to thrive in a reef aquarium, regular care and maintenance are necessary:

• Water Changes: Regularly perform weekly water changes of 10-15% to remove toxins, replenish minerals, and help stabilize water parameters.
• Water Parameter Monitoring: Frequently check parameters such as calcium, alkalinity, nitrate, and phosphate to ensure they remain within ideal ranges.
• Space and Pruning: Cyphastrea grows slowly, but it should still be provided with adequate space to spread and avoid overcrowding. It can become aggressive towards neighboring corals, especially those with less aggressive growth habits. Over time, it may extend its tissue and "sting" nearby corals, so keep it well-spaced.
• Pest Control: Like other SPS corals, Cyphastrea is susceptible to pests such as Aiptasia, flatworms, and nudibranchs, which can damage the coral. Regularly inspect the coral and act quickly if pests are discovered.

Compatibility

Cyphastrea is generally considered peaceful but can be somewhat territorial. It is compatible with most non-aggressive SPS corals, soft corals, and other LPS species, but it can become aggressive towards neighboring corals if they are too close. To prevent this, ensure that Cyphastrea is placed away from more aggressive corals like large LPS or SPS species, as it may sting them or compete for space and light.

Conclusion

Cyphastrea is a stunning coral species that can add both color and texture to a reef aquarium with its honeycomb-patterned surface and vibrant hues. With moderate care requirements, it is ideal for intermediate hobbyists who are familiar with managing stable water parameters. By providing appropriate lighting, moderate water flow, and enough space for growth, Cyphastrea can flourish and become a captivating centerpiece in your reef tank.