From ReefPedia

[edit] Caulastrea Difficulty: Easy Light: Low tolerated, Medium preferable Aggression: Not aggressive Hardiness: Bulletproof Growth Rate: Medium; Fast under optimal conditions Availability: Common

caulastrea

Introduction

Few corals have a history of being so hardy, so long-lived, and so tolerant to changes in water conditions, lighting and flow as the ubiquitous "Candycane."

The common Caulastrea species in aquaria (most often C. furcata) takes on a branching structure with round heads commonly about 1" in diameter. Caulastrea can be found in a variety of colors, both striped or solid. At night, the Caulastrea will extend feeder polyps and can be fed small bits of meaty food. It's growth rate can be astounding under the proper water conditions, especially if fed regularly.

Caulastrea is commonly collected but also very often available as a propagated coral. The fact that it is colorful, hardy, and common makes this a reef aquarium favorite and quite possibly the perfect choice for a first stony coral.

Common Names

Candy coral, Candycane coral, Trumpet Coral

Scientific Names

• Caulastrea Spp.
• Caulastrea furcata

Hardiness

Easy

Flow

Low-Medium

Lighting

This coral will take pretty much any lighting you can throw at it. In the earlier days of reefkeeping, Caulastrea was one of the few stony corals that could be successfully kept alive and grown in reef tanks. This is a testament to their ability to thrive under normal-output fluorescent bulbs, although compact fluorescent or VHO lighting would be optimal.

Placement

Not recommended to place these corals on the substrate, as sand appears to irritate the polyps.

Feeding

Not necessary; however, feeding tentacles will extend at night or when food is sensed in the water. These corals can be fed small chunks of meaty foods such as mysis or prepared frozen foods.

Propagation

Easy. The branching structure of the coral lends itself to propagation by simply cutting or snapping off a head or branch of heads.

Predators

none at this time.

FAQ

Commonly-asked questions regarding the coral. Do the polips only open at night ?